50: The Bargain

Alexa “Nonsense! What treatment?” I groaned. My forehead creased after hearing the lawyer’s absurd statement. “She claimed she went back and forth to hospitals abroad because of bone and joint pain,” said Mr. Pascoe. “Plastic surgery, you mean? That woman wasn’t sick at all. How could you let her use up all the money?” I asked the man in a sharp tone. “I’m sorry, Alexa. She was your guardian, while you weren’t ready to take over your family’s wealth. According to our law, she had the right to hold that bank account for your needs and the heir’s needs.” Mr. Pascoe shook his head. “My needs? For Goddess’ sake! She sold me, Mr. Pascoe!” My breath came in ragged gasps. I felt like I was about to explode with frustration at the corrupt law so highly praised by the elders. A ridiculous law that made me a victim of Lady Gertrude’s greed. “She sold me to cover her debts so I wouldn’t meet you and claim my father’s inheritance. She had no right to a single cent of that money.” My body trembled,