Gerald Finch
Chapter 06 - Gerald Finch
Gerald Finch, the attorney who had suppressed Edward's sealed will provision for the past eight years, arrived at the reception hall within the hour, summoned by Victor's frantic call, his expression carrying the specific, calculated calm of a man who understood exactly how much trouble he was now facing.
"This provision was never validated through proper probate channels," Gerald told Victor, loud enough for Claire and Teresa to overhear from across the room. "We can challenge its authenticity, delay its enforcement, potentially have it dismissed entirely."
Teresa stepped forward, presenting the court filing she'd prepared weeks earlier. "The provision has already been formally registered with the probate court, authenticated by the original drafting attorney, and supported by DNA evidence establishing Claire's biological relationship to the deceased. Whatever challenge you're planning, Mr. Finch, I'd suggest reviewing this documentation carefully before you commit to a strategy that requires denying what's already been legally confirmed."
Gerald's composure cracked visibly as he scanned the filing, understanding arriving rapidly that the provision he'd spent eight years successfully burying had been thoroughly, professionally excavated by someone who clearly knew exactly what they were doing.
"I want to speak with my client privately," Gerald said, reaching for Victor's arm.
"I think your client needs a different attorney entirely," Teresa said calmly. "Given that your own deliberate suppression of a valid will provision constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty serious enough to cost you your license, I'd suggest you start worrying about your own legal exposure before you continue advising anyone else about theirs."
Gerald went pale, the specific, devastating realization settling over him that his eight-year arrangement with Victor had just become considerably more dangerous to his own career than to anyone else in this room.
May you like
Victor, watching his own attorney falter, felt the first genuine tremor of uncertainty cross his face since Claire had spoken those four words in the ballroom.
Margaret, observing everything from her chair nearby, felt a specific, grim satisfaction at watching the carefully constructed machinery her son had built around the family's assets finally begin to visibly collapse.
