Chapter 7 - The Will Written in Secret
Leonard removed a sealed envelope.
A red wax mark covered the flap.
Daniel’s initials were pressed into the seal.
Margaret stared at it.
“You told me Daniel never updated his will.”
“I told you I could not discuss a client’s private documents.”
“I am his mother.”
“And Claire is his legal wife.”
Leonard handed the envelope to Claire.
“This was signed eight weeks ago.”
Claire took it carefully.
She had never seen it before.
Daniel had kept this part of the plan from her.
Margaret reached for the envelope.
Claire pulled it back.
Leonard stepped between them.
“If anyone interferes with that document, I will report it immediately.”
Victor scoffed.
“To whom? The dead man?”
Leonard’s eyes hardened.
“To the court, the board, and federal investigators.”
Margaret looked toward the chapel doors.
The security guards had forced most guests outside, but several close relatives and employees remained.
Their phones were still recording.
She lowered her voice.
“What does the will say?”
Leonard answered without hesitation.
“Claire inherits Daniel’s personal estate.”
Margaret’s face tightened.
“She manipulated him.”
“She also receives temporary voting control of his shares.”
Victor stepped forward.
“That is impossible.”
“And,” Leonard continued, “if Daniel’s death resulted from criminal conduct by any officer or director of Vale Biotech, all company records must be turned over to federal authorities before any transfer of control.”
The color left Victor’s face.
Claire looked down at the sealed envelope.
Daniel had created a second layer of protection.
Margaret whispered, “Destroy it.”
Victor stared at her.
“Here?”
“There cannot be a will if there is no document.”
Leonard laughed once.
“This is a certified copy.”
Margaret’s eyes flickered.
“Where is the original?”
Leonard said nothing.
Victor grabbed him by the lapel.
“Where?”
Claire stepped toward them.
“Let him go.”
Victor shoved Leonard backward.
The attorney hit a pew and nearly fell.
Inside the coffin, Daniel’s fingers curled.
His controlled breathing became uneven.
The sensor beneath the satin sent a warning vibration against Claire’s wrist.
Daniel was nearing the limit of the medication.
Claire needed to administer the counteragent soon.
But Victor stood between her and the hidden tube.
Margaret opened the replacement waiver.
“Sign this now, or I will make sure you leave this chapel accused of murdering my son.”
Claire stared at her.
“You already planned that, didn’t you?”
May you like
Margaret’s silence gave the answer away.
👉 Claire had just realized the waiver was not only about money—it was meant to make her look guilty of Daniel’s murder.
