Chapter 44 The Succession Is Done...

In a short time, everything was arranged, Aiden's friend had returned and after giving him a summary of what was discussed between Isabella and Ricardo and Hector's lawyer, Bruno understood what the young woman wanted and drafted an informal contract.

"This will do for the moment..." said the lawyer, holding out the sheet to Isabella. “But then you should draft a formal contract, preferably more detailed.

"I understand, but... With this, they...?"

"They won't be able to lock her up, that's all. But nothing can be done about the inheritance. They will continue with the legal process, become the guardians, and assume control of the fortune as the ringleaders of the Sinclair’s..." James explained with a tone of resignation.

Isabella looked down at the piece of paper in her hands, detailing it, thoughtful.

Will they take everything away from Margaret? Isabella didn't care about money, she had always lived with little and even on the street, but... Would her grandmother agree?

She didn't know what to do, but what other choice did she have? In fact, now that she was not the heiress, the fortune was already lost, she only had to make one last attempt to save her grandmother.

However, there was one issue that remained up in the air, what would happen to her marriage to Maximo? When he found out that she would not inherit anything, would he leave her?

Obviously, that's how it would be, there was nothing else to tie him up, there was no fortune to unify between both families because she no longer had anything and that's all that marriage was about.

It was painful just to have to think about it, because Isabella loved him, she loved Maximo, but she didn't know what he felt, she could only imagine that he didn't feel the same.

Nevertheless, something good would come out of all this... In the end, Ricardo and Hector would not see a single penny of the Sinclair fortune either, because when the Collins found out what was happening, they would claim the settlement, sue and all the Sinclair fortune would pass into the hands of the Collins.

That was a low blow that Margaret's children would not expect.

"Well..." Isabella sighed heavily, her hands trembling, she was afraid of the decision she was making, because she was not sure if it was the right thing to do.

"Isa..." Aiden put his hand on her shoulder, looking at her with conviction. “Don't do it, something is up to them, we will look for other options, we will collect evidence, this does not end here...

"And in the meantime?" She frowned, although there was a certain sadness in her expression. "Will grandma still be locked up?" We don't know what they're doing to you, Aiden.

She turned and left the small private office that the director of the hospital had provided at the request of Ricardo and Hector.

Accompanied by Aiden, while Bruno stayed in the hallway, Isabella knocked on the door of the main office, where the director of the hospital, Ricardo, Héctor and their lawyer, James, were waiting for her.

Isabella stamped the paper on the desk. "Here's the contract.

James took it and quickly checked it out, with a lopsided smile he handed it to his customers.

"Everything is in order; you can sign it. James announced, and his clients signed immediately.

"Very well..." James continued, extending the pen and paper towards Isabella. "It's your turn, Mrs. Collins.

With a frown, Isabella took the document, placed it on the desk and, without being intimidated by doubt, quickly signed it.

“Excellent. James gave a celebratory applause. "Now that the contract has been signed and my clients have agreed to release Mrs. Sinclair, it's time for you to hold up your end of the bargain..." The lawyer spread a second document on his desk. “Here is the letter of renunciation of the inheritance and succession of assets.

"Isa... Don't do it, you're still in time. Aiden murmured, approaching her.

“He has to do it; he has already signed a contract. Ricardo growled, with a triumphant and authoritarian expression.

For although they were already making themselves winners and owners of the inheritance, it was best to make sure that the destitute girl had no chance of getting in their way or claiming anything again.

Isabella clutched the pen in her hand, she felt her pulse in a million, why did she feel that what she was doing was not right, if all she wanted was to save her grandmother?

She stood still for a moment, thoughtful.

"We're still waiting, Mrs. Collins, we don't have all day. James insisted.

She nodded, swallowed thickly, and walked over to the paper, the tip of the pen moved closer to the dotted line and when she was about to sign, the office door abruptly opened.

"Isabella!"

A voice full of authority called to her, the young woman turned and found her spouse, followed by an entourage of well-dressed men.

- Max...?, Maximo? what are you doing here? Isabella stammered, startled.

Everyone looked in surprise at the tall man who towered above the others, emanating an air of superiority, pride, and most of all, rage, and indignation.

"Isabella, you won't sign anything. Máximo blurted out with complete certainty.

"What?" She looked at him confused as Maximo approached the young woman slowly.

