Chapter 4 - The Fifty-Million-Dollar Claim
While I recovered in the high-security postpartum suite, the paper trail of Michael Carter’s conspiracy was dismantled by our forensic intelligence unit.
Julian Hayes, Chief Legal Counsel for the Sterling Dynasty, and Senior Detective Marcus Stone of the Federal Task Force convened in our private conference room.
Julian laid out three red-stamped insurance folios on the mahogany desk.
“Let’s examine the policy Michael was so eager to collect,” Julian said with icy precision.
The timeline was chilling:
The Policy Inception: Six months ago, Michael applied for a $50 million supplemental key-person term life insurance policy through Apex Sovereign Underwriters in Zurich, naming himself as the sole primary beneficiary.
The Forged Waivers: Michael had forged my signature on an ex-parte hazardous-activity waiver three days prior to the Rocky Mountain trip.
The Secret Account: Ashley Cole had already established a joint offshore shell entity in Grand Cayman named Avalon Horizon LLC, ready to receive the wire disbursement.
“Michael has already filed the expedited death certificate petition with the county coroner,” Detective Stone reported, showing the digital filings. “He claims the body was carried away by a subterranean snow avalanche into the canyon and cannot be recovered.”
“And when is the memorial service?” I asked, leaning back against the pillows as Lucas slept peacefully in his bassinet.
“Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock,” Julian replied. “At the Cathedral of Grace in downtown Denver. Michael invited four hundred guests, business partners, and television reporters. He plans to present himself as the broken, grieving CEO to ensure the insurance board approves the payout without an audit.”
May you like
A cold, razor-sharp smile touched my lips.
“Have my black mourning dress prepared, Julian,” I said. “And ensure the cathedral's audio-visual system is connected to our satellite feed.”
