When Gerald Nizbit stumbled upon an email containing his mother’s will, his reaction was immediate and intense. He quickly called his assistant, Helen, instructing her to contact his lawyer, Margaret Pratt, and finally his mother, all in rapid succession. Helen, familiar with Gerald’s impatience, promptly connected him with his attorney. Gerald informed his lawyer that he had mistakenly received his mother’s will instead of her, causing a quick flurry of apologies from the other end before Gerald briskly ended the call.
As he looked out over the New York skyline, his mind was racing. When Margaret Pratt, his financial advisor, called back, Gerald detailed his immediate plans, ensuring she understood his urgency. After dismissing her objections, he set a firm deadline for later that day. Once done, he instructed Helen to connect him with his mother, Edith.
When Edith answered, Gerald’s tone was stern. He told her he’d seen her will and instructed her to pack her bags and be ready to leave his house by 4 p.m. Stunned, Edith tried to speak, but Gerald wasn’t willing to listen. Alone and heartbroken, Edith went to her room to pack, reflecting on her decisions. She’d left her substantial assets to her two older children, assuming her youngest, Gerald, would understand her intentions. Gerald had always been her support, especially as her health had declined, and she’d never intended to hurt him.
At exactly 4 p.m., Gerald arrived, punctual as always. Despite her attempts to explain, he quickly dismissed her, loaded her suitcase into his car, and urged her to come along. During the silent drive, Edith tried to discuss the will, but Gerald avoided her questions by turning up the radio, leaving her more anxious. She noticed they were heading somewhere unfamiliar.
Eventually, Gerald pulled up at a private airstrip where a sleek jet awaited. Finally, he spoke, and his words caught her by surprise. He acknowledged the terms of her will — that the bulk of her estate went to her other children, while she left him only sentimental items: their family’s old cabin, his grandfather’s wartime photos, and his father’s watch.