Martha’s lawyer, Simon Webb, became suspicious because he was not a novice. When he received the agreement, he asked for time to review everything with a forensic accountant.
He warned Martha that a young widow does not hand over an entire estate without a hidden reason. He begged her to wait, but she refused to listen to his professional advice.
“Sarah always shrinks and she finally understood her place.” Martha reportedly told him. Simon left his warning in writing to protect himself, but Martha signed it anyway.
The agreement was signed on a Tuesday in a cold room at a notary’s office. I arrived in a dark blue dress with dry eyes while Diane sat right next to me.
Martha appeared dressed as if for a victory in a silk blouse and her signature pearls. Spencer smiled like a child who had just been given a brand new car.
Diane read each clause with impeccable calm as I relinquished all rights to the inheritance. Martha withdrew her legal challenge and waived any future custody or visitation rights regarding Zoey.
I signed the papers first and then Martha signed them with a look of triumph. It only took eight minutes for her to sell her peace for a complete illusion.