CHAPTER 3 – The Secret My Husband Took to His Grave
CHAPTER 3 – The Secret My Husband Took to His Grave
Rebecca's face turned pale the moment the older gentleman stepped onto my porch.
He carried a polished leather briefcase and wore the calm expression of someone who had spent decades delivering life-changing news.
"Mrs. Margaret Hudson?" he asked.
"Yes."
"My name is Charles Bennett. I was your husband's attorney."
My heart skipped.
"My husband passed away four years ago."
"I know," he replied gently. "But before Daniel died, he instructed me to contact you only if something unusual happened concerning your finances."
Rebecca suddenly stood.
"I think this is a private family matter."
Charles looked directly at her.
"And you are?"
"I'm his daughter-in-law."
"I wasn't speaking to you."
The silence that followed was almost satisfying.
Charles opened his briefcase and removed a thick sealed envelope.
"This was written by your husband six months before his passing."
My fingers trembled as I opened it.
Inside was Daniel's familiar handwriting.
My Maggie,
If you're reading this, it means my greatest fear has come true.
Someone close to you has betrayed your trust.
Tears blurred my vision.
Charles continued.
"Your husband believed that after he was gone, people might try to take advantage of your kindness."
Rebecca laughed nervously.
"That's ridiculous."
Charles ignored her.
"Mr. Hudson divided his estate into two parts. The house and daily savings were left directly to you."
He paused.
"But another investment account remained hidden."
Martin frowned.
"What investment account?"
Charles slid another document across the table.
"It currently contains approximately three point two million dollars."
Nobody spoke.
Rebecca's mouth slowly opened.
Martin stared at the number as if he couldn't breathe.
Charles continued.
"The account cannot be accessed unless Mrs. Hudson personally appears with verified identification."
Rebecca suddenly forced a smile.
"Well...that's wonderful news for the family."
Charles looked at her coldly.
"No."
"The account belongs solely to Mrs. Hudson."
"Neither children nor spouses have any legal claim."
Rebecca's smile disappeared.
Then Charles removed one final document.
"Unfortunately..."
"We received an application two weeks ago requesting access to this account."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
"The request was rejected because the signature didn't match our archived records."
He placed the forged application on the table.
The signature looked exactly like the one from my bank.
Only one person could have submitted it.
I slowly turned toward Rebecca.
She refused to meet my eyes.
Martin looked horrified.
"Rebecca..."
She snapped.
"I was only trying to secure our future!"
"Our future?" I whispered.
"You tried to steal everything Daniel left me."
She slammed her hand onto the table.
"You weren't doing anything with it!"
"I deserve a better life than this stupid town!"
Martin stepped backward.
"You told me it was only paperwork."
Rebecca glared at him.
"Don't start acting innocent."
Charles quietly closed his briefcase.
"I'm afraid this matter now involves attempted financial fraud."
"I strongly recommend contacting the police."
Rebecca's confidence finally cracked.
May you like
For the first time...
She looked afraid.
