Three months after my mother’s passing, my husband and I gathered her death certificate, inheritance notarization papers, and our identification documents to formally process her estate.]]
It had been three months since she died, and every memory of her frail body in that hospital bed still pierced my heart like a needle.
Unexpectedly, the doorbell rang.[]
“Who could that be so early?” Michael frowned, walking toward the door.
I followed behind him, a vague sense of unease rising within me.]
Through the peephole, I saw three uniformed police officers standing outside, their expressions serious.[]
As soon as Michael opened the door, the lead officer presented his badge. “Mrs. Sullivan, we’ve received a complaint alleging you’ve illegally seized someone else’s property. We need you to cooperate with our investigation.“[]
I froze, my handbag dropping to the floor with a thud.[]
“What? That’s… that’s impossible…“[]
Just then, a familiar figure emerged from behind the officers–my brother, Jason.[]
He wore a crisp new suit, his hair slicked back to a shine, with that self–satisfied smirk I’d despised since childhood playing on his lips.
“Hey, long time no see,” he greeted with false warmth, his eyes fixed on the jewelry box sitting on my coffee table.
I instantly understood what was happening, and a chill ran from my feet up my spine.[]
“Jason, what is the meaning of this?” My voice began to shake.
“Don’t worry.” He shrugged, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather. “I just think Mom’s inheritance should be divided fairly. Hiding all those valuable pieces for yourself doesn’t seem right, does it?”
“That’s absurd!” My entire body trembled with anger. “Mom explicitly left you the house and all her savings. These jewelry pieces were specifically designated for me!“]
Jason let out a cold laugh. “Is that so? Do you have proof? As far as I know, Mom was barely lucid at the end. Who knows if you coerced those words from her?“]
“You-!” I stepped forward but Michael blocked my path.]
“Officer, there must be a misunderstanding,” Michael said calmly, positioning himself between me and the others. “My mother–in–law did indeed leave a will that explicitly bequeathed these items to my wife. We can provide the necessary documentation if needed.“]]
The officer looked between us and Jason. “Mr. Sullivan, didn’t you claim your sister refused to provide any testamentary evidence?”
100%
Chapter 7
Jason’s expression froze momentarily before he quickly recovered his nonchalant smile. “My sister is quite the actress, officer. Those pieces are worth millions at least–do you really think she’d give them up easily?“]
As the situation reached an impasse, an unexpected voice came from outside:[]
“Excuse me.“]]
Mr. Bennett, my mother’s longtime legal advisor, stood at the doorway holding a briefcase.]]
“Mr. Bennett?” I exclaimed in surprise.[]
He nodded and entered the apartment. “I apologize for being late, Mrs. Sullivan. I came as soon as I heard about the situation.“[]
From his briefcase, he extracted a document and a small USB drive. “This contains a video will recorded by Mrs. Williams–your mother–in my presence, along with notarized written documentation.“[]
Jason’s
face transformed instantly. “What video will? I never heard about this!“[]
Ignoring him, Mr. Bennett handed the USB drive directly to the police officer. “Officer, you can view this right now. Mrs. William clearly expressed her wishes while in a completely sound state of mind.“]]
The lead officer accepted the drive and played it on his tablet.[]
