Chapter 21 - Kayla’s Audit
Kayla graduated college.
Accounting degree.
She accepted an entry level job at a regional audit firm.
Not glamorous.
She loved it.
For her senior project, she wrote about controls in family businesses.
No names.
No Rosewood.
Core idea:
Informal trust becomes risk when financial authority is undocumented.
I read.
“Sounds familiar.”
“Very original.”
She smiled.
Gloria and I gave her graduation gift.
A used Honda.
Not luxury.
Title in Kayla’s name.
No strings.
She cried.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“I can pay part.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s a gift.”
She narrowed eyes.
“Can you prove it?”
I laughed.
We signed a written gift letter.
Her influence.
Kevin attended graduation.
Tiffany too.
They sat separately.
Gloria sat between me and Mrs. Delaney? Maybe family seating. Fine.
No drama.
After ceremony, Kayla asked for one photo.
All of us.
Gloria hesitated.
Then stood.
Photo:
Kayla center.
Kevin one side.
Tiffany other.
Grandparents behind.
No one pretending history disappeared.
Just one moment.
Tiffany later sent Gloria copy.
No caption.
Gloria put it in drawer.
May you like
Months later, framed it.
Her choice.
