Chapter 15 - The criminal case against Genevieve
Six months after the birthday, prosecutors charged Genevieve.
Narrowly.
Not attempted theft of ninety-six million dollars.
The fake amendment never transferred the trust.
Charges focused on:
Knowing use of fabricated legal instrument.
Attempted fraud in connection with family settlement negotiations.
False statements tied to provenance.
No racketeering fantasy.
No conspiracy with the whole family.
Adrian was the key cooperating witness.
Genevieve surrendered through counsel.
No raid.
Released pending trial.
Travel limits.
No contact with Adrian except counsel/family matters? They had a child. Structured communication.
No destruction of records.
Then Felix.
He came home from school to reporters.
That enraged me.
I had security move media perimeter from Genevieve’s gate only through lawful property boundaries.
No threats.
No camera smashing.
Genevieve called.
First direct call in months.
“You did that?”
“Did what?”
“Moved them.”
“I asked security to keep them off private property.”
Silence.
Then:
“Why?”
“Felix is ten.”
She started crying.
I had not heard her cry since our father died.
“Benedict.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know how to tell him.”
“Tell him what is true.”
“What if I go away?”
“Then he will still have family.”
She was quiet.
Then:
“Would you take him?”
“If needed and legally appropriate.”
That answer cost me nothing.
Still, she heard it.
“Even after everything?”
“He didn’t do anything.”
May you like
There.
Then she hung up.
