Chapter 5 - Beatrice’s Plan
Two days later, Beatrice invited Elena to breakfast.
The dining room table had been set for two. Sunlight shone through the tall windows, making the silverware sparkle.
Beatrice placed a document beside Elena’s coffee.
It was an agreement offering Elena a cash settlement in exchange for surrendering all claims connected to Adrian’s estate.
The amount appeared generous until Elena read the conditions.
Leo would lose his future voting interest in Ashford Holdings. Elena would leave the estate permanently and agree never to challenge the trust administration.
“You want me to sign away my son’s inheritance.”
“I want to give you freedom.”
“You want to erase us.”
Beatrice’s smile disappeared.
“Adrian weakened this family by refusing responsibility. Mother rewarded him for it. Now his child will eventually control shares he did nothing to earn.”
“Leo is four years old.”
“And one day he’ll be a man surrounded by advisers telling him he deserves power.”
Elena pushed the agreement back.
“I won’t sign.”
Beatrice folded her hands.
“You should consider what kind of life you can provide without our support.”
“I said no.”
That afternoon, Leo’s preschool called to say his tuition had been canceled. The following morning, Elena discovered that her phone service had been disconnected.
Still, she refused.
Owen contacted her from a new number. He had found evidence that Beatrice had transferred money from Margaret’s charitable foundation into a private investment company.
He had also learned that Margaret’s calls and emails were being filtered through an assistant loyal to Beatrice.
“I’m traveling to Switzerland,” Owen said. “I’ll speak to Margaret in person.”
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Before he could leave, Beatrice discovered Elena’s call history.
At seven the next morning, three security guards appeared outside Elena’s bedroom.
