The family business, Whitmore Coastal Development, had nearly collapsed after Dad buried it in debt and bad deals. I rebuilt it, bought out investors, settled lawsuits, and quietly secured controlling shares through a legal restructuring he signed because he never read documents he dismissed as “women’s paperwork.”
I pulled out my phone and called our general counsel.
“Evelyn,” I said, “activate the emergency board protocol.”
Dad’s face drained of color.
Mom whispered, “Natalie, what are you doing?”
“Protecting my company. And my house.”
Within twenty minutes, Dad’s access to company accounts was suspended. Brielle’s consulting contract was terminated. Mom’s corporate card was frozen.
