Page 4 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

“Okay,” Ophelia responded as she stood.

“We haven’t finished,” Joseph said sternly.

Ophelia rolled her eyes. Her arrogance was beginning to grate, and she was getting annoying.

“As I mentioned, Sonia liquidated all her personal assets. Private homes, businesses, and so on that she bought herself. Sonia kept some personal artwork and jewellery back, which Lyra will share amongst you. The proceeds from all remaining items are what you’ve all inherited and will be split equally between you when you reach the age of thirty. Until then, you receive another ten thousand a month. But the main inheritance is…” Joseph named a figure that made our eyes bug out; even Ophelia was stunned silent.

“That’s to be shared between us?” Thea gasped, her hands shaking.

“No. That is each,” Joseph replied.

“Where was this five years ago, when I needed money for my mother?” I asked bitterly.

“Exactly,” Thea agreed.

“It is here now. Lyra, while you’re the beneficiary of the Jasper Trust, may I suggest you share with your cousins?” Joseph suggested.

“Um, I’ve no intention of keeping anything from them. Can you correct me if I’m wrong? If it belongs to the Trust, nothing can be sold, and we receive a monthly allowance plus the lighthouses. If it comes from Sonia’s Trust, we may do what we want with it?” I checked.

“Yes. There are papers to sign, but I’d like to walk each of you through your inheritance one at a time. Lunch will be provided.”

“If no one minds, I have appointments; can I go first?” Ophelia asked.

“Sure, I’ve only a supermarket job to get back to,” Thea said, waving her hand.

“Which you don’t have to do now,” I pointed out, and Thea grinned.

“Wow, never thought of that,” Thea replied happily.

Ophelia followed Joseph into another room, and Poppy, Thea, and I stared at each other.

“This is surprising,” Poppy stated with a small smile.

“Hi, I’m your oldest cousin!” I exaggeratedly waved my hands.

Thea snorted. “This is surreal. Well, I always wanted a family, and here you are.”

“Joseph didn’t explain why our dads didn’t talk,” I mused.

“No. Interesting. I can question my dad,” Poppy said.

“Your dad might not want us around,” I replied, and Poppy shrugged.

“Hey, I love my dad, but he’ll have to get used to it. How old are you, Lyra?” Poppy asked.

“Twenty-five.”

“I’m twenty-three,” Poppy responded, turning to Thea.

“Same.”

“Huh, I wonder how old fancy pants is,” Poppy tittered, and I laughed. Ophelia did have that air about her. Half an hour later, Ophelia came out. She looked at us and then held out some business cards.

“Sorry, this is an important meeting. However, I’d love to get to know everyone; family isn’t something to be sniffed at. Maybe we can meet up or FaceTime? If you want to? I’m not good at this bonding stuff. Just call me,” Ophelia stated and walked out.

We swapped glances and then laughed. “Fair enough,” Thea replied.

“Which of you is next?” Joseph answered.