Chapter 5 - the dinner test
Miriam needed Austin to reveal how far he was willing to go.
So Theresa gave him an opportunity.
At Sunday dinner, she mentioned feeling overwhelmed by bills and paperwork. Austin’s face softened immediately.
“You should let me manage everything.”
Chloe touched Theresa’s wrist. “It would be a kindness to yourself.”
Theresa pretended to hesitate. “What would that involve?”
Austin returned with a folder already prepared.
Inside were documents granting him authority over Theresa’s property, accounts, medical decisions, and legal affairs. Yellow tabs marked every signature line.
“You prepared this before I agreed?” she asked.
“Only to save time.”
“And if I sign, you could sell the house?”
“Technically, but why would I do that without talking to you?”
Theresa closed the folder.
“I want Miriam to review it.”
Austin’s fork struck the plate.
“You do not need an expensive attorney every time we help you.”
“David trusted her.”
“Dad is gone.”
The words landed harder than he intended, but he did not take them back.
Theresa stood and carried her plate to the sink. Behind her, Austin whispered to Chloe.
“If she talks to Rosen, everything falls apart.”
Theresa dried her hands and turned around.
“I am simply tired,” she said.
Later, she sent Miriam photographs of every page.
The next morning, a court petition was filed. A temporary order blocked all property transfers. The banks were alerted. The false medical letter was reported. The title company agreed to cooperate.
May you like
The trap was ready.
Now Austin only had to step into it.
