Chapter 16 - “IF YOU LEAVE, YOU GET NOTHING”Beatrice was released pending proceedings under strict conditions and no-contact order involving Caleb.
Grant returned to mansion only to collect belongings.
Audra refused to go.
Lucia helped pack Caleb’s room.
Grant stood in his study when family attorney Walter Briggs entered.
“Your mother asked me to speak with you.”
“No.”
“This concerns trust.”
Grant looked up.
“Of course it does.”
Walter hesitated.
Beatrice controlled discretionary family trust distributions and significant voting shares.
Grant’s salary and executive position were separate, but deeply tied to Montgomery Group.
“If you resign and publicly distance yourself from family during active investigation, there may be consequences.”
“Define.”
“Suspension from board.”
“Loss of discretionary trust benefits.”
“Removal from succession plan.”
Grant stared.
Then Beatrice appeared at study door despite Walter’s attempt to stop.
She was allowed in house under conditions because Caleb not there.
“Think carefully.”
Grant looked at mother.
“You should not be here.”
“This is my house.”
“There it is.”
Beatrice stepped inside.
“If you walk out with that woman, you’re done.”
Grant’s eyes sharpened.
“Her name is Audra.”
“No company.”
“No inheritance.”
“No family property.”
“Camille will take your place.”
Grant almost smiled.
“Camille?”
Beatrice’s face hardened.
“You think I won’t?”
Grant removed watch.
A Montgomery heirloom his father gave him at thirty.
Placed it on desk.
Then company car keys.
Then executive access card.
Walter stared.
“Grant.”
Grant looked at mother.
“Keep everything.”
Beatrice went pale.
“You’re emotional.”
“No.”
“For first time in years I’m very clear.”
“You’ll come crawling back.”
Grant took personal wallet.
Phone.
Wedding ring remained.
“Maybe.”
“But if I do, it won’t be without my wife and son.”
“And you will never be near Caleb again unless he chooses when he’s older and professionals say it’s safe.”
Beatrice’s mouth opened.
Grant walked past.
At front door Lucia stood with two suitcases.
She looked nervous.
“Sir.”
“Lucia.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I should have seen something.”
“You saved him.”
Lucia shook head.
“I heard him.”
“That was enough.”
Grant offered hand.
Then left Montgomery House carrying one suitcase.
No company driver.
No security.
No inheritance certainty.
For first time since birth—
May you like
Grant Montgomery did not know what came next.
He had never felt lighter.
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