Chapter 2 - THE WAGES THAT BOUGHT THE BALLROOM.
The drawer contained a recorder, payroll ledgers and letters from mansion employees whose wages had been reduced during the Ashford bankruptcy.
In exchange, the family promised them ownership shares and permanent housing.
Grant laughed.
“Servants were paid to work. They did not buy this house.”
Eleanor’s expression hardened.
“They accepted less pay so your father could stop the bank from taking it.”
Anna Brooks had served as the employees’ attorney and trustee. When she demanded the shares, Grant accused her of stealing jewelry and used the scandal to remove her from the estate.
Vanessa looked at the silent staff lining the ballroom.
“You called their sacrifice loyalty until repayment became due.”
The recorder clicked on. Anna’s voice said, “If Grant claims I abandoned Lily, check the charity clinic in Richmond.”
Grant reached toward the device, but Eleanor stopped him.
The final ledger page showed monthly clinic payments approved by Grant’s company.
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The patient name was not Anna Brooks.
It was Vanessa Cole.
