Tabitha’s cold voice filled the room.

“When the old man dies, you will declare that he was senile, and Calvin will fight for the house while Paige is left with nothing.”

Then Calvin spoke, familiar and yet completely transformed by cruelty.

“Paige never deserved any of this because she only got ahead by being Everett’s daughter.”

My throat tightened as Kyle stopped the recording and opened his folder.

“This is the worst part of it all,” he said quietly.

He showed me bank statements from my father’s company revealing dozens of concealed payments.

“Tabitha has been stealing from the company for years, even before your divorce happened.”

“Her relationship with Calvin was never an accident; she used him to get into the family so she could take everything.”

I stared at the records and realized this was no longer only about money or greed.

“It was a hunt,” I whispered, “and tomorrow they are walking straight into a trap.”

PART 3: The Final Settlement

The morning of the will reading was unusually warm for spring in Phoenixville.

I wore a simple navy dress and tied back my hair, recognizing my father’s quiet strength in my own reflection.

At exactly nine, I entered Penelope’s law office, where she was already arranging documents across a wide walnut desk.

We heard commotion in the hallway before the meeting even began.

“Tabitha actually brought a camera crew,” Kyle muttered as he entered behind me.

“She is currently practicing her victory speech in front of a mirror out there.”

Penelope closed her portfolio with a knowing smile.

“Let them record everything, as it will make for a very interesting video later.”