Chapter 6 - The Man on the Phone
Elliot Vale was a private wealth adviser.
His photograph appeared on the Bellwether website beneath a polished biography about “discretion” and “legacy preservation.”
Margot recognized his voice from the study call.
She also recognized him from Christmas dinners.
Lucas had introduced Elliot as a former colleague.
For years, the man had shaken Margot’s hand, praised her books, and accepted gifts in her home.
Now his signature appeared beside a will she had never approved.
Margot called the law office named on the document.
She did not mention fraud.
She simply asked for a copy of her estate file.
The receptionist hesitated.
“Mr. Stephens usually handles communication.”
“I’m Mrs. Stephens.”
Another silence.
“Of course. We’ll need written authorization.”
“From whom?”
“From you.”
“I’m authorizing it now.”
The receptionist’s voice tightened.
“There appears to be a restriction on the account.”
Margot felt cold.
“Placed by whom?”
“I’m not permitted to disclose that.”
Margot ended the call calmly.
Then her phone rang.
Lucas.
“You called the estate office?”
She looked around the library.
Less than three minutes had passed.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to understand the paper you gave me.”
His breathing changed.
Barely.
But she heard it.
“Come home, Margot.”
“I’m shopping.”
“Come home now.”
The line went dead.
Margot stared at the phone.
Lucas wasn’t simply hiding documents.
May you like
He had arranged to be warned whenever she asked questions.
👉 By the time Margot reached the house, Lucas had removed every file from the study—and placed a new lock on the door.
