A 19-year-old girl was left all alone when, right after her father’s funeral, her stepmother kicked her out of the house …
Charles, we have a problem, Richard said. Miranda came with a lawyer. They are filing a lawsuit to contest the will, claiming Andrew Brown was incapacitated when he made it because of medication.
Charles frowned. That’s a serious accusation, but they have little chance. I was present when the will was made as a witness, and Andrew Brown was completely of sound mind.
Besides, there is a medical report from his attending physician confirming this. We can request a copy. You were there when the will was made? Tracy asked, surprised.
Yes, Charles nodded. Your father asked me to be there. He wanted everything to be legally flawless.
I checked every clause. God, you came just in time. Tracy exclaimed.
I was starting to lose hope. No need to panic, Charles smiled. We will handle this situation.
Miranda is trying to intimidate you, but the law is on your side. What do we do now? Tracy asked. First, don’t fall for provocations, Charles replied.
Second, gather all documents proving your father was of sound mind when making the will. I’ll take care of that. And third, keep the company running as usual.
No freezing of assets or halting operations. They have no legal grounds for that. Thank you, Tracy said sincerely.
I don’t even know how to thank you. No thanks needed, Charles smiled. I respected your father and will do everything to protect his last will.
Besides, it’s my job. Over the following weeks, Tracy often visited the company office, gradually getting involved in the business. Charles prepared for the court case, gathering evidence supporting the validity of the will.
He often consulted Tracy on legal matters, and a warm, trusting relationship gradually developed between them. Meanwhile, Miranda kept trying to gain control of the company. She spread rumors about Tracy’s incompetence, tried to turn employees against the new owner, even visited sites and threatened contractors with contract termination if they continued working.
It was not easy for Tracy. She never thought she would find herself in such a situation, managing a construction company while fighting a spiteful stepmother. But the support of Richard, Charles, and other employees gave her strength.
The court day was approaching. Tracy was nervous despite Charles’ assurances that everything would be fine. What if Miranda really has some documents we don’t know about? She asked the night before the hearing, when she and Charles stayed late at the office preparing for the trial.
Even if she does, we’re ready for that, the lawyer replied, rubbing his tired eyes. We have enough evidence that your father was of sound mind and clear memory when making the will. Besides, the notary confirmed the legality of the procedure, which means a lot to the court.
Tracy nodded, but anxiety lingered. She felt Miranda had a trump card hidden somewhere. Charles, may I ask? Why are you trying so hard to help me? I understand you respected my father, but still… The young man was silent, as if gathering his thoughts.
Your father once helped me a lot, he finally said. Three years ago, I got into a difficult situation. My previous employer was dishonest, and I was unwittingly involved in his schemes.
Andrew Brown believed in my innocence when others turned away. He gave me a job and helped restore my reputation. I’ll never forget that.
Dad had the ability to see the good in people, Tracy said quietly. He always gave a chance to those who needed it. Exactly, Charles nodded.
And I want to repay him by helping you. It’s the least I can do. Their eyes met, and Tracy felt her heart beat faster.
There was so much warmth and sincerity in Charles’ eyes. At that moment, she realized her feelings for the lawyer had long gone beyond simple gratitude. Thank you, she whispered.
For everything. The courtroom was packed. Tracy nervously squeezed Charles’ hand, who sat next to her at the defense table.
Opposite them were Miranda and her lawyer, Oscar Wright, confident with cold smiles on their faces. Don’t worry, Charles whispered, noticing how tense Tracy was. The judge, a middle-aged woman of solid build with a keen gaze, was reviewing documents.
Finally, she looked up and announced the start of the hearing. The hearing lasted several hours. Miranda’s lawyer presented medical documents supposedly proving that Andrew Brown was taking strong painkillers at the time the wool was made…