Chapter 9 - THE DEAL THAT COULD DESTROY EVERYTHING
Rebecca contacted Julian's legal team through appropriate channels.
The response came quickly.
Hart Meridian had not invested in Eastbridge Holdings.
Nor had Julian authorized anyone to use his name in connection with the company.
That meant Daniel's claim to Elise was false.
The financial records suggested that Eastbridge had received money from several sources, including accounts linked to Mercer Logistics and the marital investment account.
Investigators would need to determine whether the transfers violated any laws or contractual obligations.
But one fact was clear.
Daniel had been concealing the transactions.
I met Julian in a conference room at his office.
Naomi and legal counsel were present.
I explained what Rebecca had found.
Julian listened.
Then asked:
“Are you safe at home?”
I nodded.
“I'm staying with my sister.”
He looked relieved.
Then said, “Good.”
I hesitated.
“Did you know Daniel was using your name?”
“No.”
“Why would he?”
Julian considered.
“Because investors trust my firm.”
I looked down.
He continued.
“And because Daniel may have believed I wouldn't challenge the story publicly.”
I stared.
“Why?”
Julian's expression grew serious.
“Because doing so could expose a separate negotiation.”
I felt cold.
“What negotiation?”
He paused.
Then looked at Naomi.
She nodded.
Julian turned back to me.
“Daniel approached my company six months ago about selling a controlling interest in Mercer Logistics.”
I stared.
“He told me the business was under financial pressure.”
My stomach tightened.
Julian continued.
“He also said he needed the transaction completed before a personal financial restructuring.”
I looked at him.
“What restructuring?”
Julian hesitated.
Then said:
“A divorce.”
The room went silent.
Daniel had been planning to divorce me.
While choosing my dresses.
While insisting I attend his gala.
While telling me I was imagining his distance.
May you like
He had been preparing to leave.
And apparently trying to arrange the finances before I found out.
