Daniel carefully read page fourteen.
Then page fifteen.
His expression became colder with every paragraph.
The contract would not simply complete an investment.
It would give Hale Strategic Partners control over several patents owned by Carter Industries.
Daniel looked at Victoria.
You told me this was temporary.
She answered quickly.
It is.
Claire shook her head.
No.
Read the renewal clause.
Daniel found it.
Automatic renewal for ten years.
His face changed.
Victoria started crying.
I was going to fix it later.
Daniel stared at her.
After I signed?
She said nothing.
Claire reached into her apron.
Then she removed an old photograph.
It showed Robert Hale standing beside Victoria years earlier.
Daniel looked at the picture.
Victoria had known Claire’s father personally.
Victoria finally admitted it.
Robert had discovered the arrangement before his death.
Daniel leaned back.
So the waitress knew more about this deal than I did.
Claire quietly answered.
Because my father spent his last months trying to stop it.
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