Chapter 6 - The Liquidation
Forty-eight hours after the Symphony Gala, the liquidation of the Thompson Family Trust entered its final, irreversible phase.
In a windowless conference room on the fifth floor of the Cook County Courthouse, two dozen attorneys, accountants, and court-appointed trustees gathered around a massive oak table.
At the end of the table sat Richard Thompson, representing the family’s legal interests, and two representatives from Vance Capital.
Harrison Vance stood at the podium, projecting a series of complex financial charts onto the wall screen.
"As of 9:00 AM this morning," Harrison announced in his dry, precise tone, "Vance Capital has completed the consolidation of all primary and secondary debt instruments associated with Thompson Holdings LLC. The total outstanding default amount, including accrued interest and legal penalties, stands at forty-seven point eight million dollars."
Richard closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against his hand. "We don't have forty-seven million in liquid assets. You know that."
"We do," Harrison agreed smoothly. "Which is why under the terms of the cross-collateralization agreement signed by Katherine Thompson in November, Vance Capital is executing its right of strict foreclosure against the underlying assets."
He clicked a button on his remote.
A list appeared on the screen:
The Lake Forest Residential Estate (12,000 sq ft) - Acquired.
The Gold Coast Residential Unit 14B - Acquired.
Thompson Commercial Plaza (Naperville) - Acquired.
The Family Art & Antiquities Portfolio - Liquidated to cover margin defaults.
"What about Brad’s personal accounts?" Richard asked weakly.
"Mr. Bradley Thompson’s personal investment accounts have been uncoupled from the primary trust under the terms of the emergency annulment settlement," Harrison explained. "He retains a liquid balance of forty-two thousand dollars, along with his personal vehicle."
From forty million dollars to forty-two thousand dollars in less than thirty days.
Richard let out a long, shuddering breath. He stood up, adjusted his coat, and looked at Harrison.
"Where does Emma want us to send the keys?" he asked softly.
Harrison reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined box, placing it on the table.
"Ms. Vance doesn't want the keys, Mr. Thompson," Harrison replied. "She has instructed us to donate the Lake Forest estate to the Chicago Children’s Hospital Foundation. It will be converted into a pediatric recovery facility."
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Richard stared at the box in shock. "She’s... she’s giving it away?"
"She never wanted your property, Mr. Thompson," Harrison said, packing his briefcase. "She only wanted to ensure that no one else would ever be humiliated inside its walls."
