The Call from the Trust
Chapter 02 - The Call from the Trust
Michael answered on speaker.
“Mr. Ashford,” said attorney Naomi Bell, “do not allow anyone to remove your mother from the property.”
Celeste folded her arms.
“No one is removing her. I have arranged a medical assessment.”
Naomi continued as though she had not spoken.
“Do not sign the guardianship petition waiting in your study. Do not authorize the sale of Ashford House. And keep the brass key with you.”
Michael looked at his wife.
“You prepared a guardianship petition?”
Celeste’s voice remained calm.
“Your mother needs professional care.”
Ruth shook her head.
“No hospital.”
Michael helped her onto a nearby bench while Elena placed the towel around her shoulders.
Naomi explained that Ruth had contacted the trust two weeks earlier. She claimed Celeste was attempting to declare her incapacitated and transfer control of several family assets.
The trust had begun an emergency review.
Michael had been summoned home through a coded message sent by Naomi’s office. He thought the merger in Singapore had encountered a legal problem.
The problem was inside his own house.
Celeste laughed softly.
“Your mother has called lawyers before. She forgets what she says.”
Ruth looked at Michael.
“I remember the red ledger.”
“What ledger?”
“The one your father hid.”
Celeste stepped between them.
“This conversation is upsetting her.”
Michael stood.
“No. You are upsetting her.”
He had never spoken to Celeste that way in front of staff.
The shock on her face revealed how much the household had changed while he was away.
Naomi instructed him to insert the brass key into the old clock in the west library. The key would open a compartment created by Michael’s late father, Thomas Ashford.
Celeste moved toward the stairs.
Elena blocked her path without touching her.
“Mrs. Ashford, the attorney asked everyone to remain in the foyer.”
“You work for me.”
Elena looked at Ruth.
“No, ma’am. My employment contract is held by Ashford Family Trust.”
Celeste stared at her.
For twelve years, she had treated the mansion staff as extensions of her authority.
Now the first legal fact entered the room.
May you like
The staff did not belong to her.
Neither did the house.
