The revelation changed the investigation completely.
Victoria stood to inherit the Carter trust, but the agreement contained a condition: the beneficiary could claim the assets only after an independent review established the legitimate ownership of the funds.
The trust had never been activated because the original records had disappeared.
“Why would Eleanor leave the trust to Victoria instead of Emily?” Alexander asked.
Jonathan Pierce folded his hands.
“Because Victoria was Eleanor’s biological daughter. Emily was Daniel’s daughter from his first marriage. Eleanor loved both girls, but she believed Victoria would be safer if her inheritance remained hidden.”
Emily looked stunned.
“You’re saying my mother deliberately concealed the trust from me?”
“She may have believed that revealing it would expose both daughters to danger.”
“Or someone altered the document after she disappeared,” Rebecca added.
Jonathan nodded.
“That is also possible. We need the original trust deed.”
He explained that Thomas had transferred the deed to a private legal archive shortly before his death. The archive had since changed ownership, but Jonathan believed the documents were still preserved.
Alexander agreed to fund an independent search.
Meanwhile, Margaret Hale was preparing her own response.
She called a press conference outside Whitmore Global’s headquarters and accused Emily of attempting to extort the company.
“Ms. Carter has presented unverified documents and made allegations against individuals who cannot defend themselves,” Margaret announced. “Our legal team will pursue every available remedy to protect the company and its employees.”
The statement spread across financial news sites within minutes.
By lunchtime, Whitmore Global’s share price had begun to fall.
Investors demanded answers.
The board suspended Richard’s authority over certain financial decisions pending an external review.
Alexander knew Margaret was trying to turn public opinion against Emily before the evidence could be authenticated.
