It all started when he met Natalia Brookswell, an influencer obsessed with glamour and luxury. During their first dinner at my house, she examined every item in the room like an accountant.
He smiled and asked nonchalantly, “Miss Sullivan, this apartment must be worth several million dollars, right?”
I replied coldly, “It’s my home, not an investment.”
After that evening, Preston began suggesting that I entrust him with managing my finances.
Six months ago, I contracted severe pneumonia and spent ten days in the hospital. Preston visited me every day and offered me words of comfort. Finally, he asked me to sign a document that he claimed was an authorization for my health insurance.
In reality, the document was a general power of attorney.
It disappeared after I recovered.
Now I understand why.
That same evening, I called my lawyer, Leonard Whitaker.
“Leonard,” I told him, “my son thinks he sold my apartment and embezzled my savings. He’s filing a fraud and embezzlement complaint. We’ll be at his wedding tomorrow night.” Leonard was silent for a moment.
“Margot, this will land him in prison.”
“I know,” I replied calmly. “But maybe prison is the only place I can learn to be honest.”
The next evening, I dressed carefully in a navy silk dress and a pearl necklace that Patrick had given me for our anniversary years before. I arrived at the Grand Liberty Country Club with Leonard and two investigators.