Chapter 5 - THE TRUST
Victor had created Ethan’s trust the week after his son was born.
It was not simply money. It contained voting shares in Blackwood Holdings, future control of several properties, and protections designed by Victor’s late father to keep the family company from being carved apart by marriages, lawsuits, or greed.
Serena was not named anywhere in it.
At least, she was not supposed to be.
Daniel placed a laptop on the library table.
“Someone downloaded the trust summary, guardian succession clauses, and emergency incapacity provisions.”
Victor’s jaw tightened. “Why those?”
His attorney, Claire Benton, joined by video call.
“Because if something happened to you before Ethan turned eighteen, whoever became his legal guardian could influence how distributions were used for his care.”
Victor looked at Serena.
She lifted her chin. “I was going to be his stepmother. Of course I wanted to understand his future.”
Claire’s voice stayed cool. “You also downloaded a draft petition for guardianship.”
Victor froze.
Serena’s eyes moved toward the door.
Police were still outside.
“Sit down,” Victor said.
“I’m not a prisoner.”
“No. But you are not walking away with my son’s documents.”
Serena laughed bitterly. “You think I need your documents? Victor, half the board already knows you’re unstable since Rebecca died.”
Rebecca.
Ethan’s mother.
The name had not been spoken in that tone inside the house since the funeral.
Victor stepped closer.
“What does Rebecca have to do with this?”
For the first time, Serena looked as if she wished she could pull the words back.
Then the library phone rang.
Daniel answered it.
His face changed.
“Sir, there’s a man at the south gate. He says he used to work for Ms. Vale.”
“What does he want?”
May you like
Daniel listened.
“He says he has proof Serena did this before.”
