Chapter 5 - THE MISTRESS WITH A SECOND NAME
Seline Maro had not always been Seline Maro.
That was the first discovery made by the independent auditors.
Her original name was Céline Marchand.
She had worked in Paris, Geneva, and Luxembourg under several professional identities.
Some changes were legitimate.
Others were not.
Vivien reviewed the documents in Margaret's office.
"She was involved in financial fraud?"
Margaret nodded.
"Investigations, yes. Convictions, no."
Vivien studied the photographs.
Seline appeared beside bankers, investment advisers, and businessmen.
Then one image caught her attention.
A reception in Monaco.
A man standing behind Seline.
Vivien recognized him immediately.
"That's Bernard Kessler."
Margaret leaned forward.
"The financial consultant?"
"Former consultant."
Vivien's voice hardened.
"He was dismissed from the Ashcroft Foundation twelve years ago."
"Why?"
"Because he tried to redirect scholarship money into an investment vehicle he controlled."
Margaret looked at the photograph again.
"Then this may not have started with Damian."
Vivien felt her stomach tighten.
For four years, she had assumed Seline's ambition was personal.
A younger woman wanted her husband's affection, wealth, and status.
But what if Seline had approached Damian for another reason?
What if the affair was merely the easiest way into the foundation?
Margaret made a call.
By evening, investigators had confirmed that Kessler was connected to several companies receiving suspicious transfers.
Vivien sat in silence.
Then she said something Margaret hadn't expected.
"I want to speak with Seline."
Margaret frowned.
"Why?"
"Because I need to know whether she's working for Kessler or working with him."
"And if she lies?"
May you like
Vivien looked toward the window.
"Then I'll listen carefully."
