Chapter 6 - The Birthday Trap
On Elena’s thirty-fifth birthday, Margaret arrived before sunrise.
She wore a cream suit, pearl earrings, and the expression of a loving mother visiting a sick daughter.
Daniel followed with a small cake from Elena’s favorite bakery.
There were no candles.
“We have a surprise,” Daniel announced.
He placed a folder on the bedside table.
Inside were discharge documents, a temporary power of attorney, and consent forms transferring Elena to a private recovery facility owned by a Mercer company.
Elena looked at the signature lines.
“I’m not signing these.”
Daniel’s smile disappeared.
“You need professional care.”
“My doctors approved home recovery.”
“Your judgment is compromised.”
Margaret stepped forward.
“Please don’t make this difficult.”
Elena looked at both of them.
“Where is my leather document folder?”
Margaret’s hand tightened around her handbag.
Daniel glanced toward the door.
“You lost it.”
“No. Your mother took it.”
Margaret laughed sharply. “This is becoming embarrassing.”
At that moment, Nathan appeared in the doorway holding the sealed cream envelope.
“Happy birthday, Elena.”
Daniel rose so quickly that his chair struck the wall.
Nathan entered and placed the envelope in Elena’s hands.
“As of today, you are the sole controlling trustee of the Bennett Property Trust.”
Daniel stared at the envelope.
Margaret’s face lost all color.
Nathan continued.
“You also have the authority to order a complete audit of every organization leasing trust property.”
Daniel stepped between them.
“My wife is not mentally capable of making financial decisions.”
Nathan calmly removed a document from his briefcase.
“Three independent doctors disagree.”
Margaret suddenly reached for the envelope.
Elena pulled it back.
“Do not touch me.”
Margaret’s voice dropped to a whisper.
“You have no idea what you are destroying.”
Elena looked at her husband.
“No. I’m finally understanding what you destroyed.”
Daniel called for a nurse and demanded Elena be sedated.
Tessa refused.
May you like
That was when Daniel realized he had lost control of the room.
So he changed the location of the fight.
