Page 52 of The Acquisition

I scanned my surroundings. I'd been so far in my head since leaving Evie's I wasn't actually sure where I was. At the intersection, I got my bearings and realized I'd basically been walking around the block several times. Fortunately, this meant I was close to the pay lot where I'd parked Colt's car. I wasn't sure that aimless wandering was a good sign for my mental health, though.

Thankfully, the drive to the bank was short and only had a small amount of traffic, because staying out of my head was impossible. I found Caroline pacing in front of the bank when I approached.

She held up a file in front of me. "I imagine you have no idea where your grandfather's key is, so I brought a court order to open the box for you as his next of kin and sole inheritor."

"We don't know that's true," I argued.

She smiled. "I've got a court order saying it is. That's the only truth that matters." She jerked her head toward the entrance. "C'mon, let's get this done before your father finds out about it and counters. I have a feeling if he gets his hands on those documents they will disappear like the ones filed with the court."

She didn't need to tell me twice. I followed her to the branch manager and after she shot down some posturing on his part about privacy of their customers, we were escorted to the safety deposit boxes.

We opened the box with the key provided, and inside was a single envelope. With shaking fingers, I lifted the envelope out. I recognized the looping strokes of my grandfather's handwriting and was gifted with one more message from the only man who ever really loved me.

My dearest Jana,

If you are reading this, then my son, your father, has ignored my will. It's a hard thing as a parent to be disappointed in your child. I had hopes once that my son would live up to the legacy I entrusted him with.

Unfortunately, I indulged him too much as he was growing up. He was given all the benefits of my wealth and not enough responsibility. He's grown entitled and without the work ethic to achieve the things he thinks he's due.

You, my darling granddaughter, are my bright shining hope. You are my legacy. Your parents haven't made life easy on you, but instead of buckling under the strain you've thrived.

It isn't only your brilliant mind that makes me proud. Your father is equally as intelligent, but he doesn't have a fraction of your heart. In order to run a company, you must have empathy. No one person can run a corporation the size of Easton Corporation alone. If you don't make your employees feel like you have their best interests at heart, they will never truly be loyal.

Inside this envelope you'll find my updated Last Will and Testament. No doubt you will find some of the provisions herein antiquated. If it is your choice to remain unmarried, then you may take the reins of the company after your thirtieth birthday. It is my genuine hope that you find someone to love. Therefore, if you marry before then, you gain full control over your trust fund immediately, and will get control over the entire company after six months.

You see, you can't live to work, and you can't live without a heart. Find your heart. Live a full life. Be happy my little Jana bug. In the end it's the people we love that make us feel privileged, not the things we've managed to accumulate. Collect love, and be wealthy in what counts.

I'll love you forever,

Grandpa

Tears sprang to my eyes. I'd been so frustrated with the terms of my grandfather's original will, that I'd pushed aside so many happy memories. The only substantial difference with this new will was that I’d inherit the company. I'd known my grandpa and my father had a bit of a falling out, but I had no idea it was this extreme.

The terms weren't different, but knowing they came from a place of love made a difference in how I viewed them.

While I read the letter, Caroline flipped through the will. After she was done, she put it back in the envelope, and held her hand out for the letter. "I will get this back to you, but I need to show both to a judge and get the revised will restored."

Her phone buzzed in her handbag and she pulled it out. "I told Colter I was meeting with you, and he's asking you to call him."

I looked at my watch and noticed it was after two. "Yeah, I guess I missed lunch."

She bit her lower lip. I could tell there was something she wanted to say to me. "Caroline, whatever you're wanting to tell me, just say it."

"Don't hurt him. He seems tough, but it's an act. When he loves, he loves hard. He holds on tight and doesn't let go."

I nodded. "I know. Even death can't destroy it when he gives his heart away." And I would do well to remember that.

TWENTY

COLTER

Iknocked on Beck's office door before letting myself in. Not long ago I would have just walked in, but that was before he hooked up with my daughter. Of course, I didn't know she was my daughter at the time.

Beck looked up from his computer screen. "Did we have a meeting?" he asked.

Closing the door behind me, I dropped down into one of the leather chairs across from his desk before I answered him.

"You're starting to worry me, Colt. What's up with you?"

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