Chapter 17 - Elena Refused To Be Protected
Elena listened quietly while Sofia explained the forged authorization.
When Sofia finished, Elena simply asked:
“Did you verify the document yourself?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“It is fraudulent.”
Elena nodded.
“Then don't treat me like a fragile old woman.”
Sofia looked surprised.
“I wasn't.”
“You were.”
Elena's voice was gentle but firm.
“You were about to tell me to stay in my room while you handled this.”
Sofia lowered her eyes.
“I just don't want you dragged into another crisis.”
Elena smiled sadly.
“My dear, I have lived through enough crises to know that hiding from them does not make them disappear.”
Damian entered the room.
“Mother—”
Elena raised a hand.
“No.”
Damian stopped.
She looked at both of them.
“You two have spent your lives protecting me.”
She touched the falcon ring on her finger.
“Now let me protect you with the knowledge I have.”
Sofia sat beside her.
“What do you know?”
Elena thought for a moment.
“Your grandfather created the trust after the first major family dispute.”
“About what?”
“Control.”
Elena's eyes became distant.
“He believed the family would eventually fight over who deserved to lead.”
Sofia frowned.
“Then why create a trust?”
“To make leadership less important than the rules.”
Damian understood immediately.
“If the rules were bypassed, someone could control the assets without holding the title.”
Elena nodded.
“Exactly.”
Sofia looked at the forged document.
“Then whoever did this isn't trying to steal money.”
“No,” Elena said.
“They're testing whether you understand the trust.”
Sofia felt a chill.
This was no longer about one fraudulent transfer.
Someone was testing her.
And Sofia suddenly realized that Victor's downfall had not ended the old struggle.
May you like
It had merely changed its form.
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