Chapter 3 - THE SIGNATURE THEIR FATHER IGNORED.
Marcus recognized the signature from wedding and insurance forms Celeste had given him during a business trip.
“I signed without reading the attachment,” he admitted.
Lily’s voice broke.
“You always tell us signatures are promises.”
Marcus did not hide behind deception.
“I failed you. My carelessness gave her a weapon.”
Celeste smiled as though his failure made them equal.
Grace stared at her.
“Dad made one careless choice. You kept choosing to scare us.”
The family attorney froze the petitions and opened the education account. Celeste had spent its money on designer renovations, private dinners and the luxury kitchen where the girls now sat dressed as servants.
Marcus surrendered his company vote pending independent review.
Then the attorney discovered a second account in Hannah’s name. It had continued receiving rent after her death.
Every withdrawal went to a woman listed as Hannah Hale.
Marcus whispered, “My wife is dead.”
May you like
Lily shook her head.
“Celeste said Mommy was alive.”
