Chapter 12 - The Attempt to Take Margaret’s Voice
Richard’s petition described Margaret as confused, unstable, and easily manipulated.
It claimed Evelyn and Blake had abducted her from the wedding.
It requested immediate guardianship over her medical decisions, property, and legal representation.
Margaret read the filing in stunned silence.
“He wants a judge to say I don’t understand my own life.”
Celia placed the papers down.
“He wants control before investigators question you.”
Richard had attached a letter from a private physician stating Margaret showed signs of cognitive decline.
Margaret had never met the doctor.
The signature on the consent form was forged.
Blake’s team traced payment for the letter to Vale Coastal Holdings.
Margaret’s fear turned into something harder.
“All these years, he told me I couldn’t survive without him.”
Evelyn sat beside her.
“You don’t have to prove anything to him.”
“I need to prove it to myself.”
Margaret agreed to an independent evaluation by three specialists.
She answered every question clearly.
She recalled dates, accounts, property names, and conversations.
Her memory was not failing.
Her confidence had been crushed.
There was a difference.
The specialists documented no basis for guardianship.
Meanwhile, Daniel recovered audio from Richard’s accountant.
In one recording, Richard ordered him to prepare documents transferring Margaret’s shares in Vale Development.
“What if she refuses?” the accountant asked.
“She signs whatever I put in front of her.”
“And Evelyn?”
Richard laughed.
“After Penelope’s wedding, no one will believe anything Evelyn says.”
Margaret listened with tears running down her face.
Richard had planned to destroy both women during the same weekend.
Evelyn released nothing publicly.
Instead, Celia submitted the audio, forged medical letter, and independent evaluations in response to the petition.
Richard’s request was denied.
The judge ordered all disputed family and company documents preserved.
That preservation order terrified Richard.
It meant he could no longer destroy the financial records connecting him to the Campbell leaks.
Penelope called Evelyn repeatedly.
Evelyn answered once.
“You need to stop Blake,” Penelope said.
“Stop him from doing what?”
“Destroying this family.”
Evelyn’s voice remained calm.
May you like
“He hasn’t started.”
👉 Penelope realized too late that Blake’s silence was not mercy—it was preparation.
