Chapter 3 - The First Will
The family gathered at attorney Samuel Bennett’s office one week later.
Samuel had represented Theodore for nearly thirty years. He was precise, patient, and nearly impossible to intimidate.
Paige sat on one side of the long table.
Kyle sat opposite her.
Grant and Tabitha were not beneficiaries, yet Kyle had brought them as his advisers.
Samuel looked displeased but allowed them to remain.
He opened a red folder.
“Theodore Whitmore’s primary will was signed eighteen months ago,” he began. “Most charitable gifts and employee provisions are straightforward.”
He listed donations to hospitals, universities, and environmental organizations. Every longtime Rosehaven employee received a generous payment.
Then Samuel reached the estate.
“Rosehaven Mansion and its surrounding land are placed in a family trust. Paige and Kyle are named potential beneficiaries.”
Kyle smiled.
Paige remained silent.
Samuel raised one finger.
“Potential is the important word.”
The smile disappeared.
“The final ownership depends on conditions contained in a sealed amendment.”
“Then open it,” Kyle said.
“I cannot.”
“Why not?”
“Theodore instructed that it remain sealed unless one of three triggering events occurs.”
Samuel explained that the amendment could be opened if both siblings agreed to sell Rosehaven, if Paige voluntarily left the property for a full year, or if any person attempted to force her from the estate through fraud, intimidation, or legal manipulation.
Grant shifted in his chair.
Tabitha’s hand tightened around her silver purse.
Kyle leaned forward.
“What happens until then?”
“Paige has the exclusive right to reside at Rosehaven and oversee its operations. You will receive income from a separate investment trust.”
“How much income?”
“Enough to live comfortably.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It is the only answer required today.”
Kyle stood.
“She manipulated him.”
Samuel closed the folder.
“Your father anticipated that accusation. Medical professionals confirmed his mental capacity on every date relevant to these documents.”
Grant placed a calming hand on Kyle’s shoulder.
“There are always legal options.”
Samuel looked at Grant.
“I would advise everyone in this room to choose those options very carefully.”
Outside the office, Paige heard Grant whisper to Kyle.
“We don’t need to break the will. We only need to trigger the right condition.”
Kyle noticed Paige watching and immediately fell silent.
That evening, Paige returned to Rosehaven and locked her bedroom door.
May you like
For the first time in her life, the mansion did not feel like home.
It felt like a prize surrounded by thieves.
