“Perhaps if I understood your concerns, we could address them. We’ve been excellent stewards of your investment. The firm has grown thirty-seven percent since you came on board. Your return has been exceptional.”
“The return has been adequate,” I corrected. “But I have conflict-of-interest concerns that make continued investment untenable.”
“Conflict of interest?” He sounded genuinely confused. “I wasn’t aware you had any litigation with the firm. Could you help me understand?”
“I’d rather not discuss the details,” I said. “The withdrawal stands.”
“Ms. Anderson, with respect, this withdrawal will significantly impact our operations. We’re in the middle of expanding our corporate division. We have three new associates starting next month. The capital has already been allocated.”
“That sounds like a challenging situation,” I said sympathetically. “I’m sure you’ll work it out.”
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind? Any concessions we could make?”
I paused for just a moment.
“Mr. Morrison, do you have a case on your docket involving the estate of Eleanor Anderson?”
The silence on the other end lasted exactly four seconds.
“We are representing the co-trustees in an estate matter,” he said carefully. “But I don’t see how that—”
“The other party in that litigation is me, Mr. Morrison. Eleanor Anderson was my grandmother.”
More silence.
“You’re representing my parents in their attempt to gain control of her estate despite very clear instructions in her will that I should be the primary beneficiary and executor.”
“I wasn’t aware,” he said finally. “The case file lists the opposing party as Sarah Anderson. I didn’t make the connection.”
“Sarah is my legal name,” I said. “I go by my middle name, Grace, in personal matters. But yes, that’s me. The daughter whom my mother told not to attend tomorrow’s hearing because my presence would look desperate and undermine their legal strategy.”
I heard him take a breath.
“Ms. Anderson—”
“Your firm has been very successful with my capital, Mr. Morrison. You’ve built an excellent practice, but I can’t remain invested in a firm that’s actively working against my interests. I’m sure you understand.”
“If I had known—”
“You’d have what? Turned down the case? Told my parents you had a conflict somehow? I doubt it. They’re paying you quite well, I imagine. And they assured you I was just an unsophisticated daughter who didn’t understand legal complexities.”
His silence was answer enough.
“The withdrawal stands,” I continued. “You’ll have the capital returned within ten business days, as specified in our agreement. I wish you the best of luck with your other cases, Mr. Morrison. Tomorrow should be very interesting.”
I hung up before he could respond.
Monday morning arrived cold and clear.
I dressed carefully: navy suit from Armani, pearl earrings, and my grandmother’s vintage watch.
I pulled my hair back in a neat bun and reviewed my folder one final time.