Chapter 10 - The Brother Who Always Knew BestWarren Mercer arrived in a charcoal suit with a silver watch and the calm expression of a man who expected everyone to listen when he spoke.
At forty-five, he resembled Julian around the eyes.
But where Julian's face carried visible exhaustion, Warren looked polished and composed.
He entered the music room without asking permission.
Then stopped beside Claire's damaged piano.
"My God."
Julian stood near the window.
Warren shook his head.
"She loved this instrument."
"I know."
"You really did this?"
"Yes."
Warren turned.
"Do you understand how unstable you've become?"
Julian felt anger rise.
He kept his hands at his sides.
"I understand that I lost control."
Warren glanced toward Nora, who sat nearby with a folder.
"And you've hired a lawyer to make excuses?"
Nora answered before Julian could.
"I'm here to address the trust records and protect my client's interests."
Warren smiled thinly.
"Of course."
Julian gestured toward a chair.
"Sit down."
Warren hesitated.
He wasn't accustomed to being instructed by his younger brother.
Nevertheless, he sat.
Julian placed Celeste's care notebook on the table.
"Did you know she was keeping this?"
Warren glanced at it.
"She was documenting Lily's difficulties."
"Did you ask her to?"
"I encouraged proper records."
"Why?"
"Because Lily has been struggling."
"According to Celeste."
"According to several people."
"Name them."
Warren's jaw shifted.
"Julian, this isn't productive."
"Name the people."
Warren leaned back.
"Celeste, Edward, and the household reports."
Julian nodded slowly.
"Anyone who actually examined Lily?"
Warren didn't respond.
Julian opened another folder.
"Dr. Patel says Lily's appointments were canceled."
"That doesn't mean she didn't need care."
"Nobody's arguing against care. I'm asking why the trust was billed for services she apparently never received."
Warren's expression cooled.
"You're confusing billing classifications with actual expenditures."
"Then show me what was paid."
Nora slid a written request across the table.
"We've requested the complete general ledger, vendor invoices, bank records, and supporting contracts."
Warren barely glanced at it.
"The trust has a review process."
"Which is approaching," Nora said.
Julian frowned.
"How soon?"
Warren crossed his legs.
"Claire established a special accounting review when Lily reaches two years old. It's a routine safeguard."
"Four months from now," Nora clarified.
Julian looked at his brother.
"Why didn't you remind me?"
"I assumed you remembered."
Julian stared at him.
Claire had created Lily's trust after learning that her inherited music-publishing royalties would continue earning money long after her death.
She wanted the income protected for their daughter.
At the time, Julian was traveling constantly for work.
Warren had managed parts of the family's investments for years.
Claire had agreed to name him trustee because he understood the royalties and the accounting obligations.
Julian now wondered whether her decision had been a mistake.
"Why are you pushing me to approve the expense report before the review?" Julian asked.
Warren smiled faintly.
"Because a signed acknowledgment helps establish that the parent understood the child's expenses."
"It doesn't eliminate your responsibility as trustee."
Warren's smile faded.
"No one said it did."
"Then you won't object to an independent review."
"I object to being accused without proof."
Julian looked toward the piano.
"Someone billed forty-two thousand dollars for repairs that apparently never happened."
Warren's gaze followed his.
"That's a legitimate preservation company."
"Connected to your office."
"Administrative arrangements are common."
"And Edward certified the work."
"Edward handles estate access."
Julian turned back.
"Then why was the camera moved during the same visit?"
Warren's expression barely changed.
"I wouldn't know."
For several seconds, neither brother spoke.
Then Warren leaned forward.
"Let's talk about your daughter."
Julian's eyes narrowed.
"What about her?"
"She's been experiencing significant emotional distress."
"Because Celeste frightened her."
"That's your interpretation."
"I have recordings."
Warren waved one hand.
"Selected recordings."
Julian felt his pulse accelerate.
Warren continued.
"Do you know what other recordings show? You screaming. You destroying furniture. You placing people in danger."
Julian looked at him.
"Did you arrange for that video to be circulated?"
Warren smiled sadly.
"I was trying to protect you."
"From what?"
"Yourself."
Julian said nothing.
Warren softened his voice.
"You're grieving, Julian. You never properly dealt with Claire's death. You're exhausted. And Lily needs stability."
"She has her father."
"Does she?"
The question landed like a slap.
Julian's hands tightened beneath the table.
He felt the temptation to stand.
To shout.
To give Warren the reaction he seemed to expect.
Instead, he took a slow breath.
"I'm staying home with Lily."
Warren blinked.
"For how long?"
"As long as she needs."
"And your company?"
"I've delegated my responsibilities."
Warren's expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Julian noticed.
Without constant travel, Julian would have more time to examine the trust.
More time to observe his daughter.
More time to ask questions.
Nora stood.
"We'll follow up through the appropriate channels."
Warren rose as well.
At the doorway, he paused.
"Julian, there's still a way to handle this quietly."
Julian met his eyes.
"What way?"
"Approve the expense acknowledgment. Let me manage the financial side. Focus on your daughter."
Julian shook his head.
"No."
Warren stared.
"Think carefully."
"I have."
For the first time in years, Warren looked genuinely angry.
Then he leaned closer.
"Claire trusted me with that money for a reason."
Julian answered quietly.
"Then you shouldn't be afraid to show where it went."
Warren left without another word.
Nora watched his car disappear.
Then she opened the trust agreement to a provision Julian had never noticed.
Under certain circumstances, the trustee could be removed for breach of fiduciary duty.
But removal wasn't automatic.
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They would need persuasive evidence.
And the most important evidence was still in Warren's hands.
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