"We'll preserve relevant communications, have the appropriate parties review financial activity, and protect the interests of the beneficiaries and affected organizations."
Daniel looked toward the window.
"What about my mother?"
Marcus hesitated.
"She's entitled to representation. And if she has been acting as a fiduciary, her decisions may be subject to review by the other trustees or a court, depending on the governing documents."
Daniel closed his eyes.
He had spent his entire life watching his mother command rooms.
Bankers listened when she spoke.
Executives waited for her approval.
Attorneys returned her calls.
He had never imagined seeing her authority questioned.
But then he remembered Claire's message.
The final payment comes after the family documents are signed.
He opened his eyes.
"Do whatever is necessary to establish the truth."
Marcus nodded.
"Then we begin with records."
By noon, Daniel understood that the fake pregnancy was only the visible part of a larger deception.
The family restructuring proposal contained provisions concerning assets associated with Bennett Family Properties and the charitable property trust that held Bennett House.
Some of those provisions were legitimate estate-planning measures.
Others would have shifted decision-making authority in ways Daniel had not fully appreciated.
The documents included approvals for refinancing certain obligations, authorizing transactions involving property interests, and appointing representatives to negotiate on behalf of family-controlled entities.
Marcus examined the proposed arrangements.
Then looked toward Daniel.
"Who prepared these?"
"My mother's advisors."
"Did your independent counsel review them?"
Daniel shook his head.
"I asked for that. She kept pushing for signatures."
Marcus looked toward the calendar.
"The documents were scheduled for tomorrow?"
"Yes."
The lawyer's expression hardened.
He turned several pages.
Then pointed toward a clause.
"This would give broader authority to complete transactions involving the property portfolio."
Daniel leaned forward.
"What transactions?"
"That depends on the supporting agreements."
Marcus continued reviewing.
When he reached the Bennett House schedules, he stopped.
Daniel noticed.
"What?"
The lawyer read carefully.
Then looked up.
"There's a proposed disposition plan."
Daniel stared.
"Sale?"
"Potentially."
He felt his stomach tighten.
"She told me we were restructuring to protect the future baby."
Marcus looked toward him.
"Daniel, nothing about an unborn child requires you to waive informed review of major asset decisions."
Daniel lowered his head.
The words should have been obvious.
Yet he had allowed grief, hope, and his mother's urgency to cloud his judgment.
He thought about the nursery.
The baby names.
The celebration.
And the little girl standing in a white princess dress asking whether her father still loved her.