The strange financial activity had started with small withdrawals. Then came luxury hotel stays, jewelry purchases, and transfers totaling nearly $40,000. Lucas had access to the administrative accounts, but whenever I asked about the missing money, he dismissed my concerns and told me not to worry.
I didn’t believe him anymore.
Without telling my husband, I hired a forensic accountant and consulted an attorney. Their investigation uncovered a disturbing plan: Lucas had been preparing documents designed to transfer my ownership stake in Lumina into his name.
He wasn’t simply spending money he couldn’t explain. He was trying to take control of the business I had spent years building.
Then Beatrice called me over to her table.
She pushed a thick folder toward me and ordered me to sign the papers immediately.
“Lucas understands business,” she said dismissively. “Your job is to stay in the kitchen and cook.”
Several of her guests nodded as if her words made perfect sense.
