Chapter 6 - PRESTON VALE'S DEFENSE
Preston Vale denied fraud.
He said Vivian asked him to prepare contingency documents.
That was normal.
He said the guardianship petition was a draft.
True.
He said successor trust authority might become necessary if Rachel deteriorated.
Also true.
Then came the medical certification.
Preston claimed Vivian gave it to him and said Dr. Reed signed it.
He never called Dr. Reed.
Why?
“Longstanding client relationship.”
Mara looked at him during deposition.
“So you relied on Vivian.”
“Yes.”
“Because she had never lied to you before?”
“I had no reason to believe she had.”
“Did you verify?”
“No.”
A word powerful enough to ruin careers.
The forged signature analysis showed Dr. Reed’s signature had been copied from a postoperative consultation note.
Who had access?
Rachel.
The hospital.
Insurance.
Vivian, because Rachel allowed her to collect medical documents while Rachel recovered.
Again.
Access mistaken for authority.
Preston faced professional discipline later, but investigators found insufficient evidence he knowingly participated in the forgery.
Vivian had used him too.
Not innocently.
Not completely.
But enough to complicate the villain story.
Rachel learned to appreciate complication.
May you like
Simple enemies are easy to hate.
Systems are harder.
