Chapter 4 – The Will They Buried
Emily had never seen Daniel afraid.
Until now.
"The trust?"
Daniel repeated.
"What trust?"
The man adjusted his expensive tie.
"My name is Richard Harlan."
"Attorney for the Collins Family Estate."
Margaret tried to interrupt.
"Richard—"
He ignored her.
"The original will was very clear."
Daniel frowned.
"What original will?"
Richard slowly opened his briefcase.
Inside lay an old sealed envelope covered in dust.
"Your father's final instructions."
Margaret lunged toward him.
"Don't!"
Too late.
Richard unfolded the yellowed document.
"Upon the birth of Daniel Collins' first biological child..."
"...the Collins family ranch, investment accounts, and mineral rights shall immediately transfer to that child."
Emily stopped breathing.
Daniel stared at the paper.
Richard continued.
"If no biological heir exists..."
"...all assets transfer to Margaret Collins."
Silence.
Everything suddenly made sense.
The lies.
The burned letters.
The beatings.
The fake mental evaluation.
Margaret had never hated Emily.
She had hated...
The baby.
Daniel slowly turned toward his mother.
"You tried to erase my child..."
"...for money."
Tears streamed down Margaret's face.
"It was supposed to stay in the family."
"It is family."
Daniel answered quietly.
Emily suddenly grabbed her stomach.
Her face twisted in agony.
"Daniel..."
Warm liquid spread across the kitchen floor.
Her water had broken.
But before Daniel could reach her—
The lights inside the house went out.
Total darkness.
Then—
May you like
A single gunshot exploded somewhere outside.
And someone screamed Daniel's name.
