I continued.
“His share will pass to his lawful descendants in protected trust, or, if none survive, to the Henry and Margaret Parker Foundation for Elder Financial Protection.”
Henry had known.
Even while dying, my husband had tried to protect me.
From our own child.
Michael shook his head.
“That isn’t valid.”
“Henry signed it.”
“You manipulated him.”
“He recorded the signing.”
Michael froze.
Of course Henry recorded it.
He had spent forty-six years married to a forensic accountant.
The video showed him sitting in his study beside his attorney and two witnesses.
Thin.
Weak.
But completely lucid.
“If Michael never crosses that line,” Henry said into the camera, “then none of this matters. I hope he never does.”
He coughed.
“But if he tries to use Margaret’s age, grief, or health to steal control from her, he receives nothing from me.”
Michael sank into his chair.
Rachel whispered, “How much?”
