Chapter 6 - The Locked Gate
Beatrice waited downstairs in the entrance hall.
Elena carried Leo in her arms. He was still wearing his pajamas and holding his teddy bear.
“What is happening?” Elena demanded.
“You violated the estate’s privacy rules by sharing confidential family information with an outside investigator.”
“Owen worked for Adrian.”
“Owen is a disgruntled former employee.”
Beatrice handed Elena a printed notice.
“You have two hours to pack.”
Elena stared at the page.
“You cannot remove us from our home.”
“The house is owned by the Ashford Family Trust. I am acting trustee while Mother is unavailable.”
“You are temporary administrator, not trustee.”
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed.
“You should have signed the agreement.”
Elena took out her phone to record the conversation, but one of the guards stepped between them.
“No recording,” he said.
Elena looked directly at Beatrice.
“Margaret will learn about this.”
“Mother has authorized your removal.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Beatrice opened her handbag and displayed a signed letter. Margaret’s signature appeared at the bottom.
Elena’s confidence faltered.
She had seen Margaret sign hundreds of documents. The signature looked genuine.
Beatrice leaned closer.
“You were never family, Elena. You were Adrian’s mistake. Now that he’s gone, there is no reason to keep pretending.”
Leo began to cry.
Elena’s fear turned into determination.
She would not let him remember his mother begging.
She packed their clothes, important papers, Leo’s favorite books, and the last photograph of Adrian that had not been taken from them.
The guards carried their luggage outside.
When Elena tried to enter the garage, she found that the family cars had been locked.
A driver waited near the gate. He had been instructed to take them to the airport.
As the vehicle moved down the long driveway, Elena looked back at the stone mansion.
May you like
Beatrice stood at an upstairs window.
She did not wave.
