The Widow’s Fate They Chose Was My Escape Plan Chapter 27
“Then what about this?”
I turned to the last page of the family settlement agreement.
Ethan’s signature was scrawled in the acknowledgment box.
“Before the wedding, I irrevocably gave up my rights to the Sterling family trust. After arriving in Miami, I completed a nursing assistant course, was entered on the state registry, and now run an agency licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.”
“The investment portfolios the Quinn family delivered to the Sterlings were also public record. It was never hidden money.”
I looked up at him.
“If all I wanted was money, I could have accepted Eleanor’s settlement and left. Why would I spend all that time caring for Sebastian, then devote more time to completing a course and passing exams?”
At last, the chairman’s expression darkened.
“Working hard doesn’t excuse fraud.”
“You’re right,” I nodded. “Which means it’s time to talk about the real fraud.”
The Quinn family lawyer rose and requested that the special committee retrieve the complete approval materials from three years ago.
That included the very investigation report the chairman had personally reviewed—the one prepared by outside counsel.
The chairman’s head snapped up.
“That’s privileged material!”
“You’re accusing the Quinn family of deceiving the board,” I said, staring at him, “yet you refuse to submit the facts you yourself had at the time. If that report supports your accusation, why are you afraid to let everyone see it?”
He gave no answer, instead signaling to his lawyer to call for a recess.
But just as the others began to rise, a member of the special committee spoke.
“No need for a recess. Company archives have confirmed that report was prepared by Hudson Crest’s own counsel.”
“It is company material. The chairman has no authority to unilaterally withhold it.”