Chapter 13 - The Proof Wasn't as Clean as Dominic Wanted
The independent review began three days later.
Dominic expected the misleading signature process to invalidate everything quickly.
It did not.
The lender had received a properly executed consent bearing Margaret’s genuine signature.
Its closing team had no direct evidence that she had been deceived.
Valeria’s admission mattered.
So did the incomplete packet she had presented to Margaret.
But unwinding the lien would require negotiation or litigation if the bank refused voluntarily.
Evelyn warned them not to promise an immediate victory.
“The bank may be another victim of the misrepresentation,” she said. “That complicates remedies.”
Dominic hated that answer because it was legally boring and practically important.
They needed leverage that did not depend on a dramatic confession.
The financial review provided it.
Bellamy Holdings still had valuable assets.
The business was not insolvent.
It was badly overextended.
Three expansion projects could be stopped.
A planned hospitality cottage could be sold unfinished.
Two vineyard leases could be renegotiated.
Dominic also discovered that the company had been keeping a rarely used corporate guesthouse near Leesburg valued at more than $1.4 million.
His father had refused to sell it because visiting distributors once stayed there.
Nobody had used it for business in almost two years.
Selling it would hurt pride.
It would not hurt the core company.
Lucian objected immediately.
“My uncle bought that property.”
Dominic stared at him.
“That isn't an economic argument.”
“It matters.”
“Yes. That's why nobody questioned keeping it while you mortgaged my mother's land.”
Lucian had no answer.
The bank reviewed the proposed sale, temporary spending controls, and revised operating budget.
They were willing to discuss releasing North Field from collateral once a substantial principal reduction occurred.
Not immediately.
Not magically.
But realistically.
One problem remained.
The guesthouse was company-owned, and selling it required management approval under a provision Lucian still controlled until his suspension was formally resolved.
Lucian could delay.
His attorney made that clear.
Margaret looked at Lucian across the conference table.
“You wanted to save Bellamy.”
“I still do.”
“Then sell something Bellamy can survive without.”
Lucian knew what she meant.
His power.
Not only the house.
The following morning, Evelyn drafted a transition agreement.
Lucian would resign as managing director, cooperate with the financial review, and authorize the guesthouse listing.
In return, the family would not pretend that every bad business decision he made was theft.
Actual misconduct would be handled based on what the review established.
Lucian read the agreement.
Then set it down.
“I need a day.”
Dominic almost refused.
Margaret did not.
May you like
“One day.”
It was the first choice Lucian had been offered in months that could not be solved by hiding information from someone else.
