Chapter 13 - THE LAWYER WHO ARRIVED TOO FASTMeredith Shaw’s arrival had fueled conspiracy online.
Some said she knew.
Some said staged rescue.
Some said Callahans laundering scandal.
Reality:
Jacob Reed’s email.
But Meredith had earlier suspicion.
Three weeks before gala, she received an automated notice that someone requested interpretation of Caroline trust death-contingency clause.
She called Adrian.
He said:
routine estate review.
She accepted.
That was her failure.
She had known Adrian professionally fifteen years.
Trusted.
After rescue, she turned that failure into diligence.
She voluntarily disclosed to investigators.
No cover.
Roland initially angry:
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were in London and I believed it routine.”
“Shouldn’t.”
“Yes.”
She did not defend.
Trust strengthened through accountability.
Meredith also discovered Lenora had tried to replace her as family counsel with Adrian-connected attorney after merger. Roland rejected at time without thought.
That might have been plan:
remove independent gatekeeper.
Meredith became witness, so separate counsel handled defense.
Good ethics.
She stepped aside from certain roles.
Roland respected.
No all-powerful attorney.
May you like
She helped ensure Emmett’s trust gets independent counsel.
This chapter gives institutional realism.
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