Chapter 3: Hidden Ledgers**
At sunrise, Julian summoned Arthur Vance, the family’s longtime senior attorney. When the older man entered the private study, the air turned instantly frigid. Arthur looked at the breakfast tray set for two and then at the small girl reading quietly on the terrace.
"Julian, you cannot let this situation become public," Arthur said smoothly, keeping his voice down. "The merger with Clara’s family firm is set for next month. A scandal involving an unacknowledged child from a previous lower-class liaison will destroy your board standing."
"Where did the monthly trust allocations go, Arthur?" Julian demanded, slamming an audit report onto the desk. "For eight years, two thousand dollars a month was deducted from my private account. Elena died penniless in a county ward."
Arthur didn’t blink. "Your late father instructed us to protect the family name at all costs. The woman was paid a modest lump sum to relocate, and the subsequent funds were redirected into holding accounts. It was business, Julian."
"It was theft," Julian snapped. "And it cost a woman her life."
"It gave you a clean slate," Arthur retorted coldly. "Sign the child over to a private boarding school in Switzerland. We will cover the costs. Keep your name clean."
May you like
Julian looked through the glass doors at Mia, who was watching a pair of sparrows on the terrace railing. "Pack your things, Arthur. You're fired. And expect a criminal investigation by noon."
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