“Gavin has been preparing to divorce you, Hannah, and he has quietly moved funds, created liabilities within the business, and begun telling others that you are unstable in order to weaken your position before the separation. I know this because he attempted similar tactics with me last year when I refused to co sign a financial agreement, and that was when I hired an independent auditor.”
The words hit me with a force that left me momentarily breathless, because I remembered that argument clearly and the way Dorothy had called me afterward with an unusual tone in her voice.
Leonard lifted a second document slightly. “Mrs. Sinclair included supporting materials, including an audit, financial records, and email correspondence that document these actions.”
Gavin’s expression darkened immediately. “Those documents are private,” he said, his voice tight.
“They are now part of the trust record,” Leonard replied evenly. “Copies will be provided to the designated trustee.”
Gavin’s eyes locked onto him. “And who exactly is that,” he asked.
Leonard turned his head and looked directly at me.
“You are, Mrs. Sinclair,” he said clearly. “Hannah Sinclair is the appointed trustee.”
For a moment, I could not fully process what I had just heard, because the situation had shifted so completely that it felt unreal.
Melody let out a small, strained laugh. “That does not make any sense,” she said, clearly unsettled.
“It is entirely correct,” Leonard responded calmly.
Gavin stared at me as if I had taken something from him personally. “You do not know how to run that company,” he said, his tone filled with disbelief.
“I do not need to run it myself,” I replied, surprised by how steady my voice sounded. “I only need to decide who will.”
Leonard continued outlining the conditions set by Dorothy.
I would serve as trustee for five years, during which I would appoint an independent chief executive and a forensic accountant to review the company’s finances in detail.
If the investigation uncovered misconduct, Gavin would be removed from his position and his access to the trust would be suspended.
If he attempted to pressure, intimidate, or manipulate me, he would permanently lose any beneficiary status within the trust.
Melody looked at Gavin, confusion replacing her earlier confidence. “You said everything was already secured,” she said quietly.
“Stop talking,” Gavin snapped, his frustration beginning to show.
Leonard continued reading Dorothy’s final note addressed to Melody.
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