Calling out Marcel’s abusers

The local priest in the village chapel was a good friend of Marcel and he knew what a good man Marcel was. This sudden death rattled the priest as well and he took it as an opportunity to drive some good sense into the locals.

He mentioned how people only saw Marcel as a walking credit card. The priest’s sermon was made to be uncomfortable to those who had taken advantage of the silent and humble millionaire. The priest hoped that these people would change their ways.

The hysterical widow

Marcel’s demise deeply affected Sandrine. At his funeral, she was visibly distraught, crying and even attempting to leap into his grave as they lowered the casket. Despite her grief, the villagers remained unmoved, their distrust and suspicion of her unchanged, offering neither pity nor compassion during her moment of intense sorrow.

Amid the grieving process, accusations of foul play against Sandrine emerged from Marcel’s family and friends, with village residents supporting their claims. The collective desire to unveil the truth spurred an investigation, even though the accusations initially appeared unfounded. The growing chorus of accusers led to an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Marcel’s death.

Her true colors started to show

Despite suspicions, Sandrine declared herself the sole heir to Marcel’s fortune, citing an alleged will. She also expressed intentions to evict current land residents for redevelopment. Her actions raised questions about potential retaliation for her treatment since arriving in the village.

Sandrine’s assertion did not sit well with the villagers since Marcel had gifted those properties to family and friends. Her intention to evict them seemed to disregard Marcel’s wishes, intensifying the conflict between her and Marcel’s family. A resolution between the parties appeared increasingly unlikely.

Seeking legal help

Amid the investigation into Marcel’s death, locals began circulating rumors of Sandrine’s alleged involvement. Although no concrete evidence had emerged, suspicions arose because Marcel rarely used his car. The fact that everyone else in the car, including Sandrine and her friends, survived the accident made it feel too coincidental.

With no evidence pointing to Sandrine, Marcel’s family turned to legal counsel. The lawyers reasoned that if Marcel had doubts about his wife, he would have left a sign given his wisdom. However, their strained relationship with Marcel, who was angered by their rejection of Sandrine, left them in the dark since the wedding.

Finding the holy grail

Despite the strained relations, Marcel’s family searched his wood cabin after his passing. Sandrine had not been there. In the process, a relative discovered a handwritten note on the back of an envelope, notable for being notarized, piquing their interest.

The family gathered in astonishment, discovering Marcel’s will on an envelope. The revelation exposed Sandrine’s falsehoods, as the writing bore Marcel’s characteristic frugality, confirming its authenticity. This newfound evidence held the potential to thwart Sandrine’s deceitful intentions and safeguard Marcel’s legacy from her schemes.

The true will

Surprisingly, Marcel’s will revealed a change of heart. His entire fortune was bequeathed to his cousin, while the renters on his land would inherit full legal rights to their properties. Cottages he built for family and friends, along with the corresponding land, remained theirs. The remaining possessions were to be distributed among his family.

They could not believe what they just read. This was the ultimate gift Marcel left for his loved ones. There was not a dry eye in that cabin when they found the note. They knew they were indebted to Marcel for the rest of their life.