CHAPTER 2: THE LETTER
CHAPTER 2: THE LETTER
Richard unfolded a handwritten letter.
Emily immediately recognized James's handwriting.
"If you're hearing this," Richard read aloud, "then I'm gone."
Emily started crying.
"I know my family," the letter continued.
"I know exactly how they'll treat Emily after my death."
Margaret looked horrified.
James had anticipated everything.
"For years, Emily protected this family."
Richard continued.
"When Mom nearly lost her house, Emily secretly paid the mortgage."
Margaret froze.
"When Brian accumulated gambling debts, Emily sold her grandmother's necklace to help him."
Brian looked down.
"When Lisa needed money for fertility treatments, Emily wrote the check."
Lisa burst into tears.
Emily herself looked shocked.
James had known everything.
"But despite everything Emily has done, I know my family will forget."
Margaret whispered, "James..."
Richard wasn't finished.
"That is why I am leaving them exactly one dollar. Not out of anger. But as a reminder of what greed costs."
The room was silent.
Then Richard delivered another surprise.
"There's one additional condition."
Everyone looked up.
"If any family member contests the will, they forfeit even the one dollar and their shares transfer to Emily's charitable foundation."
Brian immediately sat back down.
Margaret looked furious.
But the real shock came seconds later.
Richard received a phone call.
He listened quietly.
Then he looked directly at Emily.
"Mrs. Parker... someone just emptied one of the company accounts."
Emily frowned.
"How much?"
Richard swallowed.
"Twenty-two million dollars."
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Every eye immediately turned toward Brian.
END OF CHAPTER 2.
