She looked directly at Marcus.
“It was never his.”
A wave of murmurs moved through the ballroom.
“My father founded Evergreen Health Holdings and built Northlake Medical Center. Under the terms of his trust, I now control the majority ownership of this hospital.”
Marcus hurried onto the stage.
“Claire, we should discuss this privately.”
“We have spent years speaking in private. Tonight, we are going to speak where everyone can hear us.”
“The project has already been approved.”
“Not by me.”
“We have your signature.”
Jonathan Reed approached the microphone with two forensic document specialists carrying several files.
“And that is precisely why investigators are present tonight,” he said. “The signature used to authorize this contract is forged.”
The screens behind the stage displayed Claire’s verified signature beside the fraudulent version on the expansion agreement.
Jonathan continued.
“Our investigation also uncovered emails in which Mr. Whitaker directed hospital employees to alter internal records and create financial obligations under his wife’s name.”
Marcus turned sharply toward Sabrina.
“Tell them that isn’t true.”
Sabrina stepped backward.
“I have the messages,” she said. “Marcus ordered me to delete several emails. I am prepared to turn everything over.”
