“He claims critical business decisions cannot wait.”
The speed of it hurt almost as much as the betrayal itself. Richard had not gone home to grieve. He had gone home to collect.
“Did they grant it?”
“No. Your revised trust blocked him.”
Months earlier, I had changed the structure of my estate. In the event of my death or incapacity, control would pass temporarily to an independent committee. Richard would retain the house, personal funds, and a generous allowance, but he would gain no authority over Hayes Technologies.
The change had caused our worst argument.
He had accused me of treating him like an outsider.
I had apologized.
I wished now that I had not.
“What did he say when the trustees refused?” I asked.
Daniel’s expression changed.
“He said the revised documents were invalid because you were mentally unwell when you signed them.”
The words settled heavily.
“He planned for both outcomes.”
“It appears so.”
“If I died, he inherited what remained outside the trust. If I survived but accused him, he would claim I was unstable.”
Lena nodded.
“He built two stories.”
I looked down at my hands.
“What happens if I stay hidden?”
“Richard continues acting under the assumption that you are missing,” Daniel said. “We observe who contacts him, who moves money, and who helps support his account.”
“That sounds like using my death as bait.”
“It is dangerous,” Lena said. “Not physically, if security holds, but emotionally and legally.”
“My mother will hear I’m missing.”
Daniel hesitated.
“She already has.”
Pain moved through me.
My mother lived in Boston and had a heart condition. We spoke every Sunday. She had never trusted Richard, but she had accepted him for my sake.
“Tell her.”
“We would have to explain why she cannot contact anyone.”
“Tell her anyway.”
“I will.”
“What about the company?”
“Your board believes rescue operations are ongoing. I have asked them to delay any public statement.”
A television mounted in the corner showed silent footage of the California coast. A red banner at the bottom displayed my name.
BILLIONAIRE TECH EXECUTIVE MISSING AFTER HELICOPTER ACCIDENT.
