Chapter 3 - Three Days of Silence
The following three days divided the Whitaker family into two groups.
Those who feared Patricia.
And those who feared Robert’s final decision more.
Rumors moved quickly.
Robert had secretly left Emily a small education fund.
Robert had written a sentimental apology.
Robert had discovered something about Patricia.
The family members who had ignored Emily suddenly sent gifts.
Michael delivered a silver bracelet.
Catherine sent flowers with a card calling Emily “our precious niece.”
Olivia returned both.
On the second evening, Mr. Coleman came to their home.
He carried no documents, only a worn leather briefcase.
“I cannot tell you what the letter says,” he explained. “But Robert asked me to confirm that Emily would attend voluntarily.”
“She does,” Olivia said.
Mr. Coleman looked troubled.
“There is something else. Patricia may attempt to stop the reading. She has retained lawyers.”
Daniel folded his arms.
“Can she?”
“Not legally. But she may question Robert’s mental capacity.”
“Was he capable when he signed the documents?”
Mr. Coleman’s expression hardened.
“I have represented your father for thirty-two years. Robert knew exactly what he was doing.”
He turned toward Olivia.
“Did Robert ever give you anything for Emily?”
Olivia thought of the wooden box hidden in her bedroom safe.
“Yes.”
“Bring it tomorrow. Do not open it.”
Before leaving, Mr. Coleman paused near the front door.
“Robert designed the first reading as a test.”
Daniel stared at him.
“A test of what?”
“I am not permitted to say.”
That night, Emily had trouble sleeping.
Olivia found her sitting beside the wooden box.
She had taken it from the safe after Olivia showed her where it was.
“I didn’t open them,” Emily said quickly.
“I know.”
“Why did Grandpa write letters for when I’m older?”
“Because he wanted to be part of those days.”
Emily traced the envelope marked nine.
“Do you think he knew Grandma would be mean?”
Olivia sat beside her.
“I think he knew some people might forget what family means.”
Emily looked at the box.
“Maybe the second letter reminds them.”
The next morning, the twenty-third floor was surrounded by private security.
Patricia arrived with two attorneys and a medical consultant she claimed would testify that Robert’s condition had affected his judgment.
She wore a pearl-gray suit and the same expression she used during company negotiations.
Emily entered between Olivia and Daniel.
Every chair was occupied.
The cream envelopes from the first reading rested on the table, exactly where Mr. Coleman had instructed the family to leave them.
Patricia stood.
“This proceeding is invalid.”
Mr. Coleman remained seated.
“Sit down, Patricia.”
“I will not allow a confused man’s emotional mistake to destroy the company he built.”
Mr. Coleman opened Robert’s folder.
“Robert anticipated that statement.”
Patricia froze.
“He anticipated many things,” Mr. Coleman continued. “Including your attempt to challenge his competence.”
He placed three documents on the table.
Independent medical evaluations.
A recorded competency examination.
A signed declaration witnessed by two retired judges.
Patricia’s lawyers began whispering.
Mr. Coleman turned to Emily.
“Your grandfather asked that you open the second letter.”
He placed a large cream envelope before her.
Her name was written across the front in Robert’s unmistakable handwriting.
Emily looked at Olivia.
Olivia nodded.
With trembling fingers, Emily broke the seal.
Inside was a single card.
May you like
She read the message aloud.
“Please ask Mr. Coleman to play the recording.”
