“It means someone made a digital image of Astrid’s signature,” Yvonne answered flatly, “and pasted it, over and over, onto financial documents she never saw.” Someone inside the Abernathy inner circle had gone to considerable lengths to make high-risk resolutions look unanimous to outside auditors — by forging the consent of the one family member with clean hands.

Chapter 7 — Astrid

Astrid called my personal line late the next afternoon, her voice frantic.

“Freya, Kieran called me in an absolute rage today, saying you’re trying to destroy the family.

Please tell me what is actually going on.”

“Before I explain anything,” I said, pacing my living room, “I need to ask you one honest question.

When was the last time you personally reviewed or signed a foundation resolution approving a transfer of funds?”

“I haven’t signed a single corporate document for the foundation since Dad passed away four years ago,” she answered, without hesitation.