Chapter 2 - The Hidden Page
Ethan opened the authorization on the foyer table.
The first six pages covered household expenses, medical appointments and staff management.
The seventh page was different.
It allowed Victoria to negotiate the mansion’s sale if Eleanor appeared unable to manage her affairs.
Ethan stared at his signature.
“This page wasn’t in the draft.”
Victoria remained calm.
“It was included in the final version.”
“You told me nothing changed.”
“You were boarding a plane.”
Leah looked at Ethan.
“You gave her power over your mother because reading seven pages was inconvenient.”
His shame briefly became anger.
“You don’t understand the pressure I was under.”
Leah flinched.
Eleanor looked at her son.
“Leah understands pressure.”
She pointed toward the young woman in the black uniform.
“She worked two jobs before she came here. She missed holidays to stay with me. And she still reads everything before signing her name.”
Ethan lowered his eyes.
Victoria snapped:
“Do not apologize to an employee.”
He slowly looked at his wife.
“That sentence explains everything.”
Leah turned to the final attachment.
The mansion was not the only asset being transferred.
Thirty-two senior-living communities and seven rehabilitation centers were included.
The buyer planned to eliminate hundreds of jobs, raise resident fees and sell valuable land beneath several facilities.
Victoria would receive a personal transaction bonus.
May you like
Sixty million dollars.
And Eleanor’s signature was needed before midnight.
