Chapter 5 - THE FIRST DEMAND
Richard spoke as if the decision had already been made.
“Julian made a few bad investments.”
“Gambling losses aren’t investments,” Lily said.
Julian was seated near the fireplace, one ankle resting over his knee.
His confidence had returned now that their father stood beside him.
“It was one bad run,” Julian said. “I can recover.”
“With my surgery money?”
Richard pushed the transfer form toward Lily.
“This family has spent far more than that keeping you comfortable.”
Lily stared at him.
“Comfortable?”
“The private doctors. The medications. The specialists.”
“Mom’s trust paid for those things.”
“And who managed everything after she died?”
“You did.”
“Exactly.”
Richard tapped the signature line.
“Julian can repay the money after his next deal closes. Your surgery can be rescheduled.”
Dr. Shah’s warning flashed through Lily’s mind.
Not long.
“My surgery cannot wait.”
Julian rolled his eyes.
“You’ve been sick your whole life. Another few months won’t change anything.”
Lily stood slowly.
The room tilted, but she refused to let them see it.
“I’m not signing.”
Richard’s expression became still.
“You should think carefully.”
“I already have.”
She turned toward the stairs.
Richard’s voice followed her.
“Your mother would have saved her son.”
Lily stopped.
That was the blade he always used.
Nora’s memory.
Lily looked over her shoulder.
“Mom created the trust so you could never force me to make this choice.”
For one second, fear crossed Richard’s face.
Then it vanished.
Lily went upstairs and locked her bedroom door.
Ten minutes later, someone tried the handle.
Then Richard spoke through the wood.
“This family gave you everything.”
Lily pressed the recording button on her phone.
“And you will give something back.”
His footsteps moved away.
Lily sent the file to Evelyn.
A reply arrived almost immediately.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING. I AM REVIEWING THE ESTATE DOCUMENTS TONIGHT.
Another message followed.
May you like
LILY, THERE MAY BE MORE AT RISK THAN THE MEDICAL FUND.
👉 The surgery money was only the first thing Richard intended to take from her.
