Chapter 2 - What Thomas Left Behind
Claire met Ryan for dinner that evening at a quiet restaurant near the James River.
He knew something was wrong before she sat down.
“What happened?”
Claire placed her handbag beside the chair.
“My mother wants Dad’s money for Mia.”
“All of it?”
“All sixty thousand.”
Ryan’s expression hardened.
“And when you said no?”
“She reminded me about the engagement party.”
Ryan leaned back slowly.
The party had become far larger than either of them wanted. Claire had imagined a small dinner with close friends. Darlene had transformed it into a two-hundred-person ballroom event with photographers, floral installations, and a guest list filled with business associates.
“She’s using the party against you,” Ryan said.
“She uses everything.”
Claire opened the menu but did not read it.
Ryan reached across the table.
“You don’t have to go through with her version of the celebration.”
“If we cancel, she’ll tell everyone I’m unstable.”
“Let her.”
“You don’t understand.”
Ryan’s voice remained gentle.
“Then help me understand.”
Claire looked out at the river.
“When I was sixteen, Mia crashed Mom’s car after taking it without permission. Mom told Dad I had done it because she said Mia couldn’t handle the consequences. I lost my driving privileges for six months.”
Ryan’s hand tightened around hers.
“When I was twenty-one, Mia used my identity to open a store credit card. Mom paid it off and made me promise not to tell Dad.”
“Claire.”
“When I started working at Bennett Hospitality, Dad wanted me in development. Mom convinced him that Mia needed the opportunity more, so I was sent to guest relations.”
“You never told me that.”
“I was embarrassed.”
“Why would you be embarrassed?”
“Because I allowed it.”
Ryan waited before answering.
“You were trained to accept it. That isn’t the same as choosing it.”
The words stayed with her.
A server approached, and they ordered without really discussing the menu. When they were alone again, Ryan asked about the inheritance.
“Did your father leave anything else directly to you?”
“Some shares in the company, but Mom manages the trust.”
“How many shares?”
“I’m not sure.”
Ryan frowned.
“You work for the company.”
“As director of guest experience. Mom handles the ownership structure with the attorneys.”
“Have you read the trust documents?”
Claire shook her head.
“Dad tried to discuss them near the end, but Mom always said he was too tired.”
Ryan looked troubled.
“Do you know who drafted them?”
“His personal attorney. Eleanor Shaw.”
“Call her.”
“My mother said Eleanor retired.”
“Call her anyway.”
The next morning, Claire searched through old contacts until she found Eleanor’s number. Her thumb hovered over the screen.
She almost put the phone down.
Then she remembered the folder on the dining table.
She pressed call.
A woman answered after three rings.
“Eleanor Shaw.”
“My name is Claire Bennett.”
There was a pause.
“Thomas’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
May you like
Eleanor’s voice changed immediately.
“I have been waiting for you to call.”
