Chapter 5 - THE SIGNATURE THAT WASN’T HERS

Gabriel read the document twice.

“This is forged.”

Elena touched the signature with one finger.

“It looks like mine.”

“It isn’t.”

Gabriel was certain.

Elena signed her name with a narrow upward curve at the end.

The document copied it almost perfectly.

Almost.

Elijah Mercer arrived at the estate within an hour.

He carried a leather case and no patience.

“Neither of you signed this?”

“No.”

Gabriel answered.

Elena shook her head.

Elijah examined the paper.

“Then someone intended to create the appearance that Elena voluntarily surrendered marital rights.”

Gabriel looked toward the front windows.

“Cassandra.”

“Possibly.”

Elijah did not guess.

“That is why we investigate.”

He asked when they first saw the document.

Gabriel explained Cassandra’s statement.

Elijah’s jaw tightened.

“She should not possess this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Theodore had a copy.”

Elena looked up.

“Grandfather knew?”

“Yes.”

Elijah opened his case.

“Theodore received an anonymous copy four months ago.”

“He suspected fraud.”

“He hired a forensic document examiner.”

Gabriel stood.

“And?”

“It’s fake.”

Elena exhaled.

But Elijah was not finished.

“The paper came from stationery used by Vale Family Office.”

“The notary stamp belongs to someone who worked for your family.”

“Who?”

“Marissa Cole.”

Gabriel knew the name.

Marissa handled internal legal administration.

She had left suddenly six months ago.

Cassandra told everyone Marissa moved overseas.

Elijah placed another photograph on the table.

Marissa entering Cassandra’s apartment.

Three weeks after she supposedly left California.

Gabriel’s expression changed.

“Grandfather investigated her?”

“He investigated everyone.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?”

“Because Theodore believed someone was preparing to remove Elena from the family legally before his death.”

Elena felt a chill.

The broken keepsakes were not the beginning.

They were the final pressure point.

Someone wanted her gone.

If Elena left Gabriel voluntarily, the forged agreement could be produced later.

Her rights would vanish.

Cassandra’s inheritance would remain protected.

Gabriel walked toward the fireplace.

“My sister planned this for months.”

Elijah corrected him.

“We don’t know whether Cassandra planned all of it.”

Gabriel turned.

“Who else?”

Elijah looked at Elena.

“There were three people who stood to lose significant money if Theodore protected you.”

“Cassandra.”

“Your uncle Victor.”

“And Gabriel’s mother.”

Gabriel’s face hardened.

“My mother is dead.”

Elijah paused.

“No.”

The room went completely still.

Elena stared at him.

Gabriel whispered.

“What did you say?”

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Elijah opened another folder.

“Your mother is alive.”