Chapter 6
The restructuring vote was postponed.
Cassian requested the delay himself.
That surprised everyone.
He had spent eleven months building support.
Now, when he finally had the votes, he stopped the process.
Brennan’s faction celebrated privately.
Rebecca understood why Cassian did it.
“If we proceed while Estelle’s capacity is being challenged, every vote becomes contaminated.”
“Yes.”
“You know delaying creates risk.”
“Yes.”
“Brennan can use the time.”
“I know.”
Cassian looked toward the conference-room windows.
“But I’m not using my mother’s shares while somebody is arguing she cannot understand them.”
That decision cost him leverage.
Two independent directors complained.
A lender wanted clarity.
The family’s hospitality division delayed a refinancing.
Consequences became real.
Brennan’s attorney issued a statement calling Cassian’s delay proof that legitimate concerns about Estelle existed.
Rebecca wanted to respond aggressively.
Cassian stopped her.
“Not yet.”
Instead, Estelle underwent a proper geriatric assessment arranged jointly by Dr. Weiss and a neutral specialist.
She performed well.
Not perfectly.
She struggled with one delayed-recall exercise.
She became irritated with arithmetic.
She needed more time than she once would have.
The specialist’s conclusion was clear.
Estelle had mild age-related cognitive changes.
She retained capacity to manage her affairs and understand complex decisions when given adequate time and information.
Cassian read the report twice.
Then handed it to Estelle.
She put on her reading glasses.
“Apparently I’m old.”
Cassian smiled.
“Shocking.”
She pointed at him.
“You’re not young.”
“I’m aware.”
For the first time in a week, they laughed.
Then Greta entered carrying a cardboard box.
“What’s that?” Cassian asked.
“Mrs. Estelle’s room.”
His mother frowned.
“My room is upstairs.”
Greta opened the box.
Inside were framed photographs, jewelry cases, personal letters, and several books.
“I found these in a storage closet.”
Estelle looked stunned.
Someone had already begun removing personal items from her bedroom.
Lavinia had told staff Estelle would soon be “transitioning.”
“Where?” Cassian asked.
Greta answered quietly.
“A memory-care residence.”
Nobody had discussed one with Cassian.
May you like
Nobody had discussed one with Estelle.
Yet Lavinia had already requested brochures.
