Chapter Seven: The Education

They spent the next three hours going through documents.

Patterson explained the company structure. The board of directors. The key employees. The major clients.

He showed her financial statements. Property deeds. Investment portfolios.

It was overwhelming.

But as they talked, Simone found herself remembering Harold’s lessons.

The business concepts he’d explained.

The management principles he’d shared.

The market analysis he’d taught her.

It started making sense.

“The board meeting is scheduled for next Monday,” Patterson said.

“They’ll be surprised by the ownership change. But they’ll have to accept it. Harold owned eighty percent of the stock. You’re now the majority owner and chairman of the board.”

“What about Dererick’s position as vice president?”

“Terminated as of this morning.”

Patterson’s voice was matter-of-fact.

“Security has already cleared out his office. His company credit cards are cancelled. His access to all systems is revoked.”

“And the criminal charges?”

“The district attorney has all the evidence. They’ll arrest Dererick within the week. The case is very strong. He’ll likely plead guilty to avoid a longer sentence.”

Simone thought about Dererick in prison.

Part of her felt guilty.

But she remembered Harold’s words.

Don’t try to save him. Dererick needs to face consequences.

“What about Vanessa?”

“She wasn’t involved in the embezzlement, so no charges there. But she’s fired from the company effective immediately. HR is handling that.”

“The house?”

“Yours. It was in Harold’s name, not Dererick’s. Dererick has no legal claim to it. You can change the locks whenever you’re ready.”

Simone thought about that house.

The home she’d lived in for ten years.

The place where Dererick had humiliated her just last night.

“I want to sell it,” she said suddenly.

“I don’t want to live there anymore.”

“Understandable,” Patterson said.

“I can recommend a real estate agent.”

They continued working through details until late afternoon.

Patterson’s secretary brought them lunch.

Simone barely tasted it.

Her mind was spinning with information. Plans. Fears. Possibilities.

Finally, around four o’clock, Patterson closed the last folder.

“That’s enough for today. You’re probably exhausted.”

“I am,” Simone admitted.

“Where are you staying tonight? Do you need hotel recommendations?”

Simone hadn’t thought about that.

The house was technically hers now. But Dererick might be there.

The thought of facing him again made her stomach turn.

“A hotel would be good,” she said.

Patterson pulled out his phone. Made a call.

Within minutes, he’d arranged a suite at a luxury hotel downtown.

“It’s on the company account,” he said.

“Or your account now, I suppose.”

He drove her to the hotel himself.

As they pulled up, he turned to her with a serious expression.

“Mrs. Bennett. Simone. I want you to know something.”

“I’ve been practicing law for thirty-five years. I’ve handled hundreds of wills and estates. Harold Bennett was one of the finest men I ever met.”

“And what he did for you—that wasn’t charity. That wasn’t manipulation. That was a smart man recognizing quality in another person.”

“He believed in you. And I think he was right too.”

Simone’s eyes filled with tears again.

“Thank you.”

“The road ahead won’t be easy,” Patterson continued.

“Dererick will make noise. People will gossip. You’ll face challenges at the company. But you’re tougher than you think. Harold saw that. Now you need to see it too.”

Simone nodded. Didn’t trust herself to speak.

Patterson handed her a business card.

“My personal cell number is on the back. Call me day or night if you need anything. Anything at all. I’m not just your lawyer. I’m your ally.”

She took the card gratefully.

Got out of the car.

The hotel doorman welcomed her.

She walked into the gleaming lobby feeling like she’d stepped into another universe.

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