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The will was precise and unforgiving. My parents were left the “family burden”—the enormous debts tied to the companies they had mismanaged. Everything else—the properties, investments, and liquid assets totaling around five million dollars—was left to me. The number barely felt real. It meant freedom, independence, and escape. But Glenn’s expression stayed dark. He explained that my parents had already challenged the will, claiming Richard had been mentally unfit and that I had manipulated him. They had hired Vance Clydesdale, a ruthless attorney known for crushing opponents. Glenn suggested settling for half to avoid a long fight. I remembered my grandfather once telling me I was stronger than I believed. I refused to settle.
On the day of the hearing, the courthouse felt cold and imposing. My parents were already there, composed and confident. When Mark leaned toward me and accused me of stealing what belonged to them, I didn’t respond. Across the room, Clydesdale arranged his documents like a man preparing for surgery. When Judge Malcolm Reyes entered, the room fell silent. His presence commanded attention, his sharp eyes revealing nothing.
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