Chapter 13 - the certified envelope
The doorbell rang.
A courier stood outside.
The certified envelope was addressed to Vivian.
Vivian signed for it.
She opened it.
Her hands began shaking.
Caleb read over her shoulder.
The document stated that any attempt to evict Hannah activated an immediate review of the entire estate.
Not only the house.
The trusts.
The accounts.
The offshore holdings.
The old lake property.
Everything.
Vivian looked at Hannah.
“You planned this.”
“No.”
“You knew.”
“I discovered what Dad left me.”
“You cannot do this.”
“I don't have to.”
Hannah looked at Samuel, who had just entered the foyer.
“You do.”
Samuel walked toward them.
“I have a court order authorizing preservation of the estate records.”
Vivian stared at him.
“You betrayed me.”
Samuel's expression remained calm.
“No. I kept a promise to Richard.”
Caleb looked at his mother.
“What did Grandpa know?”
Vivian said nothing.
Hannah stepped closer.
“You told me my mother was dead.”
Vivian's face changed.
Caleb looked at her.
“Mom?”
Hannah continued.
“You told me Dad abandoned me.”
Silence.
“You told me this house belonged to you.”
Vivian backed away.
None of it was true.
But there was still one question.
Why had Hannah's mother allowed the lie to continue?
Samuel opened another folder.
“There is one more document.”
Hannah looked at him.
“What document?”
Samuel's face became grave.
“Your father's final statement.”
May you like
Vivian whispered:
“No.”
