Chapter 6 - The Sister's Venom
The paper in my hands was not a business document.
It was a sworn, notarized confession signed by Gertrude’s late husband, Arthur.
I read the words again, making sure my eyes were not deceiving me.
Arthur had confessed to embezzling money from his own clients to pay off massive illegal gambling debts.
But the most shocking part was the final paragraph.
My late husband had secretly paid off Arthur’s debts to keep him out of federal prison, saving Gertrude from absolute ruin.
In exchange, Arthur signed away any future rights or claims to our family’s company.
"She knew," I whispered, looking up at Abernathy.
"Gertrude has known for thirty years that my husband saved her family from the streets."
Abernathy nodded grimly.
"And yet, she is still trying to steal your legacy using the very nephews you raised."
A cold, burning anger ignited in my chest.
"Let's not wait until Monday," I told the lawyer.
"We are going to Gertrude's house right now."
The black town car drove us to the wealthy suburbs where my sister lived.
I walked up her pristine driveway and knocked loudly on her custom oak door.
Mason opened it, looking shocked to see me standing on the porch.
"What are you doing here?" Mason demanded.
I pushed past him without a word and walked straight into the living room.
Gertrude was sitting by the fireplace, drinking tea with Kenneth and Brenda.
They looked like a pack of wolves plotting their next attack.
"Get out of my house!" Gertrude snapped, standing up quickly.
I tossed the yellowed confession onto the expensive coffee table.
"Read it, Gertrude," I commanded.
Kenneth frowned and picked up the paper, his eyes scanning the page rapidly.
"What is this?" Kenneth asked, looking confused.
Gertrude snatched the paper from his hands and read it.
All the color instantly vanished from her face, leaving her looking hollow and terrified.
"You knew Arthur was a criminal, and you knew my husband saved you," I said loudly for my sons to hear.
Mason looked at his aunt in disbelief.
"You told us he stole the patent from you," Mason stammered.
"You lied to us so we would help you sue her!"
Gertrude crumpled the paper in her fist, her hands shaking violently.
"It doesn't matter!" Kenneth suddenly shouted, stepping in front of his aunt.
"That old letter won't stop the court order I filed this morning."
I narrowed my eyes at my eldest son.
"What court order, Kenneth?" I asked.
May you like
Kenneth reached into his jacket and pulled out a stamped legal document.
"The one signed by a judge declaring you mentally incompetent and making me your permanent legal guardian."
