Chapter 13
The acquisition division survived the scandal.
It became slower.
Rafael considered that an improvement.
No more handwritten bid ceilings traveling through the estate.
Confidential acquisition packages stayed inside controlled business channels.
People who needed the final ceiling received it only when necessary.
Related-party interests had to be disclosed before someone participated in a deal.
Outside brokers received clearer conflict rules.
Senior relatives complained that deals now required too many signatures.
Rafael reminded them how much several missing signatures had cost.
The broader review found unrelated problems too.
One cousin had referred properties while quietly receiving brokerage fees.
Not illegal by itself.
Undisclosed.
The relationship ended.
A longtime adviser used his brother’s construction company without proper competitive review.
The contract was rebid.
Martin, the CFO, admitted he had noticed Harbor Crest’s narrow wins but accepted Logan’s explanation too easily.
He remained in his role after the board concluded he had not participated in the scheme, but his performance review reflected the failure.
Daniel faced discipline for changing the service-corridor camera without direct approval.
Grace received no punishment.
She had made a judgment error by accepting Cassandra’s explanation of Lucy’s comments, but investigators found she had no reason then to suspect a business scheme or serious confinement abuse.
She asked Rafael:
“How do I know next time when a kid’s weird story is important?”
Rafael answered:
“You don’t.”
She looked at him.
“So?”
“You tell somebody.”
Simple.
Embarrassing.
Better.
The chest freezer was removed from the estate.
Not destroyed theatrically.
Not thrown into the pool.
Evidence technicians released it after documentation was complete.
A commercial appliance company hauled it away.
Lucy watched from an upstairs window.
“Is it gone?”
“Yes.”
“Forever?”
“Yes.”
She held Benny under one arm.
The stuffed rabbit had been professionally cleaned.
One ear remained slightly misshapen from moisture and cold.
Rafael offered to buy an identical replacement.
Lucy looked offended.
“He’s Benny.”
So Benny stayed.
Damaged.
May you like
Real.
Still hers.
