Rachel paused.
"I don't know. But you've described a direct threat and a potentially high-stakes financial dispute. Use sensible precautions."
I nodded.
"Okay."
She continued.
"I'll contact the appropriate counsel and discuss next steps. If Mr. Lam's legal team reaches out, direct them to me."
I agreed.
When I ended the call, Teresa was watching me.
She reached across the table.
Took my hand.
Then said quietly, "You're not doing this by yourself."
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I nodded.
And I believed her.
Back in the private dining room, Raymond Lam was discovering that Naomi Bennett's warning had not been an empty accusation.
His lawyer, Irene Ho, joined by secure video call.
She was a fifty-one-year-old Hong Kong attorney with decades of experience in commercial finance and international transactions.
She spoke quickly and precisely.
The moment Mr. Lam explained the concern, she requested the exact version of the disbursement schedule presented for signature.
His adviser provided it through the approved document system.
Irene examined the file.
Then asked for the version the Jade Harbor investment committee had authorized.
That document was retrieved.
The comparison took time.
Not seconds.
Not a miraculous glance at one page.
The files contained multiple schedules, references, and supporting terms.
The lawyer needed to determine whether the alleged changes were genuine, whether they had been approved elsewhere, and whether the final instructions corresponded with the parties' agreement.
Whitmore became increasingly restless.
He checked his watch.
Complained about the delay.
And repeatedly insisted that the documents were consistent with negotiated terms.
Mr. Lam remained calm.
He asked his team to continue.
Eventually, Irene identified a material difference.
The approved schedule required the forty-million-dollar modernization reserve to remain subject to specified project controls and release conditions.
The version presented for signing allowed a category of payments that could be directed through a newly named advisory entity without the same restrictions.
The amount was the same.
The purpose was not.
Irene looked toward Mr. Lam through the screen.
"This requires an explanation and supporting approval."
Mr. Lam nodded.
"Do we have that approval?"
She checked.
"No record has been located in the materials available to me."
Whitmore interrupted.
"Because it's in the final side agreement."
Irene turned toward him.
"Please provide the executed side agreement."
Whitmore hesitated.
Then looked toward his executive.
The man began searching his tablet.
Several minutes passed.
No signed document appeared.
Irene asked for the board approval.
Whitmore said it had been discussed.
She asked for written confirmation.
He said the administrative team would retrieve it.
Mr. Lam looked toward him.
For the first time, genuine anger appeared in his expression.
"Charles, you told me this was ready for signing."
Whitmore leaned forward.
"It is."