Chapter 10 - THE REVEAL OF THE 21 MILLION
Ethan stared at the dossier, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly. He flipped through the pages showing the ledger of the core trust—a staggering 21 million dollars in liquid assets, blue-chip equities, and prime real estate holdings—all entirely untouchable by him. “No... this is impossible,” Ethan whispered, his voice cracking. “She... she lives in the guest cottage! She drives an old sedan! She told me we had no money left!” Pendelton adjusted his glasses coldly. “Mrs. Mercer chose to live quietly to test your integrity, Mr. Mercer. An exam which you appear to have failed quite catastrophically.”
