* * *
But I digress.
Vivien, my darling girl, this is your final task. Now is the time for you to make a choice, purely for yourself.
You get to pick your final match.
Graham was never really the one I picked for you; it was just my way of getting you young people talking and out of your own way.
I didn’t want to pick for you at all, I wanted you to start picking for yourself. You don’t need someone to choose for you. You never did.
Choose your match, what you want for yourself, and the theater, and all of it will be yours.
In other words, any challenge to Vivien’s inheritance should be understood as contrary to my explicit wishes.
* * *
Beverly
* * *
I stare at Spencer, Beverly’s words ringing through me. It all becomes crystal clear. And so easy. I know exactly who I need to choose, and I hope he understands why. He’s smart though, so I’m not too concerned. I know Spencer. I know the choice he would want me to make, and it’s the same one I intend to make.
This was never really about romance at all, was it?
Beverly, you sly devil.
“I choose me.” I keep my gaze focused on Spencer.
William clears his throat. “While that is all very touching, I don’t believe it resolves the concerns we discussed regarding the administration of the estate.”
Spencer leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. “No, it doesn’t. Which is why I’m prepared to address them directly. If you intend to challenge the will, we are prepared to seek a formal accounting of the financial entities retained to manage her earnings and trusts over the last fifteen years.”
“That’s absurd.” The words are sharp and loud. Too loud.
Spencer slides a manila folder across the desk. “I disagree. We’ve already identified several irregularities we’d be interested in exploring through discovery, should this become adversarial.”
William picks up the file and glances inside, lifting his reading glasses to his face.
Mother says nothing while he reviews the contents. Her spine is rigid, her eyes shooting daggers at Spencer.
William removes his glasses and leans over to get Mother’s attention. “I would strongly advise against pursuing litigation under these circumstances.”
Her head whips in his direction. “You cannot be serious.”
“I am. Beverly’s intentions are clear. Vivien has satisfied the conditions laid out in the estate documents, and a prolonged dispute risks exposing matters I assume you would prefer remain private.”
Spencer lifts a hand. “As for the concerns regarding my role, I’m willing to step aside as acting executor once the transfer of ownership is complete. Another attorney can finalize the remaining administrative matters.”
I stare at him.
He lowers his voice. “It’s important that there’s no question about the legitimacy of Beverly’s wishes.”
William nods once. “I think that would be wise.”
Mother looks between us, furious and trapped. “This is a mistake, Vivien. You’re ruining your life.”
“Well, it’s my life to ruin. Not yours.”
