Chapter 6 - THE FLASH DRIVE
I caught Vanessa before she reached Mom.
"Give me that drive!" she screamed.
That was when every remaining guest understood the wedding was over.
We went inside with my parents, Vanessa, Richard, Margaret, Claire, and security.
Dad opened his laptop.
The flash drive contained six folders:
WALKER.
RUTH.
ETHAN.
REDSTONE.
GRANT.
AFTER WEDDING.
I clicked the last one.
Inside were scanned deeds, a draft announcement that my parents were "retiring for health reasons," and a file called FAMILY TRANSITION PLAN.
Step One: complete marriage.
Step Two: secure Ethan proxy rights.
Step Three: execute Ruth POA.
Step Four: close Willow Ridge sale.
Step Five: consolidate Walker voting shares.
Mom covered her mouth.
Vanessa cried.
"I was trying to get us out from under your father's control."
"You planned to sell my parents' home."
"They were going to retire."
"Without asking them?"
Claire suddenly spoke.
"Vanessa."
Her voice shook.
"You told me those papers were for after Charles died."
Dad looked at her.
"What papers?"
Claire's face went white.
"The new will."
May you like
I scrolled through the files again. None of it looked rushed. Dates had been color-coded. Tasks had owners. There were reminders, deadlines, and contingency notes. This was not panic. It was planning.
My father whispered, "There is no new will."
