All supposedly had my approval.
Every signature was forged.
I’d already retained an independent forensic accountant and a lawyer.
But I hadn’t confronted Adam because we were still tracking the missing funds.
Now the final piece was standing in front of me.
“Adam,” I said softly, “who prepared that authorization?”
He shrugged.
“You signed it months ago.”
“Where?”
“At home.”
“Interesting. Because the date on that document is March eighteenth.”
His expression shifted.
“So?”
“On March eighteenth, I was in Switzerland.”
Vanessa quickly interrupted.
“You could have signed it electronically!”
“Perhaps. May I inspect it?”
Sofia gave me the copy after Adam reluctantly agreed.
I immediately recognized the signature.
It had been copied from an insurance form I’d signed eleven years earlier. Even the distinctive gap in the last letter was identical.
I photographed the document.
Adam’s tone grew sharp.
“Stop treating me like a criminal!”
I faced him.
“Then stop behaving like one.”
Celeste gasped dramatically.
“How dare you accuse your own son!”
Ignoring her, I addressed Sofia.
“Would you please check whether this account has any restrictions?”
Sofia checked her tablet.
Her expression shifted.
“Yes, Mrs. Whitmore. The account requires personal approval for all third-party charges.”
Adam moved forward.
“That’s ridiculous! We used it last month!”
“That’s precisely the problem,” I replied.
