Chapter 12 - the night Vivian made her move
By morning, the hidden room had been emptied.
Every document was gone.
Every photograph.
Every piece of evidence.
But Hannah had one thing Vivian did not know about.
She had photographed everything.
She sent copies to Samuel.
Then she waited.
Vivian made her move that evening.
She entered the foyer with Caleb beside her.
Two security officers stood behind them.
“Pack your bags,” Vivian said.
Hannah stared at her.
“You already said that.”
“This time, I mean it.”
Caleb looked uncomfortable.
Hannah noticed.
“You don't want to do this.”
Caleb swallowed.
“My mother knows what she's doing.”
“No,” Hannah said. “You don't believe that anymore.”
Vivian snapped:
“Enough.”
She placed a legal notice on the table.
“Your occupancy is terminated.”
Hannah looked at the paper.
Then at Vivian.
“You should read your husband's will again.”
“I have.”
“No.”
Hannah smiled faintly.
“You read the part you wanted.”
Vivian's expression hardened.
“What are you talking about?”
Hannah picked up her phone.
She called Samuel.
“Samuel, she wants me out tonight.”
Vivian smiled.
“You think a phone call will save you?”
Samuel's voice came through.
“Mrs. Pierce, that would terminate your life estate.”
Vivian froze.
Hannah set down the phone.
“Then enforce Dad's will exactly.”
For the first time, Vivian understood.
May you like
She had triggered the clause.
And Hannah had been waiting.
