The Man Behind the Transfer
Chapter 08 - The Man Behind the Transfer
Richard Sinclair invited me to his private club, claiming he wanted to clear up misunderstandings. Rebecca accompanied me. Richard's expression tightened when he saw her, but he recovered quickly.
He described the Brooklyn property as a financial burden and insisted redevelopment would benefit the foundation. His presentation contained projections, glossy renderings, and promises of generous community programming.
Then Rebecca asked why his daughter held an interest in the acquiring company.
Richard answered that wealthy families often invest through trusts and that no improper influence had occurred.
“Then disclose every material relationship to the board,” she said.
He leaned back. “Daniel, is this really how you want to begin your marriage?”
“There is no wedding date now.”
His polite expression vanished.
“You'd abandon Vanessa because your sister stumbled on some stairs?”
“She was injured after your daughter physically confronted her. The video shows that much.”
“Your father was a practical man,” Richard said. “He would never have passed on a profitable deal because of hurt feelings.”
I thought about Dad's handwritten instructions for the community building.
“You didn't know my father as well as you think.”
We left without an agreement. Outside, Rebecca said, “He wanted the conversation to become a test of loyalty. Don't let him make it one.”
That night, Emily sent me an architectural sketch from her hospital bed. She had redesigned the old entrance to include ramps and an elevator so children and adults with mobility challenges could use every floor.
“Could this actually work?” I asked her on the phone.
May you like
“If we get the money and stop people trying to sell the building out from under us,” she replied.
I smiled for the first time in days. “Then we'd better get to work.”
