A Signature in His Name
Chapter 05 - A Signature in His Name
Dante laid the petition in front of attorney Simone Alvarez, who had represented the legitimate side of his holdings for eleven years.
“I didn't authorize this.”
Simone studied the signature. “Then don't contact the court staff personally. We'll obtain the filing history, ask that the matter be reviewed, and preserve evidence. We need to know whether it's an actual filing, a draft, or a fabricated copy.”
Dante exhaled. “My mother thought I'd approved her removal.”
“Someone wanted her to think so.”
He pictured Rose begging Evelyn at dinner. She had been surrounded by expensive flowers and people who claimed to love her, yet she'd looked like a person stranded on an island.
Simone continued. “Your mother's capacity can't be decided by her age or by a fiancée's allegations. She has rights, and she needs independent advice.”
“I'll pay for it.”
“You can offer. She should choose her own attorney.”
Dante almost protested. Then he realized that even his instinct to protect could become another way to control.
“Ask her,” he said.
***
Celeste was waiting at the estate when Dante returned. Her red gown from the dinner hung over a chair like a discarded flag.
“Are you going to throw away our wedding because your mother forgot a conversation?” she demanded.
“I'm postponing the wedding while we find out what happened.”
“You've been manipulated by a girl who pours tea for a living.”
“Her job has nothing to do with whether she's telling the truth.”
Celeste's mouth tightened. “You used to understand loyalty.”
“I still do. That's why I'm asking why my mother is afraid of you.”
She stepped closer. “Because I've been making decisions no one else would make. She's declining, Dante. Everyone can see it.”
He remembered Rose accurately describing an address from thirty years ago, remembering the pattern on a locket, and asking clear questions about her home. None of that ruled out illness. But it made him question Celeste's sweeping certainty.
“Then we'll let independent physicians assess her,” he said. “And she'll have the chance to speak for herself.”
May you like
Celeste stared at him. “You don't know what I gave up for this family.”
Dante looked into her face and realized he no longer knew what she meant by family.
