Chapter 6 - THE RED FOLDER
The folder was red.
Evelyn used one exactly like it for bills.
Inside were printed emails between her and a financial adviser Alex did not know.
The first concerned a family trust Evelyn had created years earlier.
The second concerned Alex’s condo.
The third concerned guardianship.
Alex read the first page twice.
Then a third time.
Maya moved closer.
“What is it?”
Evelyn reached forward.
Alex lifted the folder away.
“No.”
For once, she listened.
The adviser had clearly told Evelyn she had no authority to alter title to Alex and Maya’s condo.
She had asked anyway.
Her email said:
My son travels frequently and his wife is increasingly unstable. If intervention becomes necessary, I need to know what can be protected before marital property is damaged.
Another asked whether assets could be moved into a family entity if Alex agreed Maya was financially incompetent.
Then came notes about Chloe.
Not an actual guardianship petition.
Not yet.
But research.
Emergency custody standards.
Caregiver documentation.
What evidence courts consider when one parent is “unable to provide stable care.”
Alex felt something cold move through him.
“Why are you researching custody of my daughter?”
Evelyn looked at Maya.
“She was not coping.”
“I asked you.”
“No, Alex. You complained.”
“I said we were tired.”
“You said Maya forgets things.”
“She forgot one appointment.”
“You said she gets overwhelmed.”
“So do I.”
Evelyn’s face hardened.
“She is weak.”
Chloe was still in the room.
Alex looked toward Maya.
“Take Chloe to the bedroom.”
Maya hesitated.
Then did.
As soon as the door closed, Alex turned back.
“You were building a case against my wife.”
“I was protecting you.”
“You locked food away from my daughter.”
“She was being spoiled.”
“You took Maya’s wallet.”
“She was spending.”
“You hid bank mail.”
“I wanted to understand what was happening.”
“You wanted to control what I understood.”
May you like
That landed.
Evelyn looked away.
