Chapter 6: The Reading of the Will
Six months later.
The Vance family estate looked completely different. The gloomy, oppressive atmosphere that had hung over the mansion during Julian’s brief reign was gone. The curtains were thrown open, letting the bright afternoon sun pour into the grand foyer.
Today was the day of the final legal proceedings.
Julian had been denied bail. The media circus surrounding the "Coffin Killer" had dominated the news for months. Sarah, the treacherous step-sister, had been arrested at the airport trying to flee the country with two million dollars of embezzled company funds. Facing life in prison, Sarah had turned on Julian, testifying that he had masterminded the entire plot.
But today wasn't about them. Today was about taking back what was stolen.
Elara sat at the head of the massive oak dining table, flanked by her father and her elite team of corporate lawyers. She wore a striking, tailored crimson dress—the exact opposite of the black mourning clothes she had been forced into. She looked radiant, powerful, and utterly untouchable.
On the other side of the table sat Julian’s slimy defense attorney, Mr. Sterling, sweating profusely under his collar.
"As you can see, Mr. Sterling," Elara's lead lawyer said, sliding a thick stack of documents across the table. "With Julian's conviction for attempted murder, the prenuptial agreement’s 'morality clause' has been triggered."
Sterling wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. "My client still maintains his innocence pending appeal, and he is legally entitled to fifty percent of the marital assets acquired during the marriage..."
Elara let out a sharp, melodic laugh. It silenced the room.
She leaned forward, steepling her fingers. "Tell Julian something for me, Mr. Sterling. Tell him I audited the company. I found the shell corporations he used to funnel money out of my father’s accounts. Not only is he getting exactly zero dollars from my estate, but I am suing him for every dime he stole, plus damages."
Sterling gulped. "Ms. Vance, be reasonable. My client has nothing left. He can't afford his legal fees as it is."
"That sounds like a personal problem," Elara smiled, her eyes cold as diamonds. "He tried to bury me in a six-foot hole. Tell him he’s lucky I’m only burying him in debt."
She stood up, signaling the meeting was over. "You have twenty-four hours to sign the forfeiture documents, or I make sure the press gets the audio recordings of Julian begging for a plea deal. Have a wonderful afternoon, gentlemen."
As the lawyers scrambled out of the room like frightened mice, Arthur walked over and wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. He looked older, his hair a little grayer, but the pride in his eyes was blinding.
"You handled that like a queen," Arthur said softly.
Elara leaned into him, the coldness melting away into genuine warmth. "I learned from the best, Dad. But there's one more piece of business to take care of."
May you like
She turned toward the doorway, where Maria was standing, dusting a vase and pretending not to eavesdrop.
"Maria," Elara called out. "Come here, please."
