CHAPTER 3 — THE LAST WISH
The attorney unfolded the final letter.
William's voice seemed to fill the room through his carefully written words.
"If you are hearing this, then I have failed to keep my family together."
Several guests lowered their heads.
"My granddaughter deserves love before wealth."
"If anyone in this family humiliates or harms her without remorse, they have abandoned the values I spent my life building."
The attorney looked toward David.
"Your father also established a family trust."
"Control of that trust passes to Lily's legal guardian if these conditions are met."
Margaret's face turned pale.
"The trust owns..."
The accountant finished her sentence.
"...forty-eight percent of Carter Hospitality."
The room erupted with whispers.
Without the trust's voting rights...
Margaret no longer controlled the company.
Neither did David.
Emma had never asked for power.
She had only wanted her daughter to be safe.
The attorney handed her one final folder.
"As Lily's custodial parent, you now become trustee until she reaches adulthood."
David looked at Emma with tears in his eyes.
"I didn't know."
Emma met his gaze.
"You didn't ask."
"You saw your daughter crying."
"And you chose your mother's anger over her tears."
May you like
No one defended him.
Not even Margaret.
