Chapter 5 - EDITH’S RECEIPT
Edith called Blaire the next morning.
Blaire almost declined.
Then answered with Rachel present.
“I have proof.”
“Of what?”
“My investment.”
Blaire put the call on speaker.
Edith sounded offended now.
Stronger.
As if overnight she had decided confusion was beneath her.
“Jeremy prepared an agreement when I sold the condo.”
“What kind of agreement?”
“A family property contribution.”
Rachel leaned closer.
“Can you send it?”
Edith hesitated.
Blaire said:
“If you believe you own part of my house, you should want my attorney to see why.”
Twenty minutes later the PDF arrived.
It was titled:
Family Residential Equity Memorandum.
The document stated Edith Carter would contribute $350,000 toward “capital improvement and long-term family equity participation” in the Coral Gables property.
In exchange, Jeremy would ensure that Edith received an economic interest equivalent to twenty-five percent of net appreciation after certain debts.
Blaire’s name appeared throughout.
Not her signature.
Jeremy signed alone.
Rachel read it twice.
“This does not by itself give Edith title to your house.”
“I know.”
“But he represented that he could provide something involving your property.”
Blaire looked at the transfer receipt attached.
Edith had wired $350,000.
Recipient:
Carter Coastal Renovations LLC.
Not Blaire.
Not the mortgage company.
Not a closing agent.
Jeremy’s business.
Blaire stared.
“Edith.”
“Yes?”
“Your money went to Jeremy’s company.”
“He said the company was doing the renovation work.”
“What renovations?”
“The kitchen. Pool. Landscaping.”
Blaire felt sick.
Those improvements had not cost $350,000.
Blaire had paid most of them herself.
She had invoices.
Rachel asked:
“Did you receive statements showing how your funds were used?”
“Jeremy handled that.”
Again.
The same sentence from both women.
Blaire asked:
“How much did you think I contributed?”
“To what?”
“The house.”
Edith’s answer came immediately.
“Very little after the purchase.”
Blaire laughed.
Edith became angry.
“What is funny?”
“I pay the mortgage.”
Silence.
“The taxes.”
Silence.
“Insurance.”
Longer silence.
“Most household expenses.”
Edith finally said:
“Jeremy told me you mostly saved your salary.”
Blaire looked at Rachel.
Jeremy had not merely lied about ownership.
May you like
He had given two women opposite financial realities.
And both had accepted his because asking each other directly felt unnecessary.
