Page 36 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

Eighteen

Cory

The law office of Brown and Brown in Beaver Creek looked exactly as I remembered—solid, understated, and dependable. The small brass plate by the door gleamed in the sunlight, a reminder of its long-standing presence in the community. I stepped inside, greeted by the faint smell of aged wood and the indistinct murmur of distant voices.

“Cory, good to see you,” Steven Brown said as he emerged from his office. He was dressed sharply as always, his salt-and-pepper hair lending him an air of authority. We shook hands, and he motioned me into the conference room.

“Steven, thanks for squeezing me in,” I said, dropping a thick folder onto the polished table. It contained the insurance policy and every scrap of documentation related to the building.

He nodded, flipping through the paperwork. “No problem at all. I’ve been following the news. The fire was unfortunate, but from what I’ve read, there’s no suspicion of foul play?”

“None,” I confirmed. “Lightning strike, according to the inspector. The timing couldn’t have been worse, though.”

He looked up from the papers, giving me a thoughtful glance. “You plan to rebuild?”

I shrugged, leaning back in my chair. “I’m not sure. Honestly, Steven, I’m not even sure I want to stay in Dallas. It doesn’t feel like home anymore. I’ve been thinking about moving operations here.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Here? To Beaver Creek?”

“Yeah. I’ve already spoken to some of my team. They’re on board with the idea of relocating to a quieter town. And while you’re at it,” I added, “reach out to my realtor in Dallas. I want the mansion on the market by the end of the week.”

Steven leaned back, clearly surprised. “That’s a big decision. May I ask why?”

I hesitated, the thought of Elena and Jake flashing in my mind. “Let’s just say I’ve got a reason to simplify my life. I’m considering turning Dad’s hardware store into a headquarters for the foundation. It’s quaint, central, and keeps things grounded.” I shook my head, “The idea about the hardware store hasn’t been discussed with Dad yet. But it’s time for him to retire and enjoy life while he still can.”

He nodded slowly, jotting down notes. “That’s a nice gesture, Cory. I can handle the realtor and get the ball rolling on the insurance claim. But let’s get everything in order first.”

Turning back to the folder, he opened a desk drawer and pulled out a yellowed file with Prescott Harrison’s name printed neatly on the tab. “Speaking of your foundation, this might interest you. Your grandfather’s original will. I’ve had it on file all these years, but I figured you might want to keep it for posterity.”

I accepted the folder, flipping it open. It was mostly familiar paperwork—nothing surprising—until I spotted the edge of an unopened envelope wedged between two pages. Pulling it out, I turned it over in my hands. “What’s this?”

Steven frowned. “I don’t know. I must have missed it when I cleaned out Prescott’s lockbox after his passing.”

Curiosity piqued; I handed it back. “Open it.”

He slid a letter opener under the flap, carefully extracting a handwritten note and a check. His eyes scanned the contents, his face slowly morphing into shock.

“This… This is addressed to Elena Mitchell,” he said, looking at me with raised brows. “Your grandfather… He left her a check for $10 million.”

I froze, and the air suddenly felt heavier. “What? Why?”

Steven handed me the note. My eyes skimmed over Prescott’s familiar handwriting.

Dear Elena,

I have heard of your son, though I do not wish to intrude upon your or Cory’s life. This check is a token of my gratitude for all you have endured and a gesture of apology for any pain caused. Please forgive me for not delivering this message in person. I am gravely ill, and this is the best I can offer.

Prescott Harrison

My stomach churned as I handed the letter back to Steven, unable to process it fully. “I only recently found out about my son, Jake. I have reconnected with his mother, Elena, and hope we have a future together… another reason for moving away from Dallas.”

Steven cleared his throat. “It appears so. He must have wanted to make amends in his own way.”

I exhaled sharply, my mind spinning. “The check’s no good now, is it?”

Steven shook his head. “Not after all these years. But the intention is clear.”

I nodded slowly, determination settling in. “We’ll find a way to honor it. I’ll cover the funds personally and present a new check to Elena. She deserves to know this.”

---