Chapter 11: The Woman Who Planned Everything
The first place I went was not my father’s house.
Not Patricia’s.
Not even Felicity’s.
It was the one place nobody expected me to look.
My father’s old office.
Before he retired, my father owned a small financial consulting company.
Nothing like the Montgomery empire.
But successful enough that Patricia had always been interested in it.
I remembered that.
Even as a teenager.
She asked questions.
Too many questions.
How much was the company worth?
Who managed the accounts?
What would happen if something happened to my father?
At the time, I thought she was being responsible.
Now, I saw it differently.
I called an old family friend.
David Reynolds.
He had worked with my father for twenty years.
When he heard my name, he immediately agreed to meet.
“You look just like your mother,” he said when we sat down.
I smiled sadly.
“I hear that a lot.””
“She was a good woman.””
“Yes.””
He looked at me carefully.
“You finally found out, didn't you?””
My stomach tightened.
“Found out what?””
He sighed.
“I always wondered when someone would tell you.””
I leaned forward.
“Tell me everything.””
David looked uncomfortable.
“Your father and Patricia’s relationship started earlier than you know.””
I already suspected.
But hearing it still hurt.
“How early?””
“Almost a year before your mother died.””
I looked away.
A year.
My mother spent her final year knowing.
David continued.
“But there was something else.””
“What?””
“Patricia wasn't interested in your father because of love.””
I said nothing.
He continued.
“She asked about his finances before they were even together.””
My hands tightened.
“Do you have proof?””
He nodded.
“I kept copies.””
He pulled out a folder.
Inside were old emails.
Messages.
Documents.
The first email was from Patricia.
*I need to understand what Michael’s long-term financial situation looks like.*
My stomach dropped.
Another:
*If something changes with his marriage, what protections would be available?*
Another:
*Would a spouse have access to company assets?*
I looked at David.
“She planned this.””
He nodded.
“I believe so.””
My phone rang.
Felicity.
I stared at the name.
Then answered.
“Hello.””
“Jenna.””
Her voice was different.
Not confident.
Not mocking.
Afraid.
“What do you want?””
“We need to talk.””
“About what?””
A pause.
“About Mom.””
I froze.
“What did you say?””
“Your mother.””
I stood up.
“Where are you?””
We met in a quiet parking lot.
Felicity arrived alone.
No makeup.
No designer clothes.
For the first time in years, she looked like a normal person.
And somehow, that made her more dangerous.
“You found out.””
It wasn't a question.
“Yes.””
She looked away.
“I didn't want you to.””
I laughed.
“You didn't want me to know the truth about my own family?””
“No.””
Her voice cracked.
“I wanted to tell you.””
“When?””
She didn't answer.
“After the wedding?””
Silence.
“After you got everything you wanted?””
Her eyes filled with frustration.
“You don't understand.””
“Then explain.””
She looked at me.
“Patricia promised me things.””
I felt cold.
“What things?””
“When I was younger, she told me our family could become important.””
I stared at her.
“Our family?””
“She said marrying into the right circles would change everything.””
There it was.
The truth.
Patricia had taught Felicity the game.
She had taught her that people were tools.
“She trained you.””
Felicity looked ashamed.
“She taught me how to survive.””
“No.””
I shook my head.
“She taught you how to use people.””
Felicity didn't argue.
That scared me.
“How much does Adrian know?””
“Enough.””
Her face changed.
“Jenna, you have to understand.””
“No.””
“I didn't start this.””
“But you continued it.””
She looked down.
“I know.””
For the first time, my sister looked genuinely broken.
But I couldn't forget the wedding.
The microphone.
The laughter.
The way she made me feel small.
“You hurt me.””
“I know.””
“No, Felicity.””
My voice shook.
“You knew exactly how.””
She cried silently.
And for a moment, I saw the girl she used to be.
The girl who was scared.
The girl who wanted approval.
But then I remembered.
Pain explained behavior.
It didn't excuse it.
“What is Patricia planning now?””
Felicity looked up.
“I don't know.””
“Don't lie.””
“I’m not.””
She hesitated.
Then whispered:
“She’s planning to take control.””
“Of what?””
May you like
Felicity looked at me.
“Everything.””
