Daniel explained.
“Marcus Vale borrowed nearly two hundred million dollars from Halston-backed funds for development projects.”
Richard whistled softly.
“Jesus.”
Daniel continued.
“Some projects appear significantly overvalued. Others may not exist at all.”
Eleanor whispered:
“No.”
Daniel spoke more carefully.
“We believe at least forty-six million dollars may have been diverted.”
Nobody needed to say the word fraud.
Eleanor turned away.
“Claire wouldn’t know.”
“We don’t know what Claire knows.”
“My granddaughter would never—”
“I’m not accusing Claire.”
“Then what are you saying?”
Daniel closed the laptop.
“I’m saying Marcus had a reason to know where you were going this morning.”
Eleanor suddenly looked exhausted.
“Why would he want to hurt me?”
Daniel softened his voice.
“I didn’t say he did.”
But everyone understood the possibility.
At that moment, my phone vibrated.
A message from Sophie appeared.
Dad, Mom says you lost your job. Are we okay?
