Chapter 3 - Six Weeks Earlier
The video lasted forty-three seconds.
It felt longer.
On screen, my mother stood by the kitchen island holding a mug. Lauren faced her with her back to the camera.
Mom said, “I’m not interfering. I’m asking why you canceled Daniel’s appointment with the estate lawyer.”
Lauren’s voice sharpened. “Because his finances are none of your business.”
“He asked me to sit in.”
“He asks you for everything.”
“Lauren—”
“You want a helpless son who still needs his mother. I need a husband.”
Then came the line about making me think Mom was losing her mind.
The clip ended.
I stared at Lauren.
She crossed her arms. “That was taken out of context.”
“What context makes that okay?” I asked.
“You have no idea what she said before the clip starts.”
Dad clicked another file.
Lauren moved toward the laptop. “Don’t.”
He blocked her with one arm.
The second clip showed the guest hallway of my parents’ house. Mom was walking slowly with her cane. Lauren came out of the study holding a leather folder.
Mom asked, “Is that Daniel’s trust paperwork?”
Lauren answered, “You need to stop snooping.”
“I live here.”
“Not for long.”
My chest tightened.
I had heard Lauren joke before about moving my parents to a smaller place. I had laughed because I thought she was teasing.
The video continued.
Mom reached for the folder.
Lauren pulled it away and said, “Once Daniel signs what I put in front of him, this house won’t be yours to worry about.”
The clip ended.
I turned toward my father. “What was in the folder?”
He didn’t answer right away.
Lauren did.
“Nothing.”
Dad looked at me.
“Your revised prenuptial agreement,” he said.
“I never revised the prenup.”
“I know.”
A cold wave moved through me.
Dad reached into his jacket again.
This time he pulled out a folded document.
May you like
Across the top was my signature.
Except I had never signed it.
