For five consecutive days, Amber received vague daily updates regarding Calvin’s temporary stabilization. Meanwhile, Paula systematically revoked all old powers of attorney, blocked every corporate bank account, and began carefully tracing internal phone records. She quickly discovered that Amber had already inquired about accessing private safe deposit boxes, calculated the exact value of her corporate shares, and researched ways to expedite estate settlement.
Calvin eventually returned home by feigning extreme physical weakness. Every morning, he quietly took his prescribed antibiotics and slumped into a large living room armchair while keeping a tiny recorder hidden inside his pocket. Amber spoke freely on her mobile phone right in front of him as if he were a piece of wooden furniture.
“He is still breathing, but he barely touches his food,” she remarked during one afternoon conversation. “It is probably best to wait just a little longer before moving the real estate properties.”
Ruby went even further with her actions. She personally brought two prospective buyers right into the private garage to inspect the vintage Mustang.
“The actual owner is still alive upstairs,” one buyer pointed out cautiously.
“Only for a short time,” Ruby responded nonchalantly. “After that happens, he will not care about anything anyway.”
Calvin overheard the cold remark from the nearby staircase landing. The precious car he had painstakingly restored alongside Barbara had just been reduced, in Ruby’s eyes, to quick money for a beach trip. That exact night, he called his attorney without hesitation.
“Include the Ford Mustang in our new estate plan,” Calvin instructed. “They will not get their hands on it.”
The attorney swiftly drafted a postnuptial agreement, a revised last will, an arrangement for the gradual transfer of company shares to key long-time employees, and a total revocation of any previous legal authorizations granted to Amber. She also arranged for a licensed notary to officially certify Calvin’s mental capacity.
