Chapter 8 - THE COLLATERAL The Milwaukee development had been Carlo's obsession for years.
Luxury apartments.
Retail space.
A private club.
It was supposed to become his independent empire.
Instead, it was drowning.
The outstanding loan stood at $7.4 million.
And Carlo had pledged something he didn't own.
The Rinaldi North Distribution Center.
A major family asset.
Mateo stared at the collateral schedule.
“My signature isn't here.”
Rebecca nodded.
“Because it didn't need to be if they believed the emergency council resolution was valid.”
Mateo slammed his palm against the table.
“So the resolution gave Carlo temporary control.”
“Yes.”
“And he used it to gamble with the family's largest assets.”
“Yes.”
Clara whispered:
“And Eleanor wanted me to sign the continuity agreement at the same time.”
Rebecca nodded.
“Exactly.”
Everything connected.
The fake agreement would weaken Clara's authority.
The council resolution would strengthen Carlo's.
The financial transfers would keep his failing project alive.
And the postpartum narrative would make Clara easier to manipulate.
Mateo felt sick.
This wasn't a family argument.
It was a coordinated takeover.
Then Lakecrest Capital, the lender, sent an email.
The message was brief.
They had discovered the governance irregularities.
And they wanted answers.
Mateo read the final sentence twice.
Failure to disclose material changes may constitute a covenant violation.
He looked at Rebecca.
“When did they send this?”
“Three months ago.”
“Who received it?”
Rebecca hesitated.
“Carlo.”
“Who else?”
“Eleanor.”
Mateo's expression changed.
May you like
They had hidden the warning from him.
And suddenly he understood why.
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