Page 109 of Ugly Truths
Now it’s all Jeremy’s, and he gets to decide who keeps what.Ifhe decides to share anything at all.
Mr. Hale clears his throat as he begins reading from William’s written statement. “It is my hope that Jeremy will use this home either to establish his life and continue our family legacy or, should he choose, sell the property to fund his own passions and pursuits. This provisionreflects my belief in his potential to forge his own path, with the necessary resources to support his endeavors."
What an eloquent way to tell us all that Jeremy needs the additional financial cushion. Though I can hear the underlying insult, my brother doesn’t seem to notice it. His eyes brighten, and my stomach sinks.
“Lastly, William’s thirty-six percent share in Wells Corporation—” Mr. Hale begins.
My jaw clenches so hard it aches, and it’s barely enough to distract from the way my heart pounds violently against my ribcage.
“—was placed in a family business trust six years ago and, per the trustee appointment, will be divided equally among his three children.”
I don’t exhale so much as collapse. Natalie’s shoulders drop just as Davey releases a long, quiet breath, like he was holding his, too.
My eyes squeeze shut, fingers pinching the bridge of my nose under my glasses. Thank God.
Maybe we’ll actually claw our way out of this.
Then I open my eyes.
Jeremy’s mouth is tight, his stare hardening on the document still in Hale’s hand. It's the face of a man who was promised more than he was given.
My relief is eclipsed by a new wave of unease.
When every items has been laid out before us, Mr. Hale reiterates a shorter version of the speech he had given us when we began. Jeremy’s expression gives nothing away, but he’s smart enough to know that contesting the trust is a shot in the dark at best.
Hale hands each sibling a folder filled with documents pertaining to our new inheritances. “I must say, I truly was sad to hear of William's passing,” Mr. Hale remarks quietly. “He was a good friend, and I will miss him greatly.”
“We're going to miss him, too.” My words are practiced and polite. “Can I offer you some coffee or lunch before you go?”
Mr. Hale declines with a courteous shake of his head, packing up his briefcase. "Thank you, but I must be off. You have my contact informationif you need help with anything. Take care of yourselves and each other.” With a few final handshakes, he makes his exit.
Natalie and Davey have yet to rise from their seats, both fingering through the folder in their hands as they quietly discuss the next steps they need to take.
Jeremy wastes no time following Mr. Hale out after collecting his things. He’s almost at the door when I call after him, “You don’t need to rush off, Jer.”
He barely pauses, his response slightly cold as he glances over his shoulder. “I’ve got a house to sort out.”
His wording tells me it won't be long before he sells it. I just hope he won’t throw everything away when he does.
Only a few breaths after the door shuts, Cillian appears from around the corner with Elena a step behind.
“How’d it go?” Cillian asks. Glancing down at the folder in my left hand, I nod, feeling a rare flicker of hope.
“We maintain control of Wells. And with Natalie’s increased shares, we'll have more leverage with the board,” I explain.
It’s impossible to miss the way Elena’s shoulders relax behind Cillian. She remains by the cased opening, and I extend my hand to her. She hesitates, but eventually steps forward. When she's within reach, I pull her to my side.
“It’s business as usual for now,” I say, looking around at each of them. “Natalie is going to make some calls to gauge if pushing for an emergency board meeting is in the cards. We’ll ask Everett to call the meeting if we have the votes, and once that’s settled, Sierra Blanca becomes our main priority.”
“We were able to send out discreet memos to severely limit operations at the facility for the time being,” Cillian adds, glancing at his phone. “They’ve halted all trials and have been instructed to provide thorough care to all patients to pause their medications and maintain their health while they wait for further instructions.”
“So, now what? We wait?” Elena asks, eyebrows knitting together in concern as she looks up at me, searching for answers.
My lips press into a thin line, wishing I had more to offer.
“Unfortunately, yes. Now, we wait.”
Chapter 43
