Her expression was carefully arranged into something resembling sympathy.
“Margaret, we need to discuss your behavior.”
I continued pouring my tea.
“Do we?”
“Nathan told me about yesterday.”
“Did he ask you about the money?”
Her smile tightened.
“Those funds were allocated to a redevelopment partner. You’re misunderstanding a complicated transaction.”
“A partner you own?”
She didn’t answer immediately.
Then she placed the folder on the table.
“These are preliminary documents concerning your ability to continue making foundation decisions.”
I looked at the first page.
A proposed petition requesting an evaluation of my capacity to manage financial affairs.
For several seconds, all I could hear was the ticking of the kitchen clock.
Caroline watched me closely.
“We don’t want things to become unpleasant,” she said. “But your recent accusations are concerning.”
I picked up the folder.
“You’re threatening to have me declared incompetent?”
“I’m offering you a dignified way to step aside.”
There it was.
No affectionate smile.
No pretense of concern.
Only the cold confidence of someone who believed she controlled every possible outcome.
“You’re making a terrible mistake, Caroline.”
She gave a small, humorless laugh.
“Margaret, you have no idea how much work I’ve put into this foundation.”
“I know exactly how much money you’ve taken out of it.”
Her eyes hardened.
“You should be careful what you say.”
