Chapter 5 - David’s Side
David was not sitting at home counting stolen money.
He was terrified.
For three years he had convinced himself that Thomas no longer cared.
Thomas rarely attended meetings.
Rarely visited restaurants.
Rarely asked questions.
Whenever David sent reports, Thomas replied:
Looks good. Proud of you.
Proud of you.
David had begun to hate those words.
He remembered sleeping on Thomas’s floor.
Borrowing money.
Watching Thomas become wealthy enough to buy companies while David worked sixty-hour weeks inside kitchens.
Reporters called Thomas an investor.
They called David a chef.
Then founder.
Then entrepreneur.
Eventually David began believing the distinction.
Thomas supplied money.
David supplied life.
Wasn't that worth ownership?
His wife, Linda, disagreed.
“You should have renegotiated with him.”
“I tried.”
“No. You avoided him.”
“He didn't care.”
“You don't know that.”
David stared across their kitchen.
“He disappeared for three years.”
“His mother was dying.”
“And the restaurants still needed someone.”
Linda softened.
“I know.”
David whispered:
“I made this company.”
“You both did.”
That answer angered him because it was true.
He had started moving consulting fees because his accountant said David's compensation was below market for a CEO.
Then one million became three.
Three became six.
Each payment easier than the previous.
Then Redwood offered seventy-four million.
David saw freedom.
No more invisible partner.
No more Thomas’s money sitting underneath every achievement.
David could finally say:
This belongs to me.
So he minimized Thomas.
Removed photos.
Changed internal history.
Told managers Thomas had no operational role.
He expected anger if Thomas discovered it.
He did not expect Thomas to possess the legal skeleton of the entire company.
Then David received a letter from Evelyn Price.
NOTICE OF CONTRACTUAL AUDIT AND PRESERVATION OBLIGATION.
His attorney read it twice.
“David.”
“What?”
“You have a problem.”
“How big?”
May you like
His attorney looked at him.
“Potentially every restaurant.”
