Because suddenly the entire tragedy had been reduced to a number.
“Approximately 3.2 million dollars, depending on valuation.”
Vanessa stared at Daniel.
Three point two million.
Gone.
Not because I took it.
Not because Judge Mercer took it.
Because Robert had attached one condition.
Do not prey on your mother.
Daniel had failed.
Vanessa began laughing.
It sounded almost hysterical.
“You told me we
had to do this before she changed the trust.”
Daniel said nothing.
“You said if the guardianship went through, the inheritance was safe.”
“Vanessa.”
“You knew.”
“Stop talking.”
“You knew your father put that clause in.”
Daniel grabbed her arm again.
This time the deputy immediately restrained him.
Vanessa screamed.
“You knew!”
And that was the final piece.
Daniel had known.
Not everything.
But enough.
Robert had apparently confronted him before his death.
Daniel knew that coercion could cost him the inheritance.
That was why he hadn’t simply demanded money.
He needed a court to declare me incompetent.
If a judge gave him control, he planned to argue that he had acted lawfully.
Out of concern.
Not coercion.
Not abuse.
The bruises were supposed to prove I couldn’t care for myself.
The altered medical records were supposed to make the judge believe my mind was failing.
The forged power
of attorney was his backup plan.
Every road led to the same destination.
My money.
My house.
His inheritance.
Only Robert had built a wall at the end.
Officers approached Daniel after the hearing.
He wasn’t formally sentenced that day.
