Chapter 3 - The Rules Change
Beatrice’s control spread through the estate.
She dismissed two longtime employees who had been loyal to Adrian. She changed security companies and hired guards who followed her instructions without question.
She also removed Elena’s access to the household accounts.
When Elena’s card was declined at Leo’s preschool, she called Beatrice immediately.
“There must be a mistake.”
“There is no mistake,” Beatrice replied. “The family should not be paying every personal expense.”
“Leo’s education was included in Adrian’s trust.”
“I’m reviewing that trust.”
“You don’t have authority to change it.”
Beatrice laughed softly.
“You understand very little about authority.”
Elena contacted the family attorney, Charles Wynn. His secretary claimed he was unavailable. Elena left messages, but he never returned them.
Then a letter arrived stating that Adrian’s trust was under administrative review. Until the review was completed, Elena would receive a small monthly allowance.
The amount barely covered Leo’s preschool and basic needs.
Elena began selling jewelry she had owned before her marriage.
She hid the receipts from Leo and continued smiling every morning when she prepared his breakfast.
One afternoon, Leo asked why Aunt Beatrice did not like them.
Elena knelt beside him.
“She’s going through a difficult time.”
“Did I do something bad?”
“No.”
“Did you?”
Elena’s heart broke.
“No, sweetheart. Sometimes adults make unfair choices because they’re angry or afraid. It is never your fault.”
That evening, Elena found Beatrice in Adrian’s study, standing beside an open safe.
“What are you doing?”
Beatrice closed a folder.
“Managing family property.”
Elena noticed Adrian’s original will on the desk.
Before she could reach it, Beatrice placed the papers inside her briefcase.
“You should leave,” Beatrice said.
“That document concerns my son.”
“It concerns the Ashford family.”
“Leo is an Ashford.”
May you like
Beatrice’s expression hardened.
“That is exactly the problem.”
