Chapter 4 - THE WEDDING THAT BECAME A CRIME SCENE
By evening, Genevieve had spoken with a detective.
She provided a detailed account of the conversation she'd overheard.
She also reported Preston's security guards pursuing her through the streets.
The detective explained that investigators would need corroborating evidence before bringing charges.
Genevieve understood.
She had worked with contracts and financial reports long enough to know that truth and proof were not always the same thing.
Julian obtained copies of the wedding documents.
Several contained suspicious provisions.
One document purported to authorize Preston to act on behalf of Hayes Logistics in certain business transactions.
Another granted a company controlled by Judge Witmore's associates an option to purchase valuable shipping assets.
Genevieve stared at the pages.
"I didn't agree to this."
Julian pointed to the signatures.
"Did you sign these?"
She examined them.
Some were hers.
Others were not.
Her hands began trembling.
"They forged my signature."
Julian nodded.
"We'll have them examined."
Roman stood beside the window.
"Your father left you the company for a reason."
Genevieve looked up.
"I don't know how to run it."
"Then learn."
She stared.
Roman continued.
"Thomas didn't build it because he thought his daughter was helpless."
Her eyes filled.
For months, Preston had told her she needed him.
That she was too emotional after her father's death.
That the board would never respect her.
Now Roman was telling her something different.
Not that he would take over.
Not that he would protect her from every difficult decision.
But that she could learn to make them herself.
That night, Genevieve called the company's chief financial officer.
Her name was Margaret Ellis.
Margaret had worked with Thomas for twenty years.
When Genevieve explained the situation, Margaret went silent.
Then she said:
"Your father was worried about the Witmores."
Genevieve froze.
"What?"
Margaret hesitated.
"He left instructions."
"What instructions?"
"To contact you if Preston ever tried to gain control of the company."
Genevieve's heart hammered.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I was waiting for the condition he specified."
Genevieve swallowed.
"What condition?"
May you like
Margaret's voice trembled.
"If you tried to cancel the wedding."
