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.
00:19I 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.
00:30Hayes' office radiated power and precision.
00:33Mahogany shelves, thick carpets, and a view of the skyline that made the city below look like a chessboard.
00:40My stomach churned. This was it.
00:44Inside the conference room, I froze.
00:47Victoria was already seated at the long table, draped in a designer black suit that screamed both widow and queen.
00:55Beside her sat a sharp-faced attorney with a leather briefcase.
00:58Victoria didn't even glance at me until I took my seat.
01:02Then her lips curled.
01:04Well, well.
01:05Sophia decided to show up.
01:07Brave, considering you're about to be very disappointed.
01:10I clenched my fists beneath the table, but before I could reply, Hayes entered.
01:16His presence silenced the room.
01:19He carried a stack of folders under one arm, his silver hair gleaming under the lights.
01:24Thank you all for being here, he said smoothly.
01:27Today, we honor the wishes of Richard Parker.
01:31Every word in this document was his own.
01:33My job is simply to ensure they are carried out.
01:37Behind him stood two witnesses.
01:39Mr. Lewis, grandpa's longtime business partner, and Margaret Ellis, our family's trusted housekeeper for over 30 years.
01:46Their faces were solemn, their presence steadying me like anchors.
01:52Hayes settled at the head of the table and opened the will.
01:55His voice took on a formal cadence.
01:57Each word weighted with authority.
01:59This is the last will and testament of Richard Parker, dated the 12th of December, 2024.
02:06Victoria leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.
02:10She looked like a queen awaiting coronation.
02:12I wanted to scream at her smugness, but I bit my tongue.
02:17Hayes continued.
02:18To my beloved wife, Victoria Parker, I leave the family residence on Maplewood Drive, including all furnishings and art.
02:26I also leave her my collection of vehicles and the joint bank accounts held at First National.
02:31Victoria's smile bloomed like poison roses.
02:35She turned her head just enough to whisper.
02:37Told you, Sophia.
02:39Nothing for you.
02:40Heat surged through me, but I stayed silent, gripping the chair until my knuckles went white.
02:47The witnesses shifted uncomfortably.
02:50Hayes raised a hand before Victoria could gloat further.
02:54That concludes the preliminary bequests, but there are additional provisions.
02:59The air in the room shifted.
03:02Even Victoria's attorney straightened in her seat.
03:05Hayes adjusted his glasses, and a flicker of something almost amusement crossed his face.
03:11Richard Parker was nothing if not meticulous, and what comes next will require everyone's full attention.
03:18My pulse thundered in my ears.
03:21I could feel it.
03:22The ground beneath Victoria's throne.
03:25If I ask a million were siitä.
03:25I can wear this onどう Michigan.
03:25I could feel it.
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