Chapter 8 - Maren's LetterMaren had left a letter for the trustee.
It was ordinary estate planning.
Until I read it.
Please never reimburse a new partner or spouse simply because Hadrian says she handles everything. He is a wonderful man and catastrophically optimistic about people he loves.
I laughed.
Then cried.
Another line:
Sorrel should not become financially useful to anyone raising her.
Maren had understood me better than anyone.
The trust required independent review of related-party expenses.
Aurelia had bypassed that by creating a company that appeared independent.
She had changed the email associated with my account.
She had used my emergency password access.
She had manipulated communication.
She had coached Sorrel.
One recording was especially painful.
“Say Daddy chose work.”
“No.”
“Say it.”
“He calls.”
“Not anymore.”
Another:
“If anyone asks who takes care of you?”
“You.”
“Good.”
Then investigators discovered draft affidavits from relatives describing Aurelia as Sorrel's “only consistent caregiver.”
One relative admitted Aurelia had written the language.
The guardianship plan was not a single document.
It was a ladder.
First:
My absence.
Then:
Sorrel's supposed instability.
Then:
Aurelia's supposed indispensability.
Then:
Guardianship.
Then:
Money.
Then:
Permanent control.
And the wedding was part of the timing.
But Aurelia had misunderstood one thing.
Maren's trust actually became harder for her to exploit after marriage.
The more she tried to gain control, the more restrictions would apply.
She was racing toward a door that would have closed.
Then I returned home early.
May you like
One day earlier than planned.
That single decision changed Sorrel's life.
Related Stories
