The truth hurt because my father had been right.
“And Northline?” I asked.
Victor’s expression softened.
“Your father’s shares increased significantly in value. The trust currently holds twenty-two percent of the voting interest.”
“I’ve been loading trucks for that company since I was twenty-one.”
“We know.”
Anger flared inside me. “Did everyone know except me?”
“No. Northline’s current board knew a protected trust existed, but not the beneficiary’s identity. Your employment there was a coincidence.”
Rachel glanced at Victor.
“Mostly.”
I stared at them.
Victor cleared his throat. “A former executive named Samuel Ortiz recognized your name when you applied. He had worked with your father. He wanted to tell you, but the trust prohibited disclosure before the triggering conditions were met.”
“So he let me break my back in a warehouse?”
“He offered you three promotions.”
I remembered them.
Team leader.
Inventory coordinator.
Assistant operations manager.
