Chapter 6 - The Trap is Set
The pieces of the puzzle didn't just fall into place; they locked together with the terrifying precision of a bear trap.
Elizabeth sat at the kitchen island, a warm cup of tea between her hands, explaining the financial mechanics of Patricia’s plan. As a retired clinical director, Elizabeth still retained her digital access keys to the Vance family medical trust archives. Patricia had tried to use her aunt’s login credentials to forge a clean bill of maternal health from the New York clinic, unaware that the system recorded every IP address and document modification.
"She wanted the Wilson Architecture blueprints, Jenny," Elizabeth explained, her voice sharp with disgust. "The thirty-million-dollar development isn't just a building; it's a smart-grid municipal design that holds the patents for the entire South Boston waterfront redevelopment. If Michael’s firm defaults due to a scandal, the contract automatically falls to the secondary bidder—Vance Holdings, which is controlled by Patricia's hedge fund partners."
Michael walked into the kitchen, his shirt sleeves rolled up, his legal files in his hand. He had heard everything from the hallway.
"The board meeting is tomorrow morning at ten o'clock at the State Street offices," Michael said, his jaw tight, his gray eyes clearing for the first time in days. "The investors are flying in from New York to vote on my termination and the contract liquidation."
"Then we give them a show," I said, standing up from the island, my fingers brushing against the pearl necklace at my throat. "Patricia thinks she's coming to a funeral tomorrow. Let's make sure she's the one wearing black."
I turned to Michael. "Call your lead developer. Tell him the meeting is still on. And tell him that the Wilson family will be attending in full force."
May you like
"The boys too?" Michael asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Especially the boys," I said, looking toward the stairs where Tommy was quietly watching us from the landing. "Patricia wants to erase them from the blueprint. It's time to show her what happens when the foundation fights back."
