Chapter 6 - THE SIGNATURE HE NEEDED
The documents were nearly one hundred pages long.
Jason called them a routine restructuring agreement.
He said Madeline’s late mother’s company needed to merge several divisions before the end of the tax year.
“I don’t run Bennett Meridian,” Madeline said. “The trustees do.”
“For now,” Jason replied.
He tapped the signature line.
The paper would grant him temporary authority to vote on Madeline’s behalf in corporate matters.
Jason claimed it was necessary because her pregnancy might prevent her from attending meetings.
“My doctor said I’m healthy.”
“That can change.”
The coldness in his voice made her look up.
Jason immediately softened.
“I’m trying to protect you.”
Madeline asked to send the papers to Rebecca Sloan, the attorney who managed Eleanor’s estate.
Jason placed his hand over the documents.
“Rebecca charges five hundred dollars an hour to create problems.”
“My mother trusted her.”
“Your mother didn’t have a husband.”
Madeline pushed the papers away.
“I’m not signing today.”
Jason stared at her.
For the first time in their marriage, he did not hide his anger.
His palm struck the breakfast table hard enough to overturn a cup.
“You have no idea how much pressure I’m under.”
Madeline flinched.
Jason saw it.
Instead of apologizing, he walked out.
That afternoon, she went to the study to find her mother’s trust documents.
The locked drawer was empty.
When Jason came home, Chelsea came with him.
She walked through the mansion carrying wine and wearing one of Jason’s company jackets.
Madeline demanded to know why she was there.
Chelsea glanced at Madeline’s stomach.
“Jason said you weren’t feeling well.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you?” Chelsea asked.
Jason stepped between them and led Chelsea toward his office.
Madeline heard the door close.
Then she heard Chelsea laugh.
Later that night, Madeline searched the safe again.
Her mother’s estate folder was gone.
In its place was a receipt from a document-scanning company.
The date was two weeks earlier.
May you like
The customer signature read Jason Reed.
👉 Jason had copied the trust behind Madeline’s back—but what he believed was inside those pages would eventually destroy him.
