Trevor found us new investors. Well, one major investor who wants to fund the entire expansion. We’re meeting with him tomorrow to sign contracts. I watched my son’s face as he processed what he was hearing.
Trevor, the man Lennox had been having an affair with, was now supposedly finding investors for the business. The same business that was already being funded by money she’d never known about. That’s that’s great, Darren said carefully. Who is this investor?
Someone Trevor’s worked with before. Very private, very exclusive. He wants to remain anonymous, but he’s willing to invest $200,000. 200,000 more than the trust had provided over 2 years.
I found myself wondering where this mysterious money was really coming from and what Lennux was promising in return. We’ll finally be able to expand properly, Lennox continued, then noticed me sitting at the table. Her expression immediately hardened. Ramona, did you make a decision about cosigning that loan?
because if this other investor comes through, we might not need it. Actually, I said calmly, I did make a decision. I won’t be co-signing any loans. Lennox’s smile faltered.
Why not? Because I don’t think your business model is sustainable. What would you know about business models? Lennox snapped, her mask finally slipping completely.
You’ve never worked a day in the corporate world. You don’t understand the first thing about building a company. Darren cleared his throat. Actually, Lennox, mom has been involved in your business more than you know.
Something in his tone made Lennox go very still. What do you mean? Tell her, Mom, Darren said quietly. Tell her where the money really came from.
I stood up slowly, enjoying the way Lennox’s confident expression began to crumble. The Montgomery Trust has been funding luminous beauty since its inception. Every anonymous investor, every mysterious transfer, every dollar you thought came from strangers. It all came from my husband’s estate.
Money that I control. Lennux’s face went white. That’s impossible. Is it?
You never wondered why legitimate investors suddenly lost interest when the funding stopped. You never questioned why no one could provide contact information for your previous backers. I opened another folder. This one containing copies of every transfer, every payment, every dollar that had flowed from the trust to her business.
Two years, Lennox. Two years of building your dreams with my money while treating me like I was worthless. while having an affair with Trevor and using my money to pay for hotel rooms. Lennox’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air.
Finally, she turned to Darren. You can’t believe this nonsense. She’s a bitter old woman who’s jealous of our success. But Darren was already standing up, the hotel receipts in his hand.
Is this nonsense, too? These receipts for the Marriott? these charges to the business account for consulting fees that happened to coincide with your Tuesday and Thursday afternoon disappearances. The fight went out of Lennox all at once.
She sagged against the door frame and for the first time since I’d known her. She looked her age. I want you out, Darren said quietly. Pack your things and leave tonight.