A 19-year-old girl was left all alone when, right after her father’s funeral, her stepmother kicked her out of the house …

And what if it says everything really goes to Miranda? Tracy asked anxiously. In that case, we’ll look for other ways to solve the problem, Nancy Cooper replied firmly. But somehow I’m sure your father took care of you.

Tracy arrived at the notary’s office 15 minutes before the appointed time. Her heart pounded with anxiety. What awaited her there? What last words had her father left? In the waiting room, she was surprised to find her stepmother.

Miranda nervously smoked an e-cigarette, pacing the small room. So you showed up, she snapped when she saw Tracy. Found somewhere to spend the night.

Found, Tracy answered shortly, not wanting to go into details. That’s something to be grateful for, Miranda smirked. I was already thinking about reporting you missing to the police.

How touching of you, Tracy couldn’t resist sarcasm, especially after you kicked me out into the street. Don’t dramatize, Miranda grimaced. You’re a grown-up girl, you should understand how life works.

Everyone has their own path. Mine is to be the lady of the house I earned by supporting your father through his illness. Yours is to start your own independent life.

Tracy didn’t have time to respond, they were called into the notary’s office. Lucas Jackson turned out to be a respectable man of about 50 with a keen gaze and a neat beard. He greeted both women and gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.

My condolences on your loss, he said formally. Today we have gathered to read the will of Andrew Brown. The will was drawn up and properly notarized four months ago, on August 10th, 2023.

Tracy noticed Miranda tense up. Four months ago, that was before her father’s illness worsened, when he was fully conscious and mentally clear. According to the testator’s wishes, the notary continued, unfolding the document, his property is distributed as follows.

The apartment at 17, European Street, apartment 56, passes to his wife, Miranda Brown. Miranda looked triumphantly at Tracy. Tracy felt her insides tighten.

However, the notary continued, the three-room apartment belonging to the testator at 103, Victory Avenue, apartment 42, passes to his daughter, Tracy Brown. Tracy opened her mouth in astonishment. What apartment is the notary talking about? Dad had only one apartment, the one they lived in.

The notary turned the page. The majority shareholding, 51% of the construction company Brown Renovations, belonging to the testator, passes to his daughter, Tracy Brown. The remaining 49% passes to his wife, Miranda Brown.

What? Miranda jumped up from her chair. That’s some kind of mistake. Andrew never told me about a second apartment, and we agreed that the business would go to me.

I assure you, there is no mistake, the notary replied calmly. All documents are properly executed. Andrew Brown purchased a second apartment about a year ago, and the controlling share of the company has always belonged personally to him.

This is confirmed by the founding documents. Tracy sat stunned. She had an apartment and controlling shares in her father’s business.

It felt unreal. A personal letter to Tracy is attached to the will, the notary added, handing her another envelope. Andrew Brown asked that it be given to you after the official reading.

Miranda shot Tracy a spiteful look. This is a forgery, she hissed through clenched teeth. I will contest the will.

Andrew couldn’t have done this to me after everything I did for him. That is your right, the notary answered evenly. But I must warn you that all documents are in perfect order.

The will was drawn up in the presence of witnesses, and medical certificates confirmed that Andrew Brown was of sound mind and memory at the time. Miranda abruptly stood up, grabbed her handbag, and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Don’t pay attention to that, the notary said gently to Tracy.

Such reactions are common when wills are read. People tend to make plans, and when those plans collapse, they feel disappointment. Tracy nodded, still unable to believe what was happening.

May I read my father’s letter? Of course, the notary nodded. You may do it here or take it with you, whichever you prefer. I think I’ll read it at home, Tracy decided.

By the way, when can I see the apartment? Even today would be great, the notary smiled. Here are the keys and documents. The apartment is fully registered in your name…