Chapter 5 - THE DINNER WHERE EVERYTHING CHANGED
The letter was dated six months before my father died.
My darling Claire,
If you're reading this, I hope you're safe and happy.
I know you love Vincent. I hope he understands what a gift that is.
But love should never require you to disappear.
I began crying.
The letter continued.
There are business arrangements between Bennett Family Holdings and Moretti Holdings that I have never discussed with you in detail.
I made those decisions because I believed they would protect your future.
If you ever need to understand them, speak to Eleanor Price. She knows where the original records are kept.
I stared at the name.
Eleanor Price.
My father's longtime attorney.
I hadn't spoken to her in years.
The next morning, I called.
She answered immediately.
“Claire.”
Her voice softened.
“I wondered when you'd find the letter.”
My throat tightened.
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
I closed my eyes.
“Eleanor, what did my father do?”
A pause.
Then she said:
“He saved the Moretti family from bankruptcy.”
I froze.
“What?”
Eleanor continued.
“Eleven years ago, Richard Moretti was facing a serious financial crisis. Your father provided capital through several structured investments.”
My stomach tightened.
“How much?”
She hesitated.
Then answered.
“Enough to keep the company alive.”
I stared.
“And Vincent knows?”
May you like
Eleanor's voice became grim.
“That's what we need to find out.”
