Chapter 2 - The Cognitive Defense
“This is absurd,” Julian sputtered, attempting to regain his footing. “He didn't send you anything. He just blinked! It was an involuntary muscle spasm. He’s brain-dead, Evelyn. He can't run a multi-million-dollar logistics firm from a feeding tube.”
Evelyn didn't even look at him. She turned to the nurse, Marcus, who had quietly slipped back into the room. “Marcus, is the ocular-tracking software fully calibrated?”
“Yes, Ms. Sterling,” Marcus nodded. “We set it up this morning. Arthur’s cognitive baseline is completely intact. He is fully aware.”
“That’s a lie!” Julian shouted, dropping the proxy forms onto the table. “You’re trying to block my legal rights as his next of kin!”
“Let’s test that theory,” Evelyn said smoothly. She stepped back from my bed so I had a clear view of the screen. “Arthur. Julian believes you are mentally incompetent. I am going to ask you three questions. Please use the board to answer.”
I focused my right eye on the screen. The small cursor tracked my pupil perfectly.
“Question one,” Evelyn said. “What is the exact name of the holding company that owns your primary estate?”
I blinked to select the letters. A-R-C-H-E-R H-O-L-D-I-N-G-S.
The mechanical voice of the tablet spoke the words aloud. Julian flinched.
“Question two,” Evelyn continued, a predatory smile touching her lips. “What was the closing price of our primary stock yesterday?”
I spelled it out. E-I-G-H-T-Y F-O-U-R D-O-L-L-A-R-S.
Dr. Vance pulled out his phone, checked the stock ticker, and looked at me with wide eyes. “He’s exactly right.”
“And question three,” Evelyn said, turning to glare directly at my nephew. “Arthur, what do you want me to do with Julian?”
I didn't hesitate. I locked onto the letters, blinking with absolute, furious precision.
G-E-T H-I-M O-U-T O-F M-Y S-I-G-H-T.
The tablet spoke. The room went dead silent.
May you like
Evelyn pointed toward the door. “You heard the man, Julian. If you ever bring unauthorized legal documents into this hospital again, I will have you arrested for attempted fraud.”
Julian snatched his briefcase, his face flushed with humiliation and rage. “This isn't over. You’re a sick old man being manipulated by a greedy lawyer. The board will hear about this!” He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
