Chapter 3 - The First Crack
The table went completely silent.
The cousin near the flower arrangement stopped her fork halfway to her mouth. Graham’s sister, who had been admiring her new diamond bracelet, slowly lowered her wrist.
Graham’s face flushed a deep, angry crimson. He slammed his fork down on the porcelain plate, the sharp clang echoing across the yard.
"Jocelyn, shut up," he hissed, standing up so quickly his chair scraped loudly against the flagstone. "You don't know what you're talking about. You're a real estate secretary. You don't understand corporate finance."
"I understand corporate finance perfectly, Graham," I said, my voice steady, carrying clearly over the lawn. "For instance, I know that the 'Vanguard Group' that paid you a fifty-thousand-dollar retainer last month is actually a shell company owned by Vance Properties. And I know that Vance Properties is owned entirely by me."
Gloria let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Oh, please. Jocelyn, your father was a high school principal. You work in a strip-mall office in Plano. Don't start fabricating fairy tales because your feelings are hurt."
"She’s not fabricating anything, Mrs. Ralston."
The voice came from the side entrance of the terrace.
Daniel stood there, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, holding a thick leather folder. Behind him were two county sheriffs in uniform and three private security guards carrying clipboards.
The guests turned in their seats, confusion and sudden panic rippling through the crowd.
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"Daniel?" Graham blinked, recognizing my property manager. "What the hell are you doing here? This is a private family event. I hired your agency to coordinate the catering, not to crash my dinner."
"You didn't hire us, Mr. Ralston," Daniel said, stepping forward and opening the folder. "Your lease agreement for this property was signed under 'Ralston Holdings LLC.' That entity’s bank accounts were flagged for fraudulent deposit activity two hours ago. The owner of this estate has ordered an immediate termination of the lease for violation of the conduct clause."
