Chapter 5 - THE FALSE SAVIOR
Brooke’s lie could have ended with praise.
But admiration was not enough.
She convinced the Vances to establish an Estate Preservation Fund.
The campaign claimed Brooke had personally guaranteed the transaction that saved the mansion.
Victoria called wealthy friends.
Charles promised donors access to future investments.
Arthur recorded a video describing Brooke as the woman who had preserved his family legacy.
They raised nearly nine hundred thousand dollars.
Brooke controlled the account.
She used part of it to buy a Manhattan condominium through her brother’s company.
More money paid personal credit cards.
Additional funds disappeared into consulting firms with no employees.
Jonathan showed me the campaign photograph while I was still recovering from childbirth.
Brooke stood outside the estate holding the original keys.
Arthur had one arm around her waist.
Charles and Victoria looked proud.
Behind them hung my military promotion portrait.
“Has ownership been transferred to them?” I asked.
“No.”
“Has Brooke claimed she purchased the debt?”
“In signed documents.”
“That is fraud.”
“Yes.”
“Does Arthur know?”
“We cannot prove that.”
I looked at the photograph again.
Arthur appeared happier beside Brooke than he had at the birth of our children.
Jonathan closed the file.
“They’re holding a celebration for her on Saturday.”
“Prepare the complete ownership disclosure.”
“And the criminal referral?”
May you like
I looked at the twins.
“Send everything.”
