CHAPTER 2 — THE FIRST CRACK
CHAPTER 2 — THE FIRST CRACK
Marcus burst into laughter.
"You still think paperwork can save you?"
I looked at him without blinking.
"No."
"The truth will."
I reached into my suitcase and removed three sealed envelopes.
Each carried the logo of a different law firm.
Vivian's smile faltered.
"What is this supposed to be?"
"My insurance."
I handed one envelope to my father.
Another remained in my hand.
The third stayed unopened.
"You forged signatures while my father was recovering from a traumatic brain injury."
"You transferred company shares."
"You emptied private accounts."
"And you altered the Hale Family Trust."
Marcus slammed his fist onto the dining table.
"Enough!"
"You have no proof."
I quietly unlocked my phone.
A video began to play.
The room filled with Vivian's unmistakable voice.
"Give him another injection."
"He won't remember signing anything tomorrow."
My father's face turned pale.
Vivian lunged toward me.
I stepped aside.
She stumbled forward, nearly falling across the marble floor.
"You recorded me!"
"No," I replied.
"Someone who still has a conscience did."
At that exact moment, the front door opened.
Three attorneys entered the mansion.
Behind them came two court officers carrying official documents.
The lead attorney adjusted his glasses.
"Mrs. Vivian Hale."
"You are hereby served with a court order preventing the sale, transfer, or destruction of any Hale family assets."
The color disappeared from Vivian's face.
Marcus grabbed the papers and ripped them in half.
The attorney calmly smiled.
"We brought twelve copies."
"And the court already has the originals."
May you like
For the first time...
Neither Vivian nor Marcus had an answer.
