Chapter 14 - Jessica counterattacks
Jessica did not collapse quietly.
She hired experienced counsel.
Filed formal statements in the family trust dispute that had erupted after the revelation.
Why trust?
Jessica chaired the Hayes Heritage Foundation.
Michael was vice chair.
Several family members demanded she resign because of current treatment of Megan and Olivia plus the Claire deception.
Jessica argued:
Private adoption history had nothing to do with charitable governance.
Reasonable.
She also claimed Roland and I were using the banquet incident to seize influence over Michael.
False.
Then she gave Michael something crueler.
A box.
Inside:
Letters from Claire.
Some angry.
One:
You stole him.
Another:
I will never forgive you.
Another:
If you keep me away, I will tell him everything someday.
Jessica said:
“This is the woman you think I erased. She was volatile.”
Michael read them.
Then asked:
“Where are the replies?”
Jessica said nothing.
“What did you write back?”
Nothing.
She had kept Claire’s anger.
Not her own provocation.
Context had been curated.
May you like
Again.
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