Page 26 of Rejected By My Stepbrother Alpha
“First of all, I’d like to say I’m so sorry to both of you for your loss,” Lyle said as he looked up from his papers. “Alpha Russell will be dearly missed as the leader of this pack, a businessman, and a friend to all.”
I inclined my head, but before I could say anything, Evelyn sobbed loudly.
“T-thank you,” Evelyn said in a teary voice. “I loved him so much. He was my soulmate. It was cruel that Russell and I only had one year together.”
Goddess, she was layingit on thick.
Lyle smiled sympathetically at Evelyn. But I noticed a tightness in his eyes. Was it possible that I wasn’t the only one who could see through Evelyn’s act? Was this a good sign for how the reading of the will would go?
“Let us get started,” Lyle said and cleared his throat.
His words made my stomach drop, and my mouth went dry.
What were the chances that my father actually changed his will last night? I didn't see Lyle at the mating ceremony, but it had been dark, and he could have been in the back. Our whole pack had been in attendance. There must have been a lot of people I didn’t see.
Nervously, I shifted in my seat as Lyle looked down at the papers in his hands.
Here we go…
“I will now read the last wishes of Russell Joseph Callahan. His will is recognized under pack law, witnessed by Emery Powers—head healer of the BloodMoon pack—and notarized by me, Lyle Walker. This means that his will can not be contested under any circumstances,” Lyle read.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Evelyn's lips twitch into a quick smile.
Shit.
My stomach knotted with worry. This was it. If my dad hadn't changed his will, Evelyn would be able to sell the company and live a life of luxury with Ivy.
Or maybe not. If Ivy had been in on her mother's schemes, wouldn’t she be here to ensure that the plan worked?
No, I couldn’t doubt myself now. I wouldn’t be a good leader if I did.
Where was she, though? I just wanted to know that she was safe.
Lyle opened his mouth, and my palms began to sweat.
“Russell Joseph Callahan’s last will and testament states the following: I, Russell Callahan, leave everything I own, my company, BloodMoon Enterprises, and all of my assets, to my son, Asher Callahan.”
The room was silent for a moment.
He trusted me enough to change it.
Pride and love for my dad filled my heart.
Evelyn immediately stopped “crying” and lifted her head. She jumped to her feet and glared at Lyle.
“What the hell are you talking about?” she snapped. “He changed his will yesterday! He was going to leave everything to me. You were there, Lyle!”
Lyle folded his hands in front of him and regarded Evelyn with a cool expression.
“Yes, I was there. And that’s why I went back to the hospital last night when I knew you would be at the mating ceremony. In my professional opinion, you coerced Russell into changing his will. You took advantage of his condition. I talked with him, and he revealed that he was just about to call me and change it back.”
Evelyn stomped her foot and let out a frustrated groan.
“I don’t care what you say!” Evelyn snarled, her face growing red. “I’m going to contest his will. I was his wife for Goddess’s sake. I am entitled to his money and company. It’s only fair.”
“There is nothing to contest,” Lyle said. “Russell was of sound mind when he changed his will back. There was a witness, and it was notarized. If you’d like, you can take up the matter with the Elders or our new Alpha.” Lyle’s lips twitched when he pointed at me.
Evelyn whipped her head to glare at me. The ridiculous hat wobbled on the top of her head.
