Chapter 3 - The Estate Meeting
The estate meeting was scheduled for Friday.
Eleanor arrived first.
Adrian arrived ten minutes later.
Emily entered last.
Callahan stood at the head of the conference table.
“The purpose of today's meeting is to review Mr. Whitlock's final instructions.”
Eleanor smiled.
“We all know what those instructions will say.”
Emily sat quietly.
Callahan opened the will.
Several properties were distributed.
Charitable donations were announced.
Adrian received control of several company divisions.
Eleanor received the family residence.
Then Callahan paused.
“There is one additional provision.”
Adrian leaned forward.
Callahan looked directly at Emily.
“Emily Whitlock is to receive controlling interest in the Whitlock Family Trust.”
The room went silent.
Eleanor stood.
“That cannot be correct.”
“It is.”
“How much?”
“Enough to determine the future voting structure of the company.”
Adrian slammed his hand against the table.
“My father would never do that.”
Callahan's expression remained calm.
“He did.”
Eleanor looked at Emily.
“You manipulated him.”
Emily stood.
“I hadn't spoken to him about the estate.”
“You knew he was sick.”
“I didn't know he was dying.”
Adrian suddenly laughed.
“You always were good at playing innocent.”
Emily looked at him.
“And you always were good at pretending nothing happened.”
His smile disappeared.
Callahan placed another envelope on the table.
“There is a condition.”
Adrian stared at it.
“What condition?”
“Emily must review certain documents before the transfer becomes final.”
Eleanor immediately said, “No.”
Callahan turned toward her.
“Mrs. Whitlock, you do not have the authority to object.”
Eleanor's face went pale.
Callahan looked at Emily.
“Your father anticipated resistance.”
He slid the envelope toward her.
Emily touched it.
On the front was her father's handwriting.
For Emily.
Only Emily.
She opened it.
Inside was a single sentence.
Do not trust the person who tells you I wanted you gone.
Emily slowly looked up.
Eleanor was staring at her.
May you like
Adrian was staring at Callahan.
And Callahan looked like a man who had just realized the most dangerous part of Samuel's plan had already begun.
