Harold rose and disappeared into his office. He returned with an old leather folder, Thomas’s initials stamped near the bottom. “I kept copies of the original succession plan.

I was still chairman when it was drafted.” He opened it. Inside was a schedule showing Thomas Carter’s ownership interest in Carter-Bennett Hospitality Textiles, before the company was renamed.

Forty percent transferred to Margaret Carter through a marital trust. Voting rights retained. Quarterly distributions. Independent access to financial records.

I read the page several times. “This says I own forty percent.”

“Yes.”

“Daniel told me the shares went into a family holding company.”