Chapter 2 - The Silent Partner
The entire ballroom erupted into chaotic whispers.
My grandmother stared at the forged notary stamp with wide eyes.
Marcus stepped back and bumped into the large tiered birthday cake.
He tried to laugh it off and call the documents a silly mistake.
I picked up the microphone and spoke directly to the silent crowd.
A simple mistake does not explain why Marcus was listed as the silent partner of the failing company.
I pulled out the corporate formation papers from the briefcase.
My father owned sixty percent of the ruined construction business.
He was personally liable for the four million dollar debt.
That was the real reason he desperately needed Derek to live in my house.
If Derek defaulted on the payment plan, the aggressive creditors would seize the primary residence of the business owners.
Marcus wanted them legally established at my address so the creditors would target my home instead of his mansion.
Derek suddenly lunged forward and tried to snatch the papers from my hand.
I stepped back and let the papers fall to the floor.
It did not matter if he destroyed them.
I had already sent digital copies to my attorney.
Derek turned bright red as he clenched his fists.
He looked at Marcus and demanded to know why the plan had failed.
May you like
Marcus pointed a shaking finger at me and told Derek to handle his own problems.
Derek reached inside his tailored tuxedo jacket and pulled out a heavy steel revolver.
