Chapter 2 - The $7 Million Motive
|
I held Matilda’s small face between my hands, trying to absorb the magnitude of her words without letting my anger show.
“Daddy is not going anywhere,” I assured her softly. “I promise you, nobody is sending you away.”
Matilda wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and lowered her voice even further. “There is also a man named Spencer. They talk on the phone when you are on the airplane.”
“Spencer?” The name didn't belong to anyone in our social circle.
“Yes,” Matilda whispered. “They talk about Mommy’s beach house. He said they only need two more bad videos before you will sign the papers.”
The breath caught in my throat.
When Beatrice died, she left behind a stunning oceanfront property near La Jolla, California, inherited from her grandmother. Under the terms of Beatrice’s trust, the property—currently valued at over seven million dollars—was placed in an irrevocable trust for Matilda. As her father, I was the sole trustee until Matilda turned twenty-one. However, if Matilda were declared mentally incapacitated or severely impaired by a court, the trust agreement had a contingency clause that allowed a legal guardian or surviving stepmother to petition for control of the asset management.
Pamela wasn't just trying to get rid of my daughter. She was systematically building a fake medical record to declare Matilda unstable and gain control of a fortune.
Footsteps echoed down the hardwood hallway. Pamela stepped into the foyer holding a warm mug of coffee, wearing her tailored beige cardigan and a warm, sympathetic smile.
“Someone really does not want Daddy leaving today,” Pamela said, her tone dripping with gentle affection.
I stood up slowly, forcing my expression into a relaxed smile as I looked at the woman I had shared a bed with for nearly a year.
“She’s just being extra affectionate today,” I said smoothly, leaning in to kiss Pamela’s cheek. My skin crawled at the contact, but I forced myself not to flinch. “I should get moving or I’ll miss my flight. I’ll call you as soon as I land in Minneapolis.”
May you like
“Have a safe flight, darling,” Pamela replied, resting a hand softly on Matilda’s shoulder. I saw Matilda stiffen instantly under her touch.
I picked up my suitcase, walked out the front door, and pulled it shut behind me.
