Chapter 6 - The Copy
Brooke’s copy appeared to be a stock certificate.
Avery Family Settlement Trust.
Number of shares in Whitman Development:
4,200,000.
If authentic, trust held 42%.
Not 31%.
Nearly controlling block.
Richard said Brooke showed only photograph.
She demanded $2.6 million, claiming unpaid Carter settlement.
Why pay?
Because amount arguably legitimate.
Richard consulted company counsel without revealing source.
They confirmed old Carter obligation had never been fully distributed after Samuel’s death due administrative error.
So Brooke actually was owed money.
That made “blackmail” less simple.
She had legitimate claim and leverage.
But why affair?
Richard had no answer that helped him.
“It started after.”
Amanda stared.
“You compensated her claim, then slept with her.”
“Yes.”
No manipulation could erase choice.
Then Rachel asked:
“Why would Brooke want Amanda gone if she already received Carter money?”
Richard said Brooke believed certificate gave Amanda power to fire him, dissolve deals and reclaim house.
She wanted Richard to divorce Amanda before Amanda discovered.
Under divorce, would trust assets remain Amanda’s separate property?
Likely, yes.
So divorce wouldn't transfer them.
Unless Amanda signed settlement waiving claims she didn't know existed.
There.
Richard admitted Brooke drafted proposed marital settlement.
It described Whitman Development as Richard’s separate property.
Had Amanda signed while ignorant of trust’s 42%, she might inadvertently create costly dispute.
Richard had not presented it yet.
Why?
“I couldn't.”
A sliver of conscience.
Too late to save marriage.
But relevant.
Then Amanda asked whether he intended divorce.
Richard said he had been considering it.
Amanda replied:
“You don't need to anymore.”
She filed first.
Then anonymous sender sent another clue.
CHECK ETHAN’S BIRTHDAY.
Trust amendment date:
Four years ago.
Same day Ethan was born.
Avery trust’s ownership changed from 31% to 42%.
How?
11% shares transferred from Charles Whitman Family Holdings.
Charles was already dead.
Transfer executed under preexisting succession instruction triggered by birth of Amanda’s first child.
So Charles had deliberately returned shares to Avery trust when Thomas’s bloodline continued.
Why?
Maybe restitution.
Then accompanying note:
What I held was never meant to become Richard’s inheritance.
Charles knew.
He had spent years quietly returning value.
That complicated him.
He may have taken control improperly, then tried correct.
Then why hide?
Shame.
Tax/legal complexity.
Control.
Then Rachel found beneficiary schedule.
Amanda had economic rights.
Ethan had future interest.
But voting rights belonged to a “Family Steward.”
Name redacted in digital copy.
Original likely inside safe.
Who was steward?
Richard?
Brooke?
Someone else?
Then Brooke called Amanda.
“I want to make a deal.”
“No.”
“You don't know what’s behind that picture.”
“Neither do you.”
Silence.
Amanda had guessed.
Brooke had copy, not original.
Then Brooke said:
“I know enough to tell you this: if you open that safe, Ethan loses more than Richard does.”
Amanda’s blood went cold.
“Stay away from my son.”
“I’m warning you.”
“No. You're threatening me.”
Brooke hung up.
Seconds later Rachel called.
They had authenticated certificate photograph.
It was genuine.
And on reverse side was one handwritten line Brooke had cropped out before showing Richard:
May you like
42% HELD TEMPORARILY.
FINAL BENEFICIARY SUBJECT TO THE CHILD PROVISION.
