Chapter 5: The Woman Behind the Seal
Grant ended the call.
“You don’t understand how these filings work.”
Susan held out her hand.
“I spent twenty-six years examining property titles.
I understand exactly how they work.”
Claire turned to her.
“Can he take the house?”
“Not if we stop the funds and challenge the deed.”
Grant moved between Susan and the door.
“Nobody is challenging anything.”
Claire met his stare.
“Move.”
“You’ll regret turning this into a war.”
“You brought false papers into my mother’s house.
The war arrived before I knew it existed.”
Grant lowered his voice.
“Think about Madison.”
Madison took a step back.
“Why are you using me?”
“I’m protecting your future.”
“You told me Claire was leaving us.”
“She was going to leave eventually.”
Claire’s lips parted, but no words came.
Grant looked at her.
“You were never really Madison’s mother.
You were a convenient substitute.”
Claire’s face crumpled before she could turn away.
Susan wrapped both arms around her.
“Look at me, Claire.
His cruelty is not evidence.”
Claire pressed a hand over her mouth.
Madison stood motionless in the doorway.
“Dad, stop.”
Grant opened the study door.
“Everyone out.”
A woman’s voice came from the hallway.
“I wouldn’t do that.”
Rebecca Shaw entered carrying a leather folder.
Susan let go of Claire and nodded toward her.
“I texted my attorney when Grant reached for my phone.”
Rebecca placed a business card on the desk.
“Mr.
Parker, the lender has been notified that ownership is disputed.”
Grant glanced at the card.
“You have no authority here.”
“I have Claire’s written authorization.
She signed it on Susan’s phone while I drove over.”
Rebecca opened her folder.
“This is an emergency request to freeze the loan.
A judge is reviewing it tonight.”
Grant’s mouth tightened.
“Claire, call this off and I’ll give you fifty thousand dollars plus an apartment.”
Claire wiped her cheeks.
“You offered me a fraction of money borrowed against my own house.”
“I can make this much worse.”
“How?”
“Madison can say you agreed to everything.”
Madison recoiled.
“No, I can’t.”
Grant turned to her.
“You want to keep your school?
Your car?
Your friends?
Then remember who pays for them.”
Jeff stepped into the study.
“Not for much longer.”
Grant laughed.
“You’re a junior accountant.”
“I’m the junior accountant who found the transfers you hid.”
Jeff placed several printed pages beside Rebecca’s folder.
Grant snatched at them.
Rebecca covered the pages with her hand.
“What transfers?” Claire asked.
Jeff pointed to three entries.
“Grant moved company money through an account connected to Parker Family Holdings.
The company audit begins Monday.”
“You accessed restricted files,” Grant said.
“You gave me access when you told me to correct the figures.”
Grant moved close enough that Jeff had to lift his chin.
“I can end your career with one phone call.”
Jeff took out his phone.
“Our chief financial officer is already listening.”
A man’s voice came through the speaker.
“Grant, do not return to the office.
Your access has been suspended.”
Grant backed into the desk.
Rebecca’s phone chimed.
She read the message and looked at Claire.
“The judge froze the loan.”
Claire released a breath.
Rebecca kept reading.
“But eighty thousand dollars was transferred yesterday into an account bearing Madison’s name.”
Everyone turned toward the girl.
Madison shook her head.
“I don’t have an account with eighty thousand dollars.”
May you like
Grant looked at her and smiled.
“You do now.”
