Chapter 6: The Woman Who Signed Away Her Daughter
The following morning, I sat inside a family attorney's office with Lily asleep against my shoulder.
Her little hand was wrapped around one of the white roses from the airport.
Attorney Rebecca Collins placed three folders on her desk.
“I've reviewed the custody affidavit, the disputed travel documents, and the medical correspondence,” she said.
“This is considerably more serious than a marital infidelity case.””
I stared at the papers.
“I don't care about the money. I don't care about the affair. I want my daughter safe.””
Rebecca nodded.
“That's exactly what we need to establish first.””
She opened the custody affidavit.
“Your husband claims you have a history of emotional instability and that you've obstructed necessary medical care.””
I shook my head.
“I have never refused medical care for Lily. She's a healthy child. She has regular checkups.””
“Do you have records?””
“Yes. Her pediatrician has everything.””
“Good. We'll request certified copies.””
She turned to another page.
“Your mother claims she witnessed several incidents in which you were unable to care for Lily.””
I felt tears rising.
“My mother used to pick Lily up from school once a week. She knew I worked long shifts. She knew I was doing everything I could.””
Rebecca leaned forward.
“Sarah, I need you to understand something. People who manufacture custody claims often rely on small pieces of truth and surround them with false conclusions.””
She pointed to one paragraph.
“Your mother mentions that you attended counseling after Lily was born.””
I nodded.
“I had postpartum anxiety. I struggled for a few months. My doctor recommended therapy. I got help.””
“That's not evidence of parental unfitness.””
“I know.””
“Then don't let them make you ashamed of seeking treatment.””
I looked down at Lily.
She had fallen asleep with her cheek pressed against my coat.
“I just want her childhood to be normal.””
Rebecca closed the folder.
“Then we start by preventing anyone from removing her from your care while these allegations are investigated.””
She picked up her phone.
“I've already contacted the relevant authorities about the suspected forged consent documents. We also need to notify the estate trustee that Lily is a minor and that any financial arrangements must be independently reviewed.””
I frowned.
“Can we stop the inheritance process?””
“We can ask the court to protect her interests. But I want to know why Daniel is so desperate to control the trust.””
I pulled out Vanessa's message.
“There was a document called Beneficiary Death Contingency.””
Rebecca's expression changed.
“Did you see it?””
“No. Vanessa only saw the title.””
Rebecca leaned back.
“That's disturbing, but we need the actual document before drawing conclusions.””
At that moment, my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered.
“Hello?””
A man's voice spoke.
“Mrs. Carter, my name is Edward Hayes. I'm the attorney representing the Thomas Wilson Family Trust.””
I sat straighter.
“How did you get my number?””
“Your husband provided it during a recent beneficiary inquiry. I've been trying to reach you since yesterday.””
“Why?””
“Because the trust's original documents identify your daughter as a potential beneficiary.””
Rebecca immediately motioned for me to put the call on speaker.
Edward continued.
“However, there's a serious complication. Your husband submitted a petition requesting that he be appointed as Lily's financial guardian.””
I looked at Rebecca.
“Can he do that?””
“Not without proper legal review,” she whispered.
Edward continued.
“The petition includes a statement claiming that you consented to Daniel managing the inheritance on Lily's behalf.””
I almost laughed.
“Another forged signature?””
There was a pause.
“Yes, Mrs. Carter. The signature is currently under review.””
Rebecca took notes.
“Mr. Hayes, who is the current trustee?””
“I am acting as temporary trustee. The original trustee passed away last year.””
“And who benefits if Lily cannot inherit?””
Another silence.
Edward lowered his voice.
“That's precisely why I wanted to speak with you privately.””
My heart began pounding.
“What are you saying?””
“The trust contains a contingency clause. If Lily dies before her eighteenth birthday without a surviving direct descendant, the estate passes to the secondary beneficiary.””
“Who?””
“Carter Family Holdings.””
I remembered the company listed in Daniel's paperwork.
“Who owns that company?””
Edward exhaled.
“Your husband and his mother are the controlling shareholders.””
Rebecca stood immediately.
“Mr. Hayes, please send every document related to that clause to my office.””
“I intend to. But there's something else.””
“What?””
“The trust was amended six months ago.””
I looked at the DNA report.
“By whom?””
“Someone claiming to represent the biological family of Lily Carter.””
“Who signed it?””
Edward hesitated.
Then he said:
“Richard Hayes.””
My entire body went rigid.
“That's impossible. Richard Hayes is dead.””
Edward's voice became quiet.
“Mrs. Carter, the amendment was signed in person, witnessed by a notary, and accompanied by a current passport.””
Rebecca stopped writing.
I gripped the phone.
“Are you telling me someone used my dead father's identity?””
“I'm telling you that the man who signed those documents claimed to be Richard Hayes.””
“Do you have a photograph?””
“Yes.””
“Send it to my attorney.””
Edward paused.
“There's another reason I called. The man in that photograph has been asking about Lily for several months.””
My throat tightened.
“Where is he now?””
“I don't know.””
Then Edward said something that made the room go silent.
“He requested a private meeting with Lily this morning.””
Rebecca grabbed my arm.
“Did you approve that meeting?””
“No,” I answered.
Edward sounded confused.
“That's strange. Because the appointment was confirmed by someone claiming to be Lily's legal guardian.””
I looked at Rebecca.
“Who?””
He checked his records.
“Margaret Wilson.””
My mother.
I ended the call and immediately stood.
“Where is my mother?””
Rebecca was already dialing the police.
But before anyone could answer, my phone lit up with a new message.
It contained a photograph.
Lily's school entrance.
Taken that morning.
And underneath it were eight words:
Your mother says it's time to meet your real grandfather.
I looked at my sleeping daughter.
Then at Rebecca.
May you like
Someone had found out where we were hiding.
And they were already coming for Lily.
