An hour later I sat in his office.
Nathaniel placed a small digital recorder on the table.
He pressed play.
Grandma’s voice filled the room.
Older.
Weaker.
But unmistakably hers.
“October seventeenth.
Robert came again.
He wants me to amend the trust.
He says Sylvie has enough ambition to make her own money and Marisa needs protection.”
I closed my eyes.
“I asked him why one daughter’s strength should be punished and the other’s dependency rewarded.”
A pause.
Grandma coughed.
“He became angry.”
Another pause.
“He said Evelyn is certain Sylvie knows about the Wexford shares.
She does not.”
Then Grandma’s voice changed.
“There is something else.
Robert brought papers for me to sign.
He said they concerned tax planning.
Nathaniel confirmed they would have transferred voting control.”
I looked at the attorney.
He nodded grimly.
The recording continued.
“I am beginning to fear my son does not merely expect my death.
