Page 38 of Never Been Gargoyled
Rebecca opened her portfolio and pulled out several documents. “I've brought copies of everything. Birth certificate, adoption papers, documentation of my relationship to Helga Morrison.”
She slid the papers across the table. Feydin picked them up, studying each one carefully.
“This birth certificate lists Helga Morrison as your mother,” he said after a moment.
“That's correct. She was unmarried, with no support system as far as I can tell. From what I’ve learned since I was allowed to view my adoption paperwork and then doing research online, she lived here in Harmony Glen in that big old estate, but she wasn’t wealthy. She hid the fact that she was pregnant, but you know how things were back then. Then she made the difficult decision to place me for adoption.”
Rebecca's expression softened. “I tried to contact her many times over the years, but she never responded to my letters.”
That sounded like Helga. She'd been fiercely private about her personal life. Maybe once she’d made the decision to give her child away, she’d closed the door on that part of her life and had no interest in reopening it again.
“I'm sorry,” I said, and meant it. “That must’ve been painful.”
“It was.” Rebecca straightened her shoulders. “But I understand her reasons. She was scared. Alone. She…” She stared down at her hands clasped on top of her briefcase before her stoic gaze met mine. “She didn’t name my father, so I have no idea who he is.”
My father wasn’t wonderful, but at least he’d loved and claimed me as his own.
“What is it you want from Ms. Osborne?” Feydin kept his tone carefully neutral.
“I want what's rightfully mine.” Rebecca's voice grew firmer. “Helga was my biological mother. As her daughter, I have a legal claim to her estate.”
“She left a will,” I said. “She wanted me to have everything.”
“Wills can be contested, especially when there are legitimate heirs who weren't considered.” Rebecca pulled out another document. “I'm prepared to be reasonable about this. I know you've already moved in and started making plans. I'm willing to compensate you for your trouble.”
I reeled back in my chair, my belly turning to cement. “Compensate me?”
“I'll pay you fair market value for your claim. Enough for you to buy a nice house somewhere else.”
The dismissive tone in her voice made my spine stiffen. “I don't want to sell.”
“Ms. Osborne, I don't think you understand the scope of what you're dealing with. Winterbourne Estate is a significant property with acomplex history. It requires someone with experience and resources to manage it properly.”
“And you have that experience?” I asked.
Rebecca waved a hand. “I'll learn what I need to know. I have contacts in the horticultural industry.”
“What about the building itself? It's a big house for one person.”
“I'll probably live in town. The house isn't really the point.”
“Then what is the point?”
“The gardens.” Rebecca's eyes grew bright with excitement. “I want to turn them into a botanical garden. Open them to the public. Educational programs, research facilities, an exclusive restaurant for the richest clientele who’ll arrive by helicopter, of course.”
Of course?
My heart sank. She wanted to create a botanical garden there? That wasmyidea.
“You want to run it as a business,” Feydin said.
“Who wouldn’t? The property has incredible potential. With the right investment and marketing, it could be a significant tourist attraction.”
“And if Ms. Osborne refuses your offer?” Feydin asked.
Rebecca's expression tightened. “Then I'll have no choice but to pursue legal action. I'm confident that any court will recognize my rights as Helga's biological daughter.”
“We'll need time to review your documentation,” Feydin said before I could respond, but boy, did I sputter.