"There is only one document that deserves your signature..." said one of the men who accompanied Máximo, handing him a folder with a document. Máximo stretched it out on the table, over the resignation letter. “The succession of inheritance and assets.

- What?! Ricardo and Hector shouted in unison. "That's impossible!" My mother did nothing!

"The succession is done..." Maximus replied calmly. “Signed and sealed by Mrs. Sinclair. Even the notary who was in charge of doing it came with me.

"That's right, sir, the document was made with complete discretion, but it's completely legal. The notary, one of the men behind Maximus, intervened.

"All that's missing is your signature, Isabella, and the Sinclair’s' entire fortune will be yours." Maximo nodded, giving his spouse a meaningful look.

Isabella couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her pulse beat a thousand per hour as she smiled at her spouse and prepared to sign the succession. Suddenly, a hand stood in his way.

"My mother will soon be declared mentally incapable; this document means nothing. Ricardo murmured in a threatening tone.

.

"Sir, the document was made a day after the marriage took place, I was present, and some colleagues functioned as witnesses, Mrs. Sinclair was in full use of her abilities. - The notary clarified. "Unless Mrs. Isabella Sinclair de Collins waives her right, there is nothing they can do, she is Mrs. Sinclair's legal successor."

Maximus smiled arrogantly at Ricardo's incredulous face, which made him explode, full of frustration, the man tried to attack him, when his brother, Hector, stopped him in a hug.

A little uproar ensued, when James stood between the two men, trying to calm things down.

"Mr. Collins, I am James Hall, the lawyer for Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair..." The man held out his hand to Maximus, which he had to pick up a moment later, when he got no answer.

"I know who he is, his fame precedes him..." Máximo looked at him suspiciously.

"With all due respect, sir, your spouse, Mrs. Isabella Collins, is right now in the duty to sign the waiver of the inheritance, she signed a contract that she made herself, in which she promised to do it in exchange for some requests, I have it right here..." James turned to look for the paper on the desk, But he didn't see

“Nothing. Isabella frantically searched for the contract. "Where is it?" “He began to stir everything.

"No... We know what contract he is talking about... Lord. Aiden stammered, quickly swallowing a ball of paper he'd stuffed into his mouth during the uproar.

"You damned bastard..." growled the lawyer when he realized what was happening.

"Good! There is no contract! You're the damn heiress! Ricardo shouted to Isabella. "But maybe my mother will be declared incapable, we'll get the tutoring, and you won't be able to do anything..."

"Isabella will claim guardianship!" Aiden shouted after swallowing the paper ball.

"And in the meantime, what?" Ricardo murmured maliciously, crossing his arms, and raising an eyebrow. "We'll do whatever we want with her and you..." He pointed to Isabella. "You will carry that in your consciousness, unless you give up...

Ricardo couldn't finish the sentence when Máximo got in his way, covering Isabella with his huge body.

"Are you sure you want to play this game, Mr. Sinclair?" I assure you that you do not know what awaits you. A grim grimace formed on Maximus's face, capable of freezing the blood of all present.

"No... I'm not afraid of you..." Ricardo replied, visibly nervous.

"My lawyers are in court right now, with the necessary evidence to dismiss the lawsuit..." Máximo began to explain.

"What?" Ricardo frowned, confused.

"Those same proofs were delivered into my hands by your own mother..." Maximo said arrogantly.

"From...?" What are you talking about? It's too late...

"What am I talking about?" From what you know, and we all know: your mother has nothing, she is a healthy woman, without those difficulties that they allege. But just in case a mistake occurs in court and Mrs. Sinclair is declared incapable, I requested...

also, that guardianship be granted to my spouse, since she is the successor chosen by her grandmother. “Máximo declared.

“The judge will not accept it; it is too late. Ricardo tried to kick.

"Oh, no?" Do you think he won't get my requests when the lawyers tell him they're on my behalf? Máximo looked at the men who accompanied him. How much do we collect this year for the courts and the prosecutor's office?

"Thousands of dollars, sir. One of the men replied.

"Yes, a generous donation from the Collins to contribute to the justice of the country..." Máximo raised an eyebrow arrogantly. "And while the judge's decision is being made, Mrs. Margaret will leave this clinic..."

"What?" You can't decide that...

"But my spouse does..." Maximo folded his arms and called Aiden. "Aiden, can you come closer?"

Aiden walked over, a surprised expression on his face.