00:00Fight for him, for his legacy, for myself.
00:04Friday arrived with a biting wind, though the sun shone deceptively bright over the city.
00:10I had barely slept the night before, replaying Benjamin Hayes' words again and again.
00:16He thought of everything.
00:18I clung to that phrase as I buttoned my only black suit jacket and walked into the towering glass building
00:25downtown.
00:25The 28th floor smelled of polished wood and fresh coffee.
00:31Hayes' office radiated power and precision.
00:34Mahogany shelves, thick carpets, and a view of the skyline that made the city below look like a chessboard.
00:42My stomach churned.
00:44This was it.
00:45Inside the conference room, I froze.
00:48Victoria was already seated at the long table, draped in a designer black suit that screamed both widow and queen.
00:57Beside her sat a sharp-faced attorney with a leather briefcase.
01:02Victoria didn't even glance at me until I took my seat.
01:05Then her lips curled.
01:07Well, well, Sophia decided to show up.
01:11Brave, considering you're about to be very disappointed.
01:15I clenched my fists beneath the table.
01:18But before I could reply, Hayes entered.
01:21His presence silenced the room.
01:23He carried a stack of folders under one arm, his silver hair gleaming under the lights.
01:29Thank you all for being here, he said smoothly.
01:33Today we honor the wishes of Richard Parker.
01:36Every word in this document was his own.
01:39My job is simply to ensure they are carried out.
01:42Behind him stood two witnesses.
01:45Mr. Lewis, grandpa's longtime business partner.
01:48And Margaret Ellis, our family's trusted housekeeper for over 30 years.
01:53Their faces were solemn.
01:55Their presence steadying me like anchors.
01:58Hayes settled at the head of the table and opened the will.
02:01His voice took on a formal cadence.
02:04Each word waited with authority.
02:06This is the last will and testament of Richard Parker, dated the 12th of December, 2024.
02:15Victoria leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.
02:18She looked like a queen awaiting coronation.
02:21I wanted to scream at her smugness, but I bit my tongue.
02:26Hayes continued.
02:27To my beloved wife, Victoria Parker, I leave the family residence on Maplewood Drive, including
02:35all furnishings and art.
02:36I also leave her my collection of vehicles and the joint bank accounts held at First National.
02:43Victoria's smile bloomed like poison roses.
02:46She turned her head just enough to whisper,
02:49Told you, Sophia, nothing for you.
02:53Heat surged through me, but I stayed silent, gripping the chair until my knuckles went white.
02:59The witnesses shifted uncomfortably.
03:02Hayes raised a hand before Victoria could gloat further.
03:06That concludes the preliminary bequests, but there are additional provisions.
03:12The air in the room shifted.
03:14Even Victoria's attorney straightened in her seat.
03:17Hayes adjusted his glasses, and a flicker of something almost amusement crossed his face.
03:23Richard Parker was nothing if not meticulous, and what comes next will require everyone's
03:29full attention.
03:30My pulse thundered in my ears.
03:33I could feel it.
03:34The ground beneath Victoria's throne was cracking.
03:38I could feel it as much like a d frame-to-face, but the second part after she is well
03:38ears.
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