Chapter 3: The Will That Changed Everything
Chapter 3: The Will That Changed Everything
Three days later, Christopher obtained a court order to search every office and safe inside the Pierce estate.
Estelle welcomed the investigators with perfect composure.
"You'll find nothing."
She almost sounded amused.
But she underestimated Yvette.
The elderly housekeeper remembered every corner of the mansion.
"There."
She pointed toward an old grandfather clock.
"It was moved last winter."
Detectives opened the panel behind it.
Inside was a hidden safe.
Christopher watched silently as officers removed stacks of documents.
Then came the envelope.
Written in his father's handwriting.
Open only if anything happens to Rachel or her child.
Christopher's hands trembled.
Inside was a letter.
Christopher...
If you're reading this, I have failed to protect my granddaughter.
Emma is the rightful heir to everything I built.
Your mother never accepted Rachel because Rachel refused to marry for money.
If Estelle gains control of this family, Emma will never be safe.
Another document followed.
The original will.
Untouched.
Unforged.
Signed before witnesses.
Emma inherited nearly half of the Pierce family fortune through her grandfather's estate.
Leonard Brooks examined every signature.
"It's authentic."
Detective Collins immediately ordered Estelle's arrest for fraud, conspiracy, evidence tampering, and attempted murder through criminal solicitation.
For the first time in decades...
Estelle Pierce lost control.
As officers placed handcuffs on her wrists, she looked directly at Christopher.
"I built this family."
Christopher answered calmly.
"No."
"You nearly destroyed it."
She was led away without another word.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded Christopher.
One question echoed above the others.
"What happens to the Pierce fortune now?"
May you like
Christopher looked at Emma, who was holding his hand.
"It finally belongs to the person it was always meant for."
