It explained that I disputed the accusation, that relevant documents would be preserved, and that future communication should go through counsel.

That afternoon, Simon uncovered an oddity in the draft acquisition contract.

A seller disclosure schedule represented that no executive or close relative held an interest in certain listed suppliers.

Bluehaven was listed.

Marilyn’s company was not.

But a vendor payment trail connected them through the same intermediary.

The buyer’s lawyers had apparently identified some of those inconsistencies during diligence.

Their refusal to close wasn’t mysterious.