Daniel looked at another page.
"But there is an email from Martin Blake suggesting that the meeting continued afterward."
Victoria leaned forward.
"What did it say?"
Daniel read the relevant section.
"It refers to an agreement to transfer the remaining funds before the trust review could be completed."
Victoria stared at him.
"Before Dad died?"
Daniel nodded.
"Yes."
She looked down at the date.
The final transfer had occurred the day before her father's death.
Victoria slowly sat back.
Her father had been in the hospital.
His son and business partner had been discussing the movement of money.
And someone had used her identity to make the transfers possible.
She felt sick.
Samuel closed the folder.
"We need to proceed carefully."
Victoria nodded.
"I understand."
Daniel looked at her.
"Are you prepared for the possibility that the investigation will involve additional family members or people you have known for years?"
Victoria thought about her mother.
Her brother.
Edward Miller.
Martin Blake.
Then she thought about the people who had attended the gala.
She remembered the moment four hundred veterans had stood.
She had never asked them to do that.
She had never expected recognition.
But she had been reminded that respect was not something that could be demanded through money, intimidation, or family status.
It was earned through conduct.
"Yes," she answered.
"I'm prepared."
***
Three days later, the independent review team completed its initial examination.
The findings were more serious than anyone had expected.
Several documents had been altered.
Multiple transfers had been made without proper authorization.
And the second account had been used to route money through a series of companies before it reached its final destination.
Richard's business had received a portion of the funds.
But a significant amount had gone elsewhere.
The review also found that the family waterfront property had been transferred under circumstances that required further legal examination.
Victoria received the preliminary report at nine in the morning.
She read it twice.
Then she called Daniel.
"Is there anything that explains where the money went?"
Daniel answered immediately.
"Yes. We have identified several recipient accounts."
"Whose accounts?"
"Some belong to companies associated with Martin Blake. Others are linked to an investment structure managed by Edward Miller."
Victoria closed her eyes.
"And Richard?"
"His company received approximately two million dollars through several transactions."
Victoria remained silent.
"However," Daniel continued, "we have not yet established whether all of those funds were retained by the company or transferred elsewhere."
"What about Mom?"
"Her name appears on authorization records, but we need to determine her exact role."
Victoria looked at the report.
"Did she receive any money?"
"Not directly from the accounts we've reviewed so far."
That was a small relief.
But it did not erase what she had done.
Daniel continued.
"There is also an important development concerning Northbridge Holdings."
Victoria sat forward.
"What?"
"The company was established shortly before the first major transfer. Its records list Martin Blake as a director."
"And the owner?"
Daniel hesitated.
"The ownership structure points to an offshore entity."
Victoria frowned.
"Can we identify the person behind it?"
"We are working on that."
Victoria looked at the clock.
"What's next?"
"The trustee will issue a formal demand for records. We are also preparing a report for the relevant financial authorities."
She nodded.
"Do it."
After the call, Victoria spent several minutes looking through the documents.
One transaction caught her attention.
It had been made on the same day Richard struck her.
The amount was relatively small compared with the other transfers.
But the reference description was unusual.
It mentioned a payment to a private security company.
Victoria called Daniel again.
"Why is there a payment to a security company?"
Daniel examined the report.
"That payment was made by Hayes Development Group."
"What was it for?"
"The description says consulting services."
Victoria frowned.
"Can we identify the recipient?"
"Not yet."
She looked at the date again.
It had been made shortly before the gala.
A strange feeling settled in her stomach.
Could Richard have been planning something?
She did not want to jump to conclusions.
But she asked Daniel to include the transaction in the review.
***
That evening, Helen called.
Victoria watched the phone ring.
For several seconds, she considered ignoring it.
Then she answered.
"Hello, Mom."
Helen sounded exhausted.
"Victoria."
There was a long pause.
"I need to talk to you."
"What about?"
"Your brother."
Victoria leaned back in her chair.
"What happened?"
"He's not doing well."
Victoria closed her eyes briefly.
"Mom, I can't solve his problems."
"I know."
"Then what do you need?"
Helen began crying.
"He's been calling people all day. He says the company accounts are being restricted. His business partner is refusing to speak to him. The lawyers are asking for documents he cannot find."
Victoria listened.
"Richard says this is all your fault."
Victoria gave a tired sigh.
"Of course he does."
"He says you could stop the investigation if you wanted."
Victoria's expression hardened.