Chapter 13 - MY WORST INTERVIEWA financial reporter caught me leaving physical therapy.
I should have kept moving.
He asked:
“Is your uncle’s will fake?”
I stopped.
Wrong decision.
I said:
“He fabricated a paternity story and produced a fraudulent codicil.”
Strong words.
Too strong at that stage.
“Did he forge Samuel Vale’s signature?”
“I believe so.”
Headline within an hour:
SAMUEL VALE’S SON ACCUSES UNCLE OF FORGING WILL
Richard’s lawyers filed the interview in probate court.
They argued I had predetermined fraud before forensic examination finished.
The judge admonished both sides:
“This estate will not be tried through microphones.”
That included me.
Grace was furious.
Correctly.
“We had evidence the paternity premise was false. We did not yet have evidence Richard forged the signature.”
“I know.”
“Then why say it?”
“Because he stepped on my leg at Dad’s funeral.”
Grace looked at me.
“That is emotionally explanatory and legally useless.”
I apologized.
Publicly.
Through counsel.
I should not have stated as fact that Richard personally forged Samuel’s signature before the forensic examination is complete. I maintain that the late codicil is invalid and was presented through an improper process.
Humiliating.
May you like
Necessary.
I stopped speaking to reporters.
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