Chapter 8 - THE BRIDE'S MOTHER HAD A PLAN|
Patricia Crane had spent most of her adult life convincing wealthy people she was wealthier than they were.
Her designer clothing was real.
Her jewelry was real.
But her financial empire was a carefully arranged illusion.
Her event-planning company was drowning in debt.
Three investment properties were facing foreclosure.
And a private lender had demanded repayment of nearly eight million dollars.
By Friday.
Now Patricia stood in Conrad Shaw's downtown office, staring at the Chicago skyline.
Conrad sat behind a black marble desk.
“You said the old woman would be out of the picture,” he said.
Patricia swallowed.
“There were complications.”
“Complications?”
“The waitress intervened.”
Conrad leaned back.
“I've seen the video.”
“The girl is becoming a public-relations nightmare.”
“The girl isn't our problem.”
He slid a document across the desk.
“Our problem is that Eleanor Whitmore is alive, alert, and asking questions.”
Patricia looked away.
“You promised nobody would be seriously harmed.”
Conrad smiled without warmth.
“I promised you a financial solution.”
“This wasn't what we discussed.”
“Wasn't it?”
He opened another folder.
It contained photographs of Patricia's properties, business loans, and private debts.
“Eight million dollars, Patricia. That's what your mistakes cost.”
She clenched her jaw.
“You know I'll repay you.”
“How?”
“Madison is married to Ethan.”
Conrad gave a short laugh.
“A marriage doesn't give you control of a corporate trust.”
“No, but it gives us access.”
“Access is useful only when someone knows what to do with it.”
Patricia leaned forward.
“I'll convince Ethan to support the transaction.”
Conrad's eyes narrowed.
“Your new son-in-law is already asking his attorneys questions.”
Patricia froze.
“He found the papers?”
“Apparently.”
She turned toward the door.
“Then I'll speak to Madison.”
Conrad's voice stopped her.
“One more thing.”
Patricia looked back.
“The original authorization document must reach the company secretary before the board meeting.”
“And if Eleanor challenges it?”
“Then we have a problem.”
He smiled.
“Don't become another one.”
At the Hawthorne Grand, Madison was pacing her mother's guest suite when Patricia arrived.
“Ethan isn't answering my calls!” Madison snapped.
Patricia closed the door.
“Stop panicking.”
“He found the Meridian agreement.”
Patricia went still.
“How much did he read?”
“Enough.”
“Did you tell him about Conrad?”
Madison hesitated.
“Only his name.”
Patricia grabbed her daughter's arm.
“You have no idea what you've done.”
Madison pulled away.
“Don't you dare blame me!”
“I told you to keep those documents hidden.”
“And I told you this plan was insane!”
Patricia stared at her.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Madison whispered something neither woman had dared say aloud.
“You said Grandma Eleanor would only have a medical emergency.”
Patricia's face drained of color.
“Lower your voice.”
“You said she'd be taken to the hospital. That's all.”
Patricia stepped closer.
“Madison, listen carefully.”
But Madison was shaking now.
“What would have happened if that waitress hadn't caught the wheelchair?”
May you like
Patricia didn't answer.
And Madison suddenly realized her mother might not know the answer either.
