“That’s forged.”

“Yes,” Rebecca said. “Three days before the wedding. Daniel only needs the trustee’s certification now. Once that’s filed, he can claim HB Coastal Ventures controls the voting rights.

I’ve delayed the filing, but I can’t block it indefinitely without exposing myself.”

Footsteps sounded downstairs. Marta’s voice floated up. “Mr. Hart, I didn’t realize you were coming.” Daniel answered pleasantly. “I wanted to surprise Charles.”

There was no rear door. “There’s a service staircase behind the linen cabinet,” my father said. “It leads to the kitchen. My father built it during Prohibition.”

Rebecca pressed the side molding of a paneled cabinet near the fireplace, and a narrow door released with a soft click. Daniel’s footsteps were already on the stairs.