Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: What Her Father Really Left Behind
Thomas read the letter slowly.Walter Parker had written it eight years earlier, shortly before his death.He stated clearly that Emily was to receive controlling ownership of the family’s property business, including the old Parker office building and the house where Emily and Lily currently lived.Ryan was to receive a smaller share, but only under supervision until the age of thirty-five because Walter had concerns about his honesty.The room listened in stunned silence.Emily felt tears sliding down her face.For years, her mother had told her the opposite.Margaret had said Walter left the business to Ryan because Emily was “too emotional.” Charles had said Emily should be grateful they let her stay in the old house after her husband died.Ryan had once told her, “Dad knew I was the future. You were just his helper.”But the letter told the truth.Walter had trusted Emily.He had seen her.He had chosen her.Henry’s voice hardened.“After Walter died, the original documents disappeared. I found this copy in my old safe last month. I came today to give it to Emily privately, but Ryan has made privacy unnecessary.”Margaret’s lips trembled. “We did what was best for the family.”Emily looked at her mother.“No,” she said quietly. “You did what was best for Ryan.”Charles lowered his head.Ryan suddenly shouted, “This is ridiculous! You’re all acting like I’m some criminal!”Olivia stared at him.“You stole my rings, framed a child, lied about our prenup, cheated on me, and hid your sister’s inheritance.”Ryan had no answer.For the first time in his life, the golden child had run out of people to blame.
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