Chapter 3 - The Reading of the Will
The grand library of the Vance Estate smelled of old mahogany, leather-bound books, and beeswax. Rain lashed against the tall stained-glass windows as the family gathered around the massive conference table.
Ethan sat at the head of the table, looking impatient, tapping his gold fountain pen against his knee. Chloe sat beside him, nursing a cup of herbal tea, casually browsing baby furniture catalogues on her phone.
On the other side sat Harrison, the family’s veteran estate attorney, wearing a dark suit and a solemn expression. I sat at the far end of the table, flanked by Sarah and Arthur.
“Let’s get this over with, Harrison,” Ethan said loudly, checking his watch. “I have an emergency board meeting with Vance Global investors at three o'clock. My mother’s trust structure is straightforward. Just read the distribution clauses.”
Harrison cleared his throat, pulling a heavy, sealed parchment envelope from his briefcase. He placed a small brass reading lamp on the table and clicked it on.
“Before I begin,” Harrison said, his deep voice filling the room, “I must state for the record that this document was updated three weeks ago by Mrs. Eleanor Vance in the presence of two independent medical evaluators and a magistrate. Her mental capacity was declared absolute.”
Ethan’s hand froze over his pen. “Three weeks ago? She didn't inform the board of any amendment.”
“She wasn't required to, Ethan,” Harrison replied dryly. He broke the red wax seal and unfolded the thick parchment.
“I, Eleanor Vance, being of sound mind and body, hereby execute this my Last Will and Testament...” Harrison began, reading through the standard legal introductory clauses, liquid assets, and charitable donations to various art foundations.
Ethan leaned back, looking bored again. “Skip to the voting shares of Vance Global and the real estate holdings.”
Harrison paused, looking up over his half-moon spectacles directly at Ethan.
“Section Four: Corporate Assets and Real Estate,” Harrison read clearly. “To my son, Ethan Vance, I leave the summer cottage in Maine, the 2018 vintage automobile collection, and a lump sum payment of five hundred thousand dollars.”
The room went dead silent.
Ethan’s pen slipped from his fingers, clattering against the glass table. “What did you just say?”
Chloe stopped scrolling on her phone, her head snapping up.
“I repeat,” Harrison said calmly. “To Ethan Vance, five hundred thousand dollars and the Maine cottage.”
“That’s impossible!” Ethan slammed both hands onto the table, standing up so fast his heavy leather chair crashed backward onto the floor. “My mother owned fifty-one percent of the voting stock in Vance Global! She owned the estate, the Manhattan commercial towers, the IP patent portfolio! Where are the voting shares?!”
Harrison turned the page with deliberate slowness.
“Section Five: Primary Beneficiary,” Harrison read, his voice ringing like a bronze bell in the high-ceilinged room. “To my beloved daughter-in-law, Maya Sterling Vance, who demonstrated unwavering loyalty, grace, and devotion while my son chased hollow ambition... I hereby bequeath fifty-one percent of the controlling voting shares in Vance Global Enterprises, the Vance Estate, and all associated international holdings.”
Ethan’s face drained of every ounce of color. He looked as if he had been struck by lightning.
“What?!” Chloe shrieked, jumping out of her chair. “That’s a mistake! She’s just the wife! I’m carrying his child!”
Ethan staggered forward, gripping the edge of the table, his knuckles turning pure white. His eyes were wide, bloodshot, fixed on Harrison.
“You... you lied,” Ethan breathed, his voice cracking with pure panic. “That will is a forgery! Maya coerced her! Harrison, I will ruin you for this!”
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Harrison didn't flinch. He reached back into his briefcase and pulled out a sleek silver flash drive.
“Mrs. Eleanor Vance anticipated your reaction, Ethan,” Harrison said quietly. “She recorded a video statement at the time of signing. Would you like me to play it for the room?”
