Chapter 6
Garrett’s explanation came through his lawyer.
Not a confession.
A counterattack.
He accused Alessia of using an “internal audit” to manufacture allegations after their marriage collapsed.
He accused Miriam of manipulating foundation books because she resented Evelyn.
He demanded an independent review.
Alessia’s answer surprised him.
“Yes.”
Naomi looked at her.
“Completely independent?”
“Yes.”
“That means you don’t choose what they find.”
“I understand.”
“Your family won’t like it.”
“They don’t need to.”
The Carbone Relief Foundation had clean charitable operations.
Carbone Hospitality was legitimate.
But both touched family members, vendors, properties, and banking relationships Alessia knew would make certain relatives uncomfortable under outside scrutiny.
Still, an independent review would destroy Garrett’s argument that Alessia controlled the evidence.
Before she signed anything, Naomi asked:
“Are you doing this because it’s smart or because you’re angry?”
“Both.”
“Pick the smart part.”
Alessia considered.
“Because if I control the investigation, Garrett gets to say the truth belongs to me.”
Naomi nodded.
“Better.”
The same day, another odd document surfaced.
A reputation-management consultant had prepared a memo for Garrett six days before the gala.
Its subject:
Leadership Continuity During Personal Crisis
The memo discussed how a public domestic controversy involving a senior executive could affect boards, donors, sponsors, and lenders.
Alessia read it twice.
“Why was Garrett preparing for a personal crisis before the gala?”
Naomi’s eyes narrowed.
“Good question.”
The consultant claimed Garrett had described it as routine planning.
Possible.
But strange.
Then Sarah Whitmore, the outside foundation trustee invited to the gala, called Naomi.
“I need to tell you why Garrett invited me.”
Sarah had assumed Alessia wanted to discuss expanding the foundation.
Garrett privately told her there were “concerns about Alessia’s temper” and asked her to pay attention to how family disagreements were handled.
“When?” Naomi asked.
“The afternoon before the gala.”
Alessia sat very still.
“What exactly did he expect you to see?”
“He didn’t say.”
Sarah sounded increasingly uncomfortable.
“He just said I might understand soon why the foundation needed more neutral leadership.”
May you like
That was no longer ordinary marital resentment.
Garrett had been laying groundwork before Miriam ever hit the marble.
