"Sir Collins, how are you faring?" The attorney greeted the elder gentleman with a polite smile before settling into the high-backed chair across from him. It was time to read the final will, a moment that would officially mark the conclusion of their firm's obligations to the late Lady Collins.
His gaze swept across the familiar faces gathered in the dimly lit study. They were the same as they had been three years ago—Sir Collins, his grandson- Spencer Collins, and Madam Collins. Yet today, two additional individuals were required to be present for the final proceedings or his coming here would be useless.
"Where are Mr. Adam Collins and Miss Melanie?" he inquired slowly.
Spencer frowned at the question. "Adam received his inheritance three years ago. Why is his presence necessary now?" His voice held a note of irritation, as though the attorney was needlessly prolonging matters.
The lawyer shook his head, his expression calm but resolute. "You are mistaken," he corrected evenly. "Three years ago, Adam and you both received only your designated trust funds. However, the remainder of Lady Collins' estate—the primary properties and assets—has yet to be formally distributed. She left behind detailed instructions regarding the final division of her wealth, and this reading will determine who inherits the last of her bestowals."
A tense silence settled over the room as the weight of his words sank in. Spencer frowned? Could they have been mistaken. As far as he knew the only conditions were...
Before he could ask anything or say more, the door opened and Adam walked inside the room.
The lawyer glanced up at the younger man, acknowledging his presence with a brief nod before shifting his focus back to the documents in front of him. He took a measured breath before speaking, "Since Adam is here, we can proceed with reviewing the will once more while we await Miss Melanie's arrival. After all, Adam was not here at the time of the reading of the will and had left his power of attorney with Sir Collins."
He cleared his throat before continuing, ensuring that his words carried the necessary weight. "As you are all aware, at the time of her passing, Lady Collins left behind one specific request—one that she believed would secure both the future of her grandson and the well-being of Miss Melanie. Her wish was that her grandson enter into marriage with Miss Melanie and take responsibility for her care and happiness. Should they proceed with the marriage and remain together for a period of no less than three years, the majority of her estate would be transferred to her grandson as an inheritance."
The lawyer paused for a moment, sending a look at Adam for a moment, as if reminding him of something before continuing, " However, there were two notable exceptions—Luxart Furniture, which she designated to be given solely to Miss Melanie, and ten percent of the stocks in the ABC Empire, which were to be granted to her other grandson."
The lawyer allowed a brief pause again. "However, should they choose to part ways before the stipulated three-year period have elapsed, the estate will not be awarded as originally intended. Instead, Lady Collins instructed that all remaining assets be divided into three equal portions, with Mr. Spencer, Mr. Adam, and Miss Melanie each receiving one-third of the inheritance."
His expression remained composed as he turned to the final clause. "Furthermore, in the event that Miss Melanie does not wish to enter into this marriage at all, then the same division of assets shall apply, ensuring that no single party receives an unfair advantage. Lady Collins was quite deliberate in her instructions, ensuring that her estate would be allocated in a manner she deemed just, regardless of personal decisions made by the involved parties."
"Mr Spencer, you volunteered to marry Miss Melanie three years ago."
Spencer walked forward eagerly," Yes. We were ma..."
Before he could say more, there was a knock on the door and Melanie entered the room.
The attorney immediately rose to his feet, offering a courteous nod. "Miss Melanie, thank you for joining us."
The elder Sir Collins, who had remained silent until now, also stood, his sharp eyes assessing the young woman before him. "So, you are Melanie," he said, his voice holding an air of curiosity as well as something more—perhaps a trace of expectation. "My grand daughter in law!"
Melanie smiled at that moment and greeted the old man with a smile," It is nice to finally meet you, Sir Collins."
The older man shook his head, letting out a gruff chuckle. "What is this 'Sir' and all that? Call me Grandfather!"
Melanie's lips curved into a polite smile as she inclined her head. "Thank you, Grandfather."
With that, she turned toward the lawyer, offering him a respectful nod before moving further into the room. Spencer, who had shifted on the couch to make space for her, watched expectantly. However, rather than taking the offered seat, Melanie walked past him and settled on the opposite side of the room.
Spencer's scowled at the deliberate snub, but he said nothing. The old lawyer, however, did not miss the subtle exchange. His sharp gaze flickered between them, but he made no comment. Instead, he turned to Melanie and addressed her directly.
Adam noticed the entire exchange as well, and the expression of the other two people, feeling intensely satisfied. Ah! It was going to be a good show.
"Miss Melanie, Spencer was just telling me about your marriage." the attorney said slowly.
A faint, unreadable smile touched Melanie's lips. She cast a brief glance at Spencer before returning her attention back to the old man. "Was he? And what exactly did he say about our marriage?"
Spencer stiffened at the question. Even he heard the edge in her tone.
The attorney's expression shifted slightly, detecting the underlying tension between the couple. Before he could respond, Spencer hurriedly spoke up defensively.
"Just that you and I have been happily married for three years now," he said, looking directly at Melanie. "That is what I was telling Uncle."
She smiled and turned her head towards him, acknowledging him for the first time since entering the room. "Have we?"