Chapter 4 - THE TRUST
Francesca Romano arrived at the hospital the following morning. She was the Moretti family's attorney, but she made it clear that Olivia needed her own independent legal counsel.
“I can protect the family's records and help preserve evidence,” Francesca explained. “But Olivia must have a lawyer representing her interests alone.”
Luca agreed immediately.
Olivia looked frightened.
“Do they really think I can't take care of my baby?”
“No,” Francesca said gently. “A petition is an allegation, not a decision. We will challenge anything false with the records and evidence.”
She explained the trust. Ethan had left money and a small property for his child. Olivia was meant to manage the assets until the child reached adulthood. Luca had been named as a backup guardian only if Olivia became medically or legally unable to serve.
Vanessa had no authority over the trust.
“Then why would she file this?” Luca asked.
Francesca turned a page.
“The petition requests that the court appoint her as temporary guardian and authorize her to manage the child's trust until Olivia is declared fit.”
Luca's face darkened.
“She wanted control of the money.”
“Possibly. We need evidence of motive and coordination before making that conclusion in a formal complaint.”
Olivia began to cry.
“Ethan wanted his daughter to be safe. He trusted my family.”
Luca sat beside her.
“He trusted me to protect you. I failed to notice what was happening.”
“No,” Olivia whispered. “You didn't know.”
Francesca placed the draft petition in a clear folder.
“We also found that the hospital's guardian form was submitted with a copy of Luca's signature. It appears to be the same signature on the discharge restriction.”
Luca stared at it.
“Someone copied my signature.”
Francesca nodded.
“We'll have it examined. The hospital has preserved the electronic access logs, and they are cooperating with the review.”
Then Olivia spoke.
“Vanessa told me she was helping because she wanted to be the baby's godmother.”
Luca looked at her.
“Did you agree?”
“I said she could visit. I never asked her to make decisions.”
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Francesca closed the folder.
“That's an important distinction.”
