Maya looked down at the dark blue folder resting on the polished mahogany wood. On the front cover, gold lettering spelled out the words legal trust and estate planning. She looked up at Julian, confusion clear in her dark eyes.
Maya: What is this, Mr. Vance?
Julian: Three days ago, my security team caught Chloe attempting to access this safe while I was in a board meeting downtown.
Maya: She was trying to rob you?
Julian: Not rob me of money. She was looking for my grandmother's original last will and testament.
Maya froze in her chair, her breath catching in her chest as she looked down at the official legal paperwork.
Maya: Why would she want Mrs. Gable's will?
Julian: Because six months ago, my grandmother revised her estate planning. She left twenty percent of her liquid trust fund—roughly twelve million dollars—to a private charity foundation dedicated to supporting young women from low-income families through college.
Maya: That sounds like something Mrs. Gable would do. She has such a generous heart.
Julian: Do you know who recommended that specific foundation to my grandmother, Maya?
Maya: No, sir. I have no idea.
Julian: You did. Two years ago, when you were hired here as a junior housekeeper, you mentioned to my grandmother how hard your mother worked to pay for your sister's nursing school tuition.
Maya's hands began to tremble slightly as the memories came flooding back. She remembered sitting beside Mrs. Gable on the back patio two years ago, sharing tea on a quiet afternoon when the old woman felt lonely. She had talked about her family's financial struggles, never imagining that the wealthy matriarch was paying close attention to every word.
Maya: I... I remember talking to her about that while serving her tea. But I never asked her to donate money!
Julian: You didn't have to. Your honesty and work ethic inspired her. She set up that trust fund because of you. And Chloe found out about it through my family's estate lawyer.
Maya: That's why she hated me so much... she knew I was the reason that money was set aside!
Julian: Exactly. Chloe wanted that twelve million dollars added to her own marriage settlement trust. She knew that as long as my grandmother was mentally sharp and surrounded by people who truly cared for her, she could never manipulate the will.
Maya: So she was trying to push Mrs. Gable into a care facility, wasn't she?
Julian: Yes. She wanted to prove my grandmother was incompetent so she could take control of her estate. But your constant presence protected her. That's why Chloe snapped today and tried to break her spirit in the foyer.
A heavy knocking sound broke the quiet atmosphere in the office. Two chief security officers stood at the open doorway, holding two large suitcases belonging to Chloe Montgomery.
Security Officer: Mr. Vance, Miss Montgomery has been escorted to the front driveway. We checked her luggage and found three antique diamond necklaces belonging to Mrs. Gable hidden inside her coat lining.
Julian: Hand the jewelry to the police when they arrive at the gate. Escort her off the property grounds immediately, and file a formal charge for attempted grand larceny.
Security Officer: Understood, sir. Right away.