Effective immediately, you are removed as manager of Hartwell Dining Group.
Your employment is terminated for cause.
The trust has filed a civil claim for embezzlement, forgery, and fraudulent transfer of protected assets.”
Evan didn’t move.
“The amount,” Daniel continued, “is $847,000 over fourteen months.
Routed through a shell account in your mother’s name.”
Gloria’s face went white.
“I didn’t know about any account.”
Daniel looked at her.
“We know.
The account was opened with your signature, but the handwriting analysis is already complete.
It’s not yours.
It’s his.”
Evan’s hands went flat on the table.
The woman in the gray suit stepped forward.
“I’m Karen Kessler, family law attorney, retained by the Hartwell Trust on behalf of Emily Hartwell.
I’m here to file an emergency protective order and initiate divorce proceedings.”
“You can’t—” Evan started.
“I can,” Karen said.
“I have fourteen months of audio recordings, medical records from two ER visits — yes, Emily, we found those — and a sworn statement from a neighbor who called CPS twice and was told both times that the home was ‘stable.'”
Emily looked up.
“Mrs.
Patterson called?”
“She did.
She also sent a text to this number three weeks ago.” Karen looked at me.
“She sent it to Margaret.”
I stared at her.
“I don’t—”
“An anonymous number.
‘Your daughter needs you.
Come now.
Don’t call first.'” Karen paused.
“We traced the number.
It was a burner phone purchased at the pharmacy on Oak Street.”
She looked at Gloria.
Gloria’s hands were shaking.
“I bought it.
I bought the phone and I sent the text.
I couldn’t—” She stopped.
“I couldn’t watch anymore.”
Evan stared at his mother.
“You did what?”
