Chapter 3 - MARGARET WAS NOT JUST ANOTHER RICH GUESTMargaret Bellamy’s presence at the gala was not accidental either.
She was not merely a socialite.
Her family investment firm owned a significant block of preferred shares in Valle Hospitality.
Victor had been courting her father’s support for months.
Margaret wanted a board seat.
Victor wanted her family’s votes.
Their relationship was political.
Not romantic.
Then emails surfaced.
Margaret to Victor:
If the Morgan girl appears, reception can handle her quietly.
Charlotte stared at the screen.
Morgan girl.
That was her.
Victor replied:
Do not create a scene. Just make sure she doesn’t reach Sebastian before the board dinner.
Margaret:
Understood.
That changed everything.
The slap itself may have been spontaneous.
The attempt to keep Charlotte out was not.
Margaret knew a woman named Charlotte Morgan might appear.
She did not know Charlotte Morgan was Charlotte Valle.
Why?
Because Victor had deliberately used her mother’s surname.
He told Margaret Charlotte was:
“a distant claimant with unrealistic expectations.”
Not granddaughter.
Not trust beneficiary.
Not invited family.
Just claimant.
Charlotte read the message again.
“Why would he do that?”
Sebastian answered:
“Because if Margaret knew who you were, she might have behaved differently.”
Charlotte stared at him.
“That’s exactly what happened anyway.”
“Yes.”
And now they had proof of intent to obstruct her access to the event.
Not necessarily criminal.
May you like
Potentially relevant to governance.
Definitely dishonest.
