Chapter 4 - What Their Mother Left Behind.
Claire had not heard anyone mention her mother's estate in six years.
Margaret Bennett had died after a short illness, leaving Claire with a set of handwritten letters and Ethan with a grief he rarely discussed.
Robert had always insisted the financial side had been simple.
Claire had believed him because believing him had been easier than reopening the loss.
Daniel turned the tablet toward her.
A transfer request had been submitted twelve minutes earlier.
The amount was not small.
It was nearly the exact cost of the wedding weekend.
The destination was an investment company Claire had never seen before.
"Who owns that company?"
Daniel began typing.
Ethan interrupted.
"This has nothing to do with tonight."
Claire looked at him.
"Then you won't mind if he checks."
Vanessa took Ethan's hand.
"We should go upstairs."
"No," Claire said.
The bride stared at her.
Claire's voice remained quiet.
"You both wanted this conversation in public."
Robert stepped toward Daniel.
"Turn that device off."
Daniel did not move.
"Mr. Bennett, I work for Claire."
"You work for this family."
"Not according to my contract."
That answer drew a few nervous whispers from nearby guests.
Claire realized the reception had become an audience with nowhere to look but at them.
She hated that.
Yet walking away now would allow Robert to rewrite what had happened before sunrise.
Daniel found the company registration.
"Hawthorne Events and Development."
Vanessa's fingers tightened around Ethan's hand.
Claire saw it.
"Do you know that name?"
Vanessa answered too quickly.
"No."
Daniel continued reading.
"The company was formed eight months ago."
"Owner?"
He looked up.
"Vanessa Cole."
A murmur moved through the room.
Vanessa's face went pale.
Ethan released her hand.
"What?"
She looked at him as if betrayed by his surprise.
"It's just an event company."
"You told me you closed that company last year."
"I reopened it."
Claire watched the newlyweds turn on each other in front of the cake they had not yet cut.
Robert suddenly seemed less interested in protecting appearances.
He moved toward Claire.
"You will restore the account now."
"Why are you so afraid of this transfer being blocked?"
"Because your mother wanted Ethan protected."
The room disappeared again.
Claire stared at him.
"What did you say?"
Robert took a breath.
"Your mother knew you could take care of yourself."
"That's not an answer."
Elias opened another section of his portfolio.
"Actually, Ms. Bennett, there is an answer."
He removed a yellowed envelope.
Claire recognized the handwriting immediately.
Margaret Bennett had written her name across the front.
CLAIRE ONLY.
Robert looked genuinely alarmed for the first time.
"Where did you get that?"
Elias did not answer him.
He handed the envelope to Claire.
The seal had never been broken.
Claire slid one finger beneath the flap.
Inside was a three-page letter and a key taped to the final sheet.
May you like
Her mother's first sentence made her knees weaken.
"Claire, if your father tells you I left everything equally, he is lying."
