CHAPTER 2 — THE TRUTH HIDDEN IN THE FILE
Silence swallowed the study.
Daniel didn't move.
His travel bag slipped from his hand and landed with a dull thud against the hardwood floor.
Margaret forced a smile.
"Daniel... sweetheart... this isn't what it looks like."
He never looked at her.
Instead, he crossed the room and knelt beside Ava.
His hands trembled as he gently brushed her hair away from her face.
Her lip was split.
Fresh bruises wrapped around both wrists.
"Ava..."
His voice cracked.
"What happened?"
Before Ava could answer, Margaret stepped forward.
"She fell. Rosa became emotional. Everyone's overreacting."
Daniel slowly picked up the unsigned papers lying beside Ava.
Power of Attorney.
Medical Guardianship.
Transfer of Financial Authority.
Every page gave Margaret complete control over Ava's assets if she were declared mentally incapable.
His heartbeat pounded in his ears.
Then he noticed something else.
A doctor's evaluation.
Signed.
Stamped.
Declaring Ava mentally unstable.
Daniel frowned.
"I know this doctor."
Margaret froze.
Daniel flipped the page over.
"This doctor died eight months ago."
The room went completely still.
Even Margaret's breathing stopped.
Daniel looked at his mother with cold disbelief.
"You forged a dead man's signature."
Rosa quietly reached into her apron.
"I think you should see this too."
She handed Daniel a small flash drive.
"I've been recording everything."
Margaret lunged toward her.
Daniel stepped between them.
"If you touch Rosa again..."
May you like
He looked his mother directly in the eyes.
"...you'll never see me again."
