Chapter 4 — The Will That Changed Everything
Everyone expected Emma to accept an apology.
Instead...
she opened one final envelope.
"This isn't part of the lawsuit."
Richard frowned.
"What now?"
"My husband's last letter."
Margaret began crying before Emma even unfolded it.
The handwriting belonged unmistakably to Michael Harrison.
Richard's only son.
Written just weeks before the accident that claimed his life.
Emma read aloud.
If you're hearing this... Dad has probably shown Lily the same cruelty he always showed anyone who disappointed him.
Richard closed his eyes.
Dad believed love had to be earned.
I learned too late that children should never have to earn it.
Emma continued.
If he ever rejects my daughter because of pride... remove him from every decision involving the Harrison Trust.
Daniel slid another notarized document across the table.
"The trust contains a succession clause."
Richard whispered,
"No..."
Daniel nodded.
"Your son amended it before his death."
"If you're found guilty of intentionally harming one of the beneficiaries..."
"...you immediately lose all authority as trustee."
Richard reached for the papers with trembling hands.
Every signature.
Every witness.
Every seal.
Was authentic.
The empire he had spent decades controlling...
May you like
had legally slipped out of his hands three years ago.
He simply hadn't known it.
