Caroline read through the documents carefully while we all sat in tense silence. Finally, she looked up at Alicia with disgust. “This is intimidation. You’re demanding that these young adults disown the only mother they’ve ever known in exchange for money.”
Alicia crossed her arms defensively. “It’s what my father stipulated in his will.”
My lawyer, Caroline, arrived within an hour.
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“Your father left his estate to his grandchildren, not to you,” Caroline said coldly. “These documents are your attempt to manipulate access to money through them.”
She turned to Ethan and Sophie.
Her next words were like a lifeline. “You don’t have to sign anything. Your grandfather left this money directly to you, which means she has no legal claim to control it or dictate terms.”
Sophie looked at the scattered papers, then at Alicia. “You didn’t come here because you missed us. You came because you want money that isn’t even yours.”
Her next words were like a lifeline.Ethan’s voice was quiet but firm. “Margaret is our mother. She’s the one who rocked us when we had nightmares. She taught us to ride bikes and sat up with us when we were sick. You’re just the person who left us on a plane.”
Alicia’s face flushed with anger. “Fine. Throw away a fortune because you’re too sentimental to see reality.”
She grabbed her purse and stood. “When you’re struggling to pay for college, remember that I offered you a way out.”
“We’d rather struggle with dignity than sell our souls to someone like you,” Sophie said.
Caroline wasn’t done, though. “Before you leave, Alicia, you should know that abandoning children is a serious offense. The statute of limitations hasn’t expired, and my clients may pursue legal action for the trauma caused by your neglect.”
“We’d rather struggle with dignity
than sell our souls
to someone like
you.”
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Alicia’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t dare.”
