Chapter 4 - UNFORGIVEN DEBTS
In the penthouse suite of the Grand Regency Hotel in downtown metropolis, Eleanor Hale slammed her crystal glass onto the mahogany desk, shattering the base into jagged fragments.
Standing across from her was Richard, the family’s chief legal council, whose pale demeanor spoke volumes about the morning’s developments.
"What do you mean we can't block the subpoena?" Eleanor spat, wiping a stray drop of liquor from her hand.
"She has federal protection, Eleanor," Richard explained nervously, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses.
"The security team she hired wasn't just private guard service."
"They are operating under a federal court order granted to Julian six weeks before his accident."
"What accident?" Eleanor snapped.
"Stop using that word like it was a mystery!"
Richard fell silent, taking a step back toward the door as if the room had suddenly become toxic.
"Julian knew we were auditing the foundation," Eleanor continued, pacing the length of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline.
"He was going to turn over forty years of family ledger books to the Department of Justice."
"He was going to ruin everything his father built!"
"With all due respect, ma'am," Richard said softly, "if that audio recording from yesterday reaches the grand jury, you won't just lose the estate."
"You will be facing conspiracy and wire fraud charges before the week is out."
Eleanor turned slowly, her dark eyes flashing with dangerous calculation.
"Then we make sure the audio never reaches the court."
"Find out where that girl and the child are staying."
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"I don't care what it costs, Richard."
"Get me those files."
