Chapter 6: The Lawsuit and the Leak
Gerald Foss arrived at the hotel at seven-thirty the next morning with two associates and a box of files.
Charlotte was already in the conference room with coffee she hadn't touched.
"Tell me about the lawsuit," she said before he sat down.
Gerald set the box on the table.
"Ashcroft Group is claiming the reversion clause is invalid on three grounds.
First, they argue your mother lacked full legal capacity when she inserted the clause, citing a medical record from six months before her passing."
"She was sharp until the end," Charlotte said.
"I know.
I spoke with her weekly." Gerald opened the box.
"Second, they argue that the clause was inserted without their knowledge or consent, constituting fraudulent misrepresentation in the original agreement."
"She designed the clause.
They signed the agreement."
"Yes.
Their attorneys will argue their clients did not understand what they were signing.
It is not a strong argument, but it creates delay." He set a document on the table.
"Third, and this is the one we need to take seriously — they are arguing that you failed to meet the identification threshold required by the reversion clause."
Charlotte looked up.
"What identification threshold?"
"The clause specifies that the named heir must present herself with, and I'm quoting directly, 'valid proof of identity and legal standing, including original documentation of lineage verified by an independent third party.'" Gerald looked at her carefully.
"The ownership papers you presented yesterday were certified by the probate court.
But the Ashcroft Group's filing argues that probate court certification does not constitute independent third-party lineage verification as defined in the clause."
"That's a technicality."
"It is.
But it is a technicality that could stall the reversion for six to eighteen months if a judge agrees to hear it."
Charlotte leaned back.
"What do we need?"
"A DNA verification matched against your mother's estate records.
A certified genealogical report.
And ideally, a witness — someone present at the time the clause was drafted — who can testify to the intent."
"Who was present when my mother drafted the clause?"
Gerald was quiet for a moment.
"I was," he said.
"And one other person."
"Who?"
"Your mother's personal physician.
A Dr.
Elaine Marsh.
She was present because your mother wanted a medical witness to confirm her capacity at the time of signing." Gerald folded his hands.
"Dr.
Marsh retired two years ago.
I have not been able to locate her."
Charlotte's phone buzzed on the table.
She glanced at the screen.
A text from an unknown number.
*You're looking for Elaine Marsh.
So is Vivienne.
She found her first.*
Charlotte turned the phone so Gerald could see it.
His face went still.
"Someone is watching this closely," he said.
"Someone on our side," Charlotte said.
"Or someone who wants to be." She looked at the message again.
"Either way, we need to find Dr.
Marsh before Vivienne does anything to change her mind."
Gerald was already reaching for his phone.
Charlotte stood up, picked up her untouched coffee, and finally took a drink.
May you like
It had gone cold.
She drank it anyway.
