Chapter 22: Plans to change
Erica was threatened with her life, so she reluctantly accompanied Mrs. Lani and lawyer Martin to the bank. Ever since leaving Watson’s house, Erica has been constantly thinking that this could be an opportunity for her to escape or seek help. Erica had to make the most of this chance, and she believed that all she needed to do was obediently pretend to cooperate and then seize the moment when they were off guard to counterattack.
Currently, Erica, Mrs. Lani, and the lawyer are inside the bank. They no longer need Kora to be present because their plan has changed before arriving at the bank. Instead of transferring the inheritance to Kora’s name from Erica’s, they will bring Erica to the bank to withdraw the entire inheritance amount. This resolves the difficulties related to paperwork and legal procedures. Moreover, doing so will raise fewer suspicions than transferring the inheritance to Kora.
A quick observation reveals that both Mrs. Lani and the lawyer appear very rushed. It’s as if they need to resolve this matter quickly. Everyone is eager to make money. It’s also possible that they’re afraid that their act of threatening Erica will be discovered, hence the sense of urgency.
“We have an appointment with your director.” Martin approached the teller and went straight to the main issue: “Here is my business card; please inform the bank manager for me.”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Martin placed his business card on the counter and waited for the bank staff to review and process his request. Meanwhile, Erica stood behind Martin, her eyes darting around the bank, observing everything. Erica wanted to find the right moment to execute her plan to escape from Martin. However, the reality is never easy. Especially when Mrs. Lani was standing behind Erica. Mrs. Lani had the task of monitoring Erica to prevent her from disrupting the plan.
The girl in the bank uniform checked the lawyer’s identification. Then she made a request:
“Please wait a moment. I will inform the bank director.”
After saying that, the girl placed a direct call to the director’s office. After a brief conversation, the girl spoke to Martin.
“Please proceed to the waiting room. The director will have a conversation with you there.”
Because this is a matter concerning inheritance and involves a large sum of money, it is essential for it to proceed sequentially with complex procedures. Although Martin knew this in advance, he was still very frustrated that it would consume a significant amount of his time. However, there was no other option but to strictly adhere to the bank’s prescribed steps and the law. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to obtain any funds.
“I will guide you. Please follow me,” the female staff member said, warmly leading the way for all three. Martin followed the female staff, with Erica being pulled along. Mrs. Lani, on the other hand, trailed behind Erica, silently threatening her. Erica had no choice but to stay close to Martin to avoid arousing suspicion about their peculiar behavior; otherwise, Martin would be angry. Erica desperately wanted to expose the fact that she was being threatened by someone else, so she deliberately slowed down at times. Martin caught her in the act and expressed his displeasure with Erica.
Martin, frustrated, turned around and glared at Erica, menacingly saying:
“Don’t act stupid. If we don’t get this over with today. You won’t be safe. You want to be free too, don’t you?”
“It’s best to obediently listen. We will let you go once we have the money.” Mrs. Lani stood behind Erica and whispered in her ear, “But if you resist, believe me, you will endure great suffering. Do you understand?”
Erica nodded reluctantly. Then she was grabbed by the wrist by Martin and pulled along. Erica’s gaze scanned the individuals passing her, hoping that someone would recognize her plea for help. Erica wished that someone would understand her situation, but unfortunately, there was none.
Finally, the waiting room door opened. Martin, Mrs. Lani, and Erica stepped inside. The person presumed to be the bank director was already there. Upon seeing the guests, he politely stood up and greeted them.
“Hello everyone, please have a seat.”
Martin quickly took a seat, and Erica was forced to sit between the lawyer and Mrs. Lani.
“We don’t have much time, so please expedite the process.” Martin went straight to the point. “We appreciate your approval for our withdrawal.”
“Isn’t it an authorization for the new heir?” The director asked, perplexed. It was evident that the lawyer had stated something different earlier.
“My client has changed his mind.” The lawyer calmly said, “There will be no more changes to the beneficiary. Instead, we want to withdraw the inheritance.”
The bank manager was silent, pretending to be thinking.
“That change is perfectly normal, isn’t it?” Afraid of the director’s suspicion, the lawyer quickly said, “It also complies with the law.”
“Yes, of course.” The director smiled lightly and replied.
“Then please handle the request to help us.” The lawyer gently asked for help.”Can I see the papers you’ve prepared?” The director politely requested, “It’s just a procedure to verify its validity, sir.”
Martin, not wanting to argue and understanding the process, promptly handed over the documents he had prepared to the director.
“It’s all in here; please take a look.” Martin pushed the document toward the director and urged, “We have a very important matter at hand, and we need to withdraw a substantial amount of money. Please expedite the process. We will repay your assistance generously. You deserve it.”
The director did not comment on Martin’s final statement. Calmly, he opened the documents to review them, carefully reading through the required paperwork. Most of them were complete and legal. However, obtaining money from Lagan Watson was not a simple and easy task. It required an additional element that few people knew, except for Lagan’s heir.
“Have you finished reviewing them?” Martin glanced at his watch and asked. Martin was growing impatient as the director remained silent for longer than he deemed acceptable.
“I have finished reviewing them, sir,” the director replied slowly.
“Well, then please give us the money immediately,” Martin demanded, showing his impatience. He wanted the money without considering the need to complete any further procedures.
“First, I have to inform you that in order to withdraw funds from Lagan Watson’s account, we require the authorized person, the legal heir, to sign the agreement and other relevant documents.”
Anticipating this, Martin immediately turned to Erica and introduced her.
“This is Erica Watson. She is the daughter of Lagan Watson. According to the law, she is the legitimate heir and can sign the documents.” Martin spoke, still believing that it would be easy for him to obtain the money.
Unfortunately, the reality is often harsh, bitter, and extremely challenging. Obtaining money is never as simple as Martin believes.
Observing the expressions of Martin, Erica, and Mrs. Lani, the director silently analyzed the situation. He had to tread carefully as the incident involved the assets of a prominent client. His responsibility was to safeguard and responsibly handle the client’s wealth, ensuring it was rightfully transferred to the designated heirs. The director is harboring significant doubts about the identities of Mrs. Lani and Erica.