Chapter 6 - THE ADVISEREleanor’s financial adviser was Martin Hale.
He had managed parts of her finances for eleven years.
Daniel expected a smooth liar.
Instead Martin looked terrified.
“I didn’t forge anything.”
Rebecca placed the document in front of him.
“Did you prepare this?”
“The first pages.”
“And the signature?”
“No.”
Martin explained that Eleanor had asked him to explore whether Daniel could voluntarily transfer his authority.
He created a draft.
Unsigned.
Weeks later, he saw a printed copy containing Daniel’s signature.
“Who added it?”
“I don’t know.”
Rebecca checked electronic records.
Martin was telling at least part of the truth.
The original file contained no signature.
Then Martin revealed something Eleanor had hidden.
She was in financial trouble.
For years, she had used her personal assets to preserve the mansion’s expensive lifestyle.
Staff.
Repairs.
Events.
Appearances.
She had borrowed heavily.
Daniel stared at his mother.
“You’re broke?”
“No.”
Martin answered quietly.
“She’s close.”
Eleanor glared at him.
Daniel finally understood why selling terrified her.
The mansion was not just memory.
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It was the last symbol of a life Eleanor could no longer afford to maintain.
And she would rather manipulate Daniel than admit it.
