Chapter 2 - The Lie Beneath the Silver TrayMargaret recovered quickly.
She always did.
She had spent decades learning how to turn cruelty into elegance and manipulation into maternal concern.
"It's her medication," she said calmly. "The doctor prescribed it."
Ava shook her head.
"No."
Her voice was barely audible.
Daniel leaned closer.
"What did you say?"
"No, Daniel."
Ava's fingers closed around his sleeve.
"Don't let her give it to me again."
Margaret sighed dramatically.
"She's confused."
Daniel stared at his mother.
Ava continued, fighting through weakness.
"Every time I drink it... everything disappears. My body stops working. Then she brings papers."
Daniel turned toward the desk.
A power-of-attorney document lay beneath several folders.
The signature line was blank.
But the date wasn't.
It had been prepared the morning Daniel left for Chicago.
His stomach tightened.
"You prepared this before I left."
Margaret's expression remained composed.
"I was protecting the family."
"You were trying to take control of Ava's trust."
"Because you refuse to see reality!"
Her voice suddenly cracked.
"Look at her, Daniel. She is unstable. She's destroying your reputation. The board is already questioning your judgment."
Daniel picked up the document.
"Why isn't my name on it?"
Silence.
"Why are you listed as sole executor?"
Margaret's eyes hardened.
"Because you are too emotional."
Daniel stared at her.
Then at Ava.
Then back at his mother.
Something inside him broke.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
It simply broke.
The blind trust he had carried since childhood was gone.
He pulled out his phone.
"Arthur."
His mother's face changed.
"Daniel, don't."
"I need you at the estate."
He paused.
"Bring security. And a forensic medical team."
Margaret's voice dropped to a whisper.
"You wouldn't dare."
May you like
Daniel looked directly into her eyes.
"I should have dared a long time ago."
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