Chapter 10 - Conrad’s Visits
Conrad admitted it.
He had met Sorrel eleven times.
Evelyn arranged the first meetings before her death.
Afterward, Tessa allowed several more.
Hadrian turned toward Tessa.
“You hid this too?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Evelyn asked me.”
There it was.
Another dead person's instruction controlling the living.
Hadrian was exhausted by it.
Conrad loved Sorrel.
That seemed genuine.
But Hadrian did not care whether the secrecy had affectionate motives.
“You entered my home without permission.”
“Yes.”
“You told my daughter not to tell me.”
“Yes.”
“Then you're done.”
Conrad looked stunned.
“You can't keep my granddaughter—”
Hadrian interrupted.
“I absolutely can keep an adult who tells my child to keep secrets from me away from her.”
Conrad became silent.
Then he explained why he came four days earlier.
He was searching for Evelyn's trust amendment.
He feared Aurelia had found it.
Why?
Because the original trust contained another provision.
If Sorrel's appointed guardian was found to have knowingly abused or financially exploited her, the entire $42 million would leave the family.
Where?
Northwood Survivors Foundation.
Evelyn created it anonymously to compensate former residents.
Hadrian almost smiled.
His wife had turned her father's fortune into restitution for his program.
Conrad hated the clause.
Not because he wanted Sorrel harmed.
Because he couldn't tolerate his money funding people who publicly accused Northwood.
So he wanted the amendment destroyed.
Hadrian's disgust deepened.
“You still think this is about your reputation.”
Conrad said nothing.
Then Clara produced evidence that changed the timeline.
The Northwood Survivors Foundation had already received $5 million.
Transfer date:
Two weeks before Evelyn died.
Authorized by Evelyn.
Why?
She believed someone had already violated Sorrel's trust protections.
Before Aurelia entered their lives.
Who?
Hadrian.
His name appeared in the compliance report.
Hadrian stared.
“What did I do?”
The allegation:
Financial exploitation of beneficiary assets.
Hadrian had never touched Sorrel's Mercer trust.
He didn't know it existed.
Then the attached signature appeared.
Hadrian Vale.
His signature.
Perfect.
Except Hadrian knew exactly where he'd been on that date.
In Tokyo.
Someone had forged his name.
And Evelyn knew.
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The report listed the person who submitted the documents.
Tessa Monroe.
