Chapter 16 - THE REVIEW OF CALLOWAY ADVISORYIndependent audit found Calloway Advisory had performed legitimate services.
But fees were above market.
Not fraudulent.
Not fake.
Poor governance.
Richard had approved too much because James’s father, Edward Calloway, was old friend.
Some work could have been competitively bid.
Estimated overpayment:
$1.9 million over three years.
James was furious at father.
“You put me in impossible position.”
Edward shrugged.
“I negotiated what they agreed.”
“Claire thinks our family took advantage.”
“We provided value.”
“Not issue.”
James had changed.
Or maybe marriage forced clarity.
He asked Edward to repay portion voluntarily.
Edward refused.
“Never apologize for good contract.”
James resigned from family advisory board.
That cost inheritance influence.
Claire did not ask.
He did anyway.
Not heroically.
Because conflict mattered.
Richard agreed future related-party contracts required independent bid.
Bennett Trust accepted.
One obstacle removed.
Ava told James:
“That was right.”
He smiled.
“High praise.”
“Don’t get used.”
Claire saw them speaking after meeting.
For a moment old insecurity rose.
Then she walked over.
James put arm around her.
No secrecy.
No triangle.
Ava left first.
The gossip story had tried to create competition.
Reality was less dramatic and more mature.
May you like
That disappointed internet.
It suited them.
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