The Plan Began Months Earlier
Chapter 04 - The Plan Began Months Earlier
Victoria claimed she had only been trying to protect Eleanor.
"She was vulnerable."
Eleanor almost laughed.
"Protect me from what?"
"From yourself."
Daniel stepped between them.
"Enough."
But Eleanor had spent too many months being told to be quiet.
After her husband, Thomas, died, grief had made her slower.
It had made her tired.
But it had not made her stupid.
Victoria had entered her life gradually.
First through Madison.
Then through Daniel.
She offered help with paperwork.
She recommended accountants.
She introduced Daniel to a financial adviser.
Whenever Eleanor questioned something, Victoria smiled and said the same thing.
"You don't need to worry about complicated matters anymore."
Eleanor had mistaken condescension for kindness.
Until the money disappeared.
Forty-two thousand dollars.
It vanished from a joint family investment account.
Three weeks later, the exact amount returned.
No explanation.
Then came the property transfer.
Daniel looked increasingly uncomfortable.
"Madison, did you know about this?"
Madison shook her head.
But Eleanor noticed something.
Madison wasn't shocked.
She was afraid.
Richard noticed it too.
"What aren't you telling us?"
Madison whispered, "Mom said Eleanor agreed."
Victoria turned.
"Madison."
"You told me she wanted Daniel to have the house."
"Madison."
"You said she signed everything."
Victoria's voice became sharp.
"Stop talking."
Richard stared at his wife.
The room changed.
For the first time, Victoria wasn't controlling the conversation.
Daniel stepped toward Madison.
"What exactly did your mother tell you?"
Madison began crying.
"That the house would be ours after the wedding."
Daniel looked at Eleanor.
Eleanor looked at her son.
Then she asked the question no mother should ever have to ask.
May you like
"Daniel, did you marry her because you thought this house was yours?"
His silence answered before his mouth did.
