Document locations.
People contacted.
Notes about meetings.
Nothing dramatic.
Just meticulous records.
Then, near the back, Rachel stopped reading.
“What?”
She turned the notebook around.
A page was marked with my initials.
AW — revised personal directive completed February 11. Signed with independent witnesses. Original placed in Bexley Trust vault. Copy to VC after reconciliation meeting.
I stared.
“Personal directive?”
Vanessa leaned closer.
“I never received a copy.”
“Do you remember signing one?” Rachel asked.
Slowly, I did.
February eleventh.
Before the worst of the confusion.
I had met with an independent estate lawyer because Gregory’s firm represented several family entities.
I had wanted clear instructions in case my health declined.
“Bexley Trust,” I said.
Rachel was already reaching for her phone.
Three hours later, we learned the document existed.
And it contained something none of us expected.
I had specifically rejected naming either Daniel or Vanessa as sole guardian or sole financial decision-maker.
