Chapter 3 - EMILY'S FIFTH-BIRTHDAY CLAUSENaomi found the answer inside a document Ethan had never properly read.
Emily's trust.
Section 14.
When Lily turned five, the trustee was required to provide a full independent accounting of assets.
Lily was four years and nine months old.
Three months remained.
Ethan frowned.
“So?”
Naomi slid another document across the table.
The trust should contain approximately $11.4 million.
Recent statements showed $8.9 million.
Ethan stared.
“Market losses?”
“Possibly.”
“But?”
“Robert won't provide transaction-level records.”
Three months.
An audit.
Missing money.
Now the custody attempt looked different.
If Ethan remained guardian, he could demand records on Lily's behalf.
If Diane became temporary guardian?
Robert would be working with his own sister.
Naomi investigated further.
Emily had anticipated conflicts.
If Lily's guardian changed because Ethan became legally unfit, the mandatory fifth-birthday audit could be delayed for up to twelve months while a successor guardian was confirmed.
Twelve months.
Robert didn't need permanent custody.
He needed time.
But why involve Tessa?
Because Tessa was reckless.
And Ethan had hated the way she teased Lily for years.
Robert understood family pressure points.
He didn't create Ethan's temper.
He weaponized it.
The realization disgusted Ethan.
He had given Robert something useful simply by being predictable.
That night he made a decision.
No more giving them what they expected.
Not rage.
May you like
Not threats.
Evidence.
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