PART 3: The Final Settlement

The morning of the will reading was unusually warm for spring in Phoenixville.

I wore a simple navy dress and tied back my hair, recognizing my father’s quiet strength in my own reflection.

At exactly nine, I entered Penelope’s law office, where she was already arranging documents across a wide walnut desk.

We heard commotion in the hallway before the meeting even began.

“Tabitha actually brought a camera crew,” Kyle muttered as he entered behind me.

“She is currently practicing her victory speech in front of a mirror out there.”

Penelope closed her portfolio with a knowing smile.

“Let them record everything, as it will make for a very interesting video later.”

Tabitha entered first, dressed in designer black as though attending a funeral on a red carpet.

Calvin followed, looking deeply uncomfortable in a tie that appeared far too tight around his neck.

The camera crew arranged microphones and lights around the office as if preparing a film set.

“We can begin now,” Tabitha said impatiently, crossing her legs.

Penelope took her seat and cleared her throat.

“I will now read the last will and testament of Everett Montgomery, including the legal modifications made prior to his passing.”

The reading unfolded exactly as Penelope had predicted.

The house, stocks, and investments were divided, with forty percent apparently awarded to Calvin and Tabitha for their supposed support.

Tabitha squealed softly and squeezed Calvin’s arm.

“I told you he knew who his real friends were!”

I remained motionless and waited for the trap to close.

“However,” Penelope continued coldly, “there is a codicil signed three days before Mr. Montgomery’s death.”

Tabitha’s smile froze.

“A codicil? What is that?”

“It is a legal amendment stating that the acceptance of any inheritance is conditioned upon a full investigation into financial fraud and bribery.”

The office became silent as Penelope placed the photographs and USB drive on the desk.

“We have records of illegal payments, attempts to buy medical records, and the systematic theft of funds from the family business.”

Calvin grabbed one photograph, his face turning ghostly white.

“Where did you get these?” he stammered.

“From your former father in law,” Kyle answered from beside the window.

“You should never underestimate a man who built an empire from nothing.”

Tabitha sprang to her feet and screamed at the camera crew to stop recording.

“No, keep them running,” I said with a calmness I had not known I possessed.

“You wanted to record your big victory, so you should record the ending too.”

“This is a total setup!” she shrieked.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING