Chapter 6 - once the paperwork is finished
Elena did not confront Vivian immediately.
That was new.
Usually, she reacted emotionally.
Asked.
Argued.
Explained.
This time she waited.
She called Daniel Reed.
Daniel had handled Elena’s estate planning for six years.
He was cautious, boring, and almost impossible to shock.
When Elena finished explaining, he remained silent for several seconds.
“Do you have a current power of attorney?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“You.”
“Anyone else?”
“Claire for business matters.”
“Your mother?”
“No.”
“Did you sign anything in the hospital?”
Elena thought.
“Insurance forms. Rehab forms. Maybe some billing.”
“Anything notarized?”
“I don’t remember.”
“I want you to remember.”
Elena closed her eyes.
Medication.
Pain.
Vivian bringing documents.
Sign here.
Initial here.
This is for the hospital.
This is for insurance.
This is for the house.
Elena opened her eyes.
“I may have.”
Daniel’s voice became more serious.
“Send me every document you have.”
Two days later Claire called.
“I found something.”
Elena rolled into her office.
She had reclaimed the room.
“What?”
“A credit inquiry.”
“For me?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Six weeks ago.”
Elena stared at her.
“I didn’t apply for anything.”
“I know.”
Claire placed a printed report on the desk.
“It looks like someone began an application for a home equity line.”
Elena felt cold.
“How much?”
“One hundred eighty thousand.”
The room seemed smaller.
“Was it funded?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“The lender requested additional identity verification.”
Elena’s voice came out barely above a whisper.
“Who submitted it?”
“Online application.”
“Email?”
“Your old account.”
The account Vivian once controlled.
Elena stared at the report.
Claire sat down.
“There’s more.”
“Of course there is.”
“Your mother has been receiving mail from a law firm.”
“That isn’t strange.”
“The firm specializes in elder law, guardianship, and incapacity proceedings.”
Elena looked up.
“How do you know?”
“She used your business address once by mistake.”
Claire slid an envelope across the table.
It had already been opened by the company receptionist because it was addressed only to Vivian Morgan at the firm’s location.
Elena read the law firm’s name.
Her pulse accelerated.
“I need Daniel.”
He arrived the following morning.
Tessa took the children to the park.
Vivian had gone shopping.
Daniel spread documents across Elena’s desk.
“Someone drafted a financial guardianship petition.”
Elena stared at him.
“For me?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Your mother.”
The words felt impossible even though Elena had expected them.
Daniel continued.
“She claims your accident and medication have left you incapable of managing financial affairs.”
“That’s absurd.”
“I know.”
“She says I’m incompetent?”
“Functionally impaired.”
“I manage client portfolios every week.”
“She doesn’t mention that.”
Elena looked down.
“What else?”
Daniel turned another page.
“She claims you make impulsive financial decisions.”
Elena almost laughed.
“She spends my money.”
“I know.”
“She lives in my house.”
“I know.”
“She drives my car.”
“I know.”
“And she is telling a court I’m financially irresponsible?”
Daniel nodded.
Elena gripped the desk.
“Has she filed?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“I think she was waiting for supporting statements.”
“From who?”
Daniel slid a page forward.
Elena recognized the name immediately.
May you like
Cole Morgan.
Her younger brother.
