CHAPTER 2 — THE WOMAN THEY THOUGHT COULD NEVER HEAR
Leo never looked at my hand again.
He was only nine.
But somehow...
He understood.
If Marcus realized I was awake...
Neither of us would be safe.
He lowered his head and pretended to cry.
"I'm sorry, Mom."
Marcus smiled.
"See?"
"I told you."
"She can't hear a thing."
He turned toward Victoria.
"Call the notary."
"We're finishing this today."
Victoria nodded.
"And after the paperwork..."
"We'll transfer Leo to the Connecticut estate."
Leo whispered,
"I don't want to go."
Marcus looked down at him.
"You don't have a choice."
A new voice interrupted.
"Actually..."
"He does."
The hospital door opened.
A woman in a navy suit stepped inside carrying a leather briefcase.
Margaret Lawson.
My estate attorney.
Marcus's smile disappeared.
"What are you doing here?"
She calmly closed the door behind her.
"I received a phone call."
She looked at Leo.
"From a very brave young man."
Leo squeezed the edge of my blanket.
Marcus forced a laugh.
"This is a private family matter."
Ms. Lawson didn't even look at him.
"No."
"It became a legal matter two weeks ago."
She opened her briefcase.
Removed a sealed envelope.
My heart pounded.
I recognized the blue wax seal.
My signature.
Marcus stepped forward.
"You can't open that."
"I already have."
She handed him a copy.
"The original will has been filed."
"The court has confirmed receipt."
Victoria's face turned pale.
"What does it say?"
Ms. Lawson answered without emotion.
"If my death appears suspicious..."
"...my entire estate enters an immediate legal freeze."
Silence.
Marcus blinked.
"What?"
"No inheritance."
"No asset transfers."
"No trust distributions."
"Nothing."
"Until an independent investigation is completed."
Victoria grabbed Marcus's arm.
"You never told me that."
"I didn't know."
He snapped.
Ms. Lawson calmly continued.
"And one more thing."
She looked directly at Marcus.
"You are specifically prohibited from becoming Leo's legal guardian."
Marcus's face went white.
"What?"
"If my husband attempts to obtain custody..."
"...the petition must automatically be denied."
The room became deathly quiet.
Leo slowly looked at me.
Without moving his lips...
He whispered,
"I told you she'd come."
Just then...
A nurse walked toward my bed.
She frowned.
"Doctor..."
"I think the patient just moved again."
Marcus spun toward me.
May you like
His eyes filled with panic.
END OF CHAPTER 2.
