Chapter 20 - THE TRIAL BEGINS
Federal trial began eight months after the baby shower.
Elodie was seven months old.
Victoria and Julian chose trial on the major federal counts.
Daniel Pike pleaded earlier.
Martin Crowe cooperated.
The government did not try the whole history of Harrow Meridian.
Only charged conduct.
Good.
Opening statement:
Four nominally independent vendors.
Control retained by Harrow insiders.
False certifications.
Inflated related-party payments.
My identity.
Defense:
Complex procurement regulations.
Legitimate subcontractors.
Delegated management allowed.
No intent to defraud.
Sloane consented informally to use of name.
That last part made me physically ill.
Their theory:
I knew I was a strategic owner but stayed uninvolved because pregnancy and my design business kept me busy.
They pointed to:
Gala photographs.
Family-office signature access.
One email where Julian wrote:
Sloane is fine with vendor diversification.
I had never seen it.
Could “fine with” mean I agreed?
No.
But juries decide facts from evidence.
Then my unauthorized file copy.
Defense said:
I stole files only after marital conflict began and then worked with my father to destroy the Harrows.
The government objected to some characterizations.
Judge limited.
Still:
May you like
My mistake entered the room.
I testified on day six.
