The Account for the Grandchildren
Chapter 10 - The Account for the Grandchildren
Thomas had created an education trust for his six grandchildren.
Richard's two children.
Diane's three.
And the youngest grandchild, whose mother was estranged from the family.
The fund was worth nearly five million dollars.
Thomas had kept it separate.
Richard could not access it.
At least, not legally.
Eleanor asked, “Why are you telling me?”
“Because Diane needs help protecting it.”
“I'm not a lawyer.”
“No.”
Thomas smiled.
“But you're the only person in this family Richard cannot manipulate.”
Eleanor almost laughed.
“That is not a compliment.”
“It is today.”
Thomas had named Diane trustee.
Eleanor was named co-protector, with the power to block extraordinary withdrawals.
She stared at him.
“Your children will hate me.”
“One already does.”
“Thomas.”
He grew serious.
“I don't need you to manage their money.”
“Then what do you need?”
“To say no when everyone else is afraid to.”
Eleanor thought about her life.
She had spent decades avoiding conflict.
Being agreeable.
Not asking difficult questions.
Perhaps age changed a person.
Or perhaps it finally removed the fear of disappointing people.
“I'll do it,” she said.
Thomas relaxed.
Then Eleanor added, “But only until Diane is ready.”
He nodded.
“That was always the plan.”
Outside the ICU, Richard watched Eleanor through the glass.
He could not hear the conversation.
But when he saw Thomas hand her another document, his expression darkened.
That afternoon, Richard made a phone call.
By evening, an emergency petition had been filed challenging Thomas's competence.
The wedding.
The property transfer.
The trust changes.
Everything Thomas had done during the previous year was now under attack.
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Richard was no longer waiting for his father to die.
He was trying to erase his father's decisions while he was still alive.
