Chapter 6 - THE LAWYER AT THE BEDSIDE
Alexander called the hospital security desk before he reached the elevator.
“Do not let Nolan Pierce leave the building.”
The guard hesitated. “Sir, Mr. Pierce just signed out.”
“When?”
“Two minutes ago.”
Alexander ran.
By the time he reached the hospital, Nolan’s black Mercedes was gone.
Evelyn was sitting upright in bed, wearing reading glasses and arguing with a nurse about decaf coffee.
Alexander shut the door behind him.
“What did Nolan want?”
She removed her glasses. “Good evening to you too.”
“Mom.”
“He wanted me to sign a statement saying I was confused before the fall.”
Alexander went still.
“What?”
“He said Victoria’s lawyers were going to claim I provoked her, and that a neutral statement would protect the family.”
“Did you sign anything?”
Evelyn looked offended. “I raised a billionaire. I’m not an idiot.”
He exhaled.
“Grant called me. He said not to trust Nolan.”
Evelyn’s face lost its color.
“Nolan prepared your father’s estate.”
“I know.”
“He knows every weakness in the company.”
“I know.”
“And he knows exactly what happens if you become medically unable to run it.”
Alexander stared at her.
Evelyn reached for water, but her hand trembled.
“What?” he asked.
“Your father insisted on an incapacity clause.”
“I remember.”
“If two designated physicians declare you incapable, your voting authority transfers temporarily to the trustee named in your private estate documents.”
Alexander’s stomach tightened.
“Nolan.”
“Yes.”
The missing unsigned medical power document suddenly mattered less than the missing stock certificates.
Alexander called Marcus.
“Find out whether any physician connected to Reed Health has had unusual contact with Pierce or Victoria.”
“I’m already on it.”
Evelyn watched her son pace.
“Alex.”
He stopped.
“There’s another reason Victoria hates me.”
He waited.
“Last month, she asked me to convince you to marry her.”
Alexander looked away.
“I told her no.”
“Why?”
“Because she didn’t ask what made you happy. She asked what she would control as your wife.”
Alexander closed his eyes.
Evelyn’s voice softened.
“I should have told you sooner.”
“So should I.”
A knock came at the door.
A detective entered carrying a clear evidence bag.
Inside was a silver key card stained with blood.
“We found this in Grant Bell’s car,” he said.
May you like
The printed name on the card was not Grant’s.
It belonged to Evelyn Parker.
