Chapter 19 - A Different Name
Michael announced the reorganization three months later.
Bennett Group would keep its legal name during the restructuring, but the operating companies would be rebranded under independent management.
No Bennett would automatically inherit a board seat.
No family member could serve as trustee and executive officer at the same time.
Lily’s trust would be professionally managed until she was thirty.
Emma insisted on that part.
“I don’t want her growing up thinking money is a personality,” she said.
Michael laughed. “That sounds like something my father would say.”
“Richard?”
“Yes.”
He no longer hesitated before calling Richard his father.
DNA had answered one question.
Love had answered the more important one.
Diane pleaded guilty to a long list of financial crimes, obstruction, conspiracy, and charges related to Lily and Stephen’s death. Her final sentence would be decided later, but she would not return to the mansion.
Emma refused to visit her.
Michael went once.
Diane sat behind glass in county custody wearing a plain beige uniform.
“You sold the lake house,” she said.
“Yes.”
“Your father loved that place.”
“He loved people more.”
Diane looked down.
“Do you hate me?”
Michael considered lying.
“No.”
She looked surprised.
“I don’t trust you. I don’t forgive you. And you will never be alone with my daughter.”
Diane’s mouth tightened.
“That sounds like hate.”
“It’s a boundary.”
He stood.
“Michael.”
He stopped.
“For what it’s worth, I did love you.”
Michael looked at her through the glass.
“I believe you.”
Hope flickered across her face.
Then he added, “That’s what makes what you did worse.”
He left.
Outside, Emma waited with Lily.
The baby reached for him.
Michael lifted her high enough to make her laugh.
For the first time since the balcony, Emma did not picture falling.
She pictured flying.
Then Rachel called.
“There’s one last issue with Richard’s letter.”
Michael groaned. “Please tell me no one has another secret father.”
Rachel laughed.
“No. This one is good.”
“What is it?”
“He left instructions for a new foundation.”
“For what?”
“For children whose inheritance or custody is being manipulated by abusive relatives.”
Michael looked at Lily.
“What did he call it?”
May you like
Rachel paused.
“The Lily Fund.”
