Chapter 6 - THE HOUSEKEEPER WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
The independent review uncovered discrepancies totaling millions of dollars.
Some records were incomplete.
Others appeared altered.
Several vendors had no verifiable history of providing the services listed on their invoices.
Investigators also found links between Mercer Transportation Holdings and accounts associated with Daniel's relatives.
The evidence raised serious questions.
But it did not yet prove who had authorized every transfer.
Isabella spent long hours with her attorney, reviewing her father's notes.
She recognized his handwriting.
His abbreviations.
His habit of circling dates twice when something bothered him.
One evening, she found a notation she'd overlooked.
H.V. approval missing.
She stared.
H.V.
Helena Voss.
Adrien's mother.
Isabella called Adrien.
"Your mother was involved with Bellwether."
He went still.
"What?"
"My father wrote that her approval was missing from several transactions."
Adrien was silent.
Then said:
"She was one of the original trustees."
Isabella looked down.
"Then Daniel may have been using her authority after she died."
Adrien closed his eyes.
The discovery changed everything.
It suggested some payments might have been supported by forged or improperly reused authorizations.
Adrien met with investigators the next morning.
He provided records showing his mother's death and the trust's governance structure.
The review expanded.
Meanwhile, Daniel disappeared.
His office was empty.
His phone disconnected.
His residence abandoned.
Marco brought the news to Adrien.
"He's gone."
Adrien looked toward the window.
"Then he's afraid."
Marco nodded.
"Of us?"
May you like
Adrien shook his head.
"Of what Isabella found."
