Chapter 5 - THE TRUST HER MOTHER LEFT BEHIND
Serena's mother had died eleven years earlier.
Before her death, she had established a charitable trust intended to fund education programs throughout Illinois.
Serena knew about the trust.
She'd received annual reports.
But after marrying Roman, she allowed outside administrators to manage its investments.
She believed the money was safe.
Now Alexander placed a financial summary in front of her.
“Your mother's trust is a major beneficiary of several redevelopment partnerships.”
Serena frowned.
“What partnerships?”
“Properties near planned education and community-service developments.”
Roman studied the documents.
Alexander continued.
“Someone has been attempting to redirect those assets through a series of transactions.”
Serena stared.
“My signature would be required.”
“Yes.”
“And if I died?”
Alexander hesitated.
“Certain successor provisions could create opportunities for other parties to influence the assets. We need your trust attorney to review the exact terms.”
Serena looked at Roman.
“Did you know?”
He shook his head.
“Not until recently.”
She laughed bitterly.
“So someone wants my money, someone wants me dead, and my husband decided the best solution was to stop holding my hand.”
Roman closed his eyes.
“Serena—”
“No.”
She stood.
“Don't explain this away.”
He looked up.
She continued.
“You could have told me. You could have given me a choice. You could have treated me like your partner.”
His expression broke.
“I was afraid.”
Serena went still.
Roman Duca had never admitted fear to her.
Not once.
He whispered, “I thought if people believed I didn't love you, they'd stop seeing you as leverage.”
She stared.
“And did it work?”
He said nothing.
“Because I'm still in danger, Roman.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“And now I don't trust you either.”
That night, Serena moved into her apartment.
She contacted her attorney.
Requested a full review of the trust.
And arranged independent security.
Roman didn't stop her.
May you like
He stood in the doorway of their bedroom as she packed.
For the first time in six years, he understood that protecting someone's life and protecting their happiness were not the same thing.
