Chapter 5 - The Mansion Was Never Paid For
Eastbridge Bank gave Vivian ten business days.
She lasted four before calling Emma.
Emma ignored the first three calls.
On the fourth, Vivian left a voicemail.
“You have made your point.”
Emma replayed it twice.
Not I’m sorry.
Not I shouldn’t have touched you.
Not Thank you for saving us for four years.
You have made your point.
Emma forwarded the message to Rebecca.
Rebecca replied:
Useful.
Emma laughed.
Lawyers had strange definitions of useful.
The bank appraisal arrived that afternoon.
The Mercer mansion was worth $3.1 million.
Total secured debt—
$2.94 million.
After closing costs and penalties, the family had almost no equity.
The mansion everyone believed represented generations of Mercer wealth was essentially an expensive rental owned by lenders.
Vivian refused to accept it.
“This house was purchased by Richard’s father.”
The banker corrected her.
“The original house was.”
Vivian’s face changed.
Thomas Caldwell continued.
“Mr. Mercer refinanced repeatedly.”
“For business.”
“For lifestyle expenses as well.”
“That’s impossible.”
Thomas opened a file.
“Private club dues. Vehicles. Personal taxes. Vacation expenses.”
Vivian stared.
Richard had not merely left debt.
He had used debt to preserve the illusion of wealth for years.
Emma had then spent four more years extending the illusion.
Vivian whispered:
“He lied to me.”
May you like
Thomas said nothing.
Some truths did not require commentary.
