Chapter 18 - Claire's Deal

Claire's deal was simple.

She would not report Diane's role in the old settlement fraud if Diane cut contact with Martin, Thomas, and the trust plan permanently.

In return, Diane could remain part of our family under boundaries Claire set.

"She gave you a way out," I said.

Diane nodded.

"And you took it?"

"For eleven days."

I laughed once, without humor.

"Eleven days."

"Then Martin sent me the trust draft. He showed me how much money was involved. He told me Claire was planning to remove me as successor trustee."

"Was she?"

"Yes."

Of course she was.

Diane twisted her wedding ring.

"I told myself Claire was poisoning you against me. I told myself the money had come from what the Vales took from our family. I told myself I deserved a chance to protect what was ours."

"It was never ours."

"I know that now."

"You knew it then. You just didn't like it."

She looked down.

Officer Lee collected her formal statement.

The flash drive contained exactly what Thomas promised.

Martin's voice coaching Diane to create the appearance of neglect.

Martin telling her to emphasize my addiction history.

Martin discussing how emergency guardianship could become long-term placement.

And one recording that made Diane's own lawyer stop speaking.

MARTIN: Once I have access to the child, I don't need you.

DIANE: He's my grandson.

MARTIN: He's Claire's son. That's the bloodline that matters to me.

DIANE: Evan is his father.

MARTIN: Evan is an obstacle.

The next morning, police arrested Martin on charges related to unlawful surveillance, evidence tampering, and conspiracy allegations still under investigation.

Thomas surrendered two days later.

Diane was charged as well.

Before officers took her away, she asked me one question.

"Will you ever let me see Noah again?"

I looked at her for a long time.

"I don't know."

She nodded as if that answer hurt more than no.

Then she left.

I thought the worst was over.

Three days later, Olivia called.

"Evan, we found a final amendment to Claire's trust."

"What does it say?"

"It removes Diane as successor trustee."

I exhaled.

Then Olivia continued.

"And it names someone else."

"Who?"

"Rachel."

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