One year later, as spring sunlight warmed the porch, a black car pulled up in front of the house. Two men stepped out — both in suits, holding briefcases. Margaret opened the door, curious but cautious.
“Mrs. Hayes?” one of them asked. “We represent the estate of the late Mr. and Mrs. Linwood — Clara’s biological parents.”
They explained that Clara’s biological parents had been wealthy tech entrepreneurs — founders of a software company worth millions. They had no other relatives. The estate now legally belonged to Clara: a mansion, cars, investments, and trust funds.
The lawyers offered Margaret a luxurious life. “You could move into their estate, have staff, medical care, anything you need.”
But Margaret shook her head. “I didn’t take Clara in for what she might give me,” she said quietly. “I took her in for what she already is — love.”
She asked that the assets be sold and the money placed into something meaningful.
