Chapter 13 - The Last Will of David Gardner
Agent Miller pulled out a sealed, yellowed envelope bearing the official wax stamp of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. On the front, in clear, familiar handwriting, were the words: To be opened only by Colonel Rachel Gardner or Abigail Gardner upon my death.
Rachel’s breath caught in her throat. It was her late husband’s handwriting. David.
"They hid this," Miller said softly. "Arthur Ferguson was David's legal representative when he drafted his final wishes. Arthur concealed this document four years ago."
With hand trembling slightly, Rachel broke the wax seal and pulled out the legal parchment inside. As she read through the pages, the full scope of the Fergusons' monstrous scheme became painfully clear.
David had known his health was failing four years ago. But he had also suspected that the Ferguson family—who were managing his firm's legal affairs—were corrupt.
In the final clause of his authentic will, David had willed a secret, secondary trust containing full ownership rights to a revolutionary defense technology patent directly to Abigail—with a specific safety trigger clause:
“If any member of the Ferguson family attempts to manipulate, coercion, or harm my daughter Abigail, all assets under Ferguson management shall immediately revert to full military oversight, and total power of attorney shall transfer instantly to my wife, Rachel Gardner.”
Arthur Ferguson had hidden the will so they could drain the money first before Abigail ever found out about the safety clause.
May you like
Rachel clutched the paper to her chest, tears burning her eyes. David had protected their daughter from beyond the grave. He had built the very trap that was now going to destroy the Ferguson family forever.
👉 Rachel turned to Agent Miller, her voice cold as steel. "When is their bail hearing?"
