Chapter 4 - THE BABY THEY LISTED AS COLLATERAL.
The guardianship petition claimed Claire’s pregnancy made her incapable of managing the mansion.
Margaret was named temporary guardian. Ethan was listed as backup.
Claire turned toward her husband.
“Did you agree to control me?”
Ethan remembered signing what Margaret called a prenatal emergency plan. He believed it allowed doctors to act if Claire became unconscious.
“I signed without demanding the full document.”
“You had attorneys,” Claire said. “I had morning sickness and a mother-in-law telling everyone I married above my place.”
Ethan surrendered any guardianship authority and requested investigation of his signature.
The document contained a second clause. If Claire were declared incompetent, her unborn child’s future inheritance would become collateral for Ethan’s company loan.
Margaret defended the arrangement.
“An heir must protect the family fortune.”
Claire placed both hands over her belly.
“My child is not security for debts wealthy adults created.”
Then Ava removed a memory card from the fountain pen.
May you like
“My mom recorded the night they made her sign.”
The video contained Margaret’s voice—and Ethan’s.
