Chapter 8 - My first serious mistake
Three weeks after the warehouse, I did something foolish.
Fairfield suspended Victor and Claire’s discretionary trust distributions pending its internal abuse review.
Not at my unilateral command.
Based on police reports, medical records, and the trust clause.
Victor’s attorney publicly implied I had engineered the entire situation to disinherit two children and enrich Eli.
That infuriated me.
I called a longtime family friend, Malcolm Shaw, who sat on the board of Hart Legacy Properties, where Victor was still managing director.
I said:
“If Victor can lock his mother in a warehouse, perhaps he should not control family buildings.”
Was that a reasonable concern?
Yes.
Was Malcolm the correct process?
No.
The board had its own governance procedures.
Victor’s criminal conduct was under investigation.
I was using personal influence.
Malcolm immediately requested an emergency board meeting.
Victor’s attorney learned of my call.
Now they had:
Mother retaliates against son’s employment after financial dispute.
Rachel was furious.
“You do not call directors.”
“He locked me in a warehouse.”
“And the board knows.”
“He stole my checking account.”
“We are investigating.”
“I’m supposed to do nothing?”
“You are supposed to do the things that belong to you.”
I hated that sentence.
Because it was correct.
I sent Malcolm a follow-up email:
My prior call reflected my personal fear and anger. Please rely on the board’s independent process and evidence, not my request.
Embarrassing.
Necessary.
Victor was later placed on leave anyway.
But by the board.
May you like
Not by Mom.
Different.
