Chapter 4 - Adrian’s Warning
Elena could not stop thinking about the will.
Adrian had written it shortly after Leo’s birth. Elena remembered the evening clearly because Adrian had returned from the lawyer’s office looking troubled.
“If anything happens to me,” he had said, “promise you’ll protect Leo’s inheritance.”
Elena had laughed nervously.
“Nothing is going to happen to you.”
“Promise me.”
She had promised.
Adrian explained that his share of the family trust would pass to Leo, with Elena acting as guardian until Leo turned twenty-five. Margaret would supervise the trust, but Beatrice would have no control over it.
At the time, Elena had thought Adrian was being overly cautious.
Now she understood.
Elena searched through an old box of Adrian’s belongings. Beneath photographs and university notebooks, she found a sealed envelope with her name written across the front.
Inside was a short letter.
Elena,
If you are reading this because someone is challenging Leo’s place in the family, contact Owen Mercer. He knows where the duplicate records are stored. Trust Margaret, but never assume Beatrice will respect Margaret’s wishes.
Adrian
A phone number was written at the bottom.
Elena called immediately.
Owen Mercer answered on the third ring.
After hearing Adrian’s name, he became silent.
“I wondered whether this day would come,” he said.
Owen had once worked in corporate security for Ashford Holdings. Adrian had hired him privately after discovering unexplained transfers from several family accounts.
“Did Adrian suspect Beatrice?” Elena asked.
“He suspected someone close to the family.”
“Can you help me?”
“I can collect evidence, but you need to be careful. Beatrice controls the estate security team, and Charles Wynn has been working with her.”
“The family attorney?”
“He has significant debts. Beatrice has been paying them.”
Elena closed her eyes.
Owen instructed her not to confront Beatrice again. He would investigate the trust, locate the duplicate will, and try to contact Margaret directly.
Before ending the call, he gave Elena one warning.
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“If Beatrice realizes what you know, she will act quickly.”
She did.
