“The Holbright corporation filed for bankruptcy protection about five years ago. But honestly it has been teetering on the edge for a decade. They are still in the house on Lincoln Parkway, but it doesn’t look like it’s for much longer. They’ve been liquidating to pay off debts.” Gavin picked up his cup and took a sip.

“Where is Melinda living now?”

“Downtown loft. Get this, the purchase price was two million.” Gavin laughed. “It’s worth more than Bethany’s condo. And I have another bit of interesting information about it.”

“Did Mr. Morgan buy it for her?” Val rolled her eyes, confident of her answer. “Looks like out of these three families, only Gabrielle’s still had money. Jesus, is this the problem Gabrielle and Bethany both had with her? Mr. Morgan treated Melinda the best?” Val remembered Mrs. Morgan’s story about Melinda in a thong in the Morgans’ bedroom.

“Mr. Morgan has nothing to do with this. The loft is owned by WNR LLC.” Gavin took another sip of coffee and held the cup between his hands, his eyes on Val, knowing smile on his face.

Val scrutinized Gavin’s expression. “WNR LLC? Why do I think that’s more important than Mr. Morgan screwing another one of his daughter’s friends?”

“Damn important. And I’m damn proud of myself for digging enough to get this information because it was so well hidden.” Gavin set down his cup, still smiling.

“Did you do something that wasn’t by the book to get this information?” Val teased.

“My tactics are well guarded.” Gavin crossed his arms and grinned wider.

“Pray tell, then.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s Melinda’s corporation.”

“What the f—?” Val stopped short of spitting out the word.

“I also think it’s a front. It’s how she hides her money. And by money I mean the stock she short-sold from GDA Pharmaceutical.” Gavin flipped over the top sheet of paper and pointed to a line on the next page. “On the day the stock was to be returned, WNR LLC had the exact same amount transferred out of its holdings. Payable to, get this, Chandler Trust.”

“Are you serious?”

“Very. Gabrielle’s first husband, Malcom Chandler, set up the trust fund for his family. The trust manager made the deal that loaned the stock.” Gavin looked up at Val. “That manager’s name was Scott Payne.”

“What?” Val flew up off the chair.

“There’s more,” Gavin said. “Scott lost his job after this transaction. Went to work at The Next Step. Where later, Gabrielle would be employed.”

Val’s head spun at the revelation. “Can you prove any of this about the trust?”