AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Debra also blessed me with another son, making me feel like the luckiest man in the world. Two boys to carry on my name and follow in my footsteps. I couldn’t have been happier. Ryker, I love you, son.”
Wait, that’s all Ryker gets. I see where the problems arise. I don’t think James even realizes what he just did. He said so much more to Zane than he did to Ryker. Unwittingly, perhaps, but I don’t doubt that Ryker noticed. Of course he did. I’m sure he’s noticed all of his life. It smacks of rejection, because everything James said told him that his father loves Zane more.
However, if Debra clearly doted on Ryker and wanted nothing to do with Zane, it makes sense that James felt he had to make up for Zane’s lack of love from his mother figure.
It’s like the age-old riddle. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
Which came first? James’ preference for Zane or Debra’s obvious dislike of Zane? I don’t know.
Regardless, what a mess. Everything wrong in this family could’ve been resolved with love.
Love is the answer. It almost always is. It solves so many problems.
chapter thirty-three
~
JAMES GOES ON. “That being said, the love I have for my family is what makes the reading of my will so incredibly difficult.”
“Yes, it does,” Debra says aloud.
All my talk about love comes back to bite me, because I’d like to smack her in the face.
“It came to my attention not too long ago that Martel Investments was coming up short financially. The numbers weren’t adding up. After an in-depth investigation, we realized someone was skimming money from the business. We knew it had to be someone on the inside, someone who I trusted, who had access to my personal accounts.”
James pauses for effect.
“Imagine my shock when I realized who it was, and that it was someone close to me. It was enough to destroy my faith in the human race.”
“That’s right,” Debra says as though her husband is really here and she’s having a conversation with him.
“Let me say right now and let me be very clear, my will reflects the aforementioned situation. The person responsible will not be happy with their inheritance. It grieves me to do this, but it must be done. I will not, nor will I ever, tolerate dishonesty.”
I close my eyes. I can’t stand seeing Debra and Ryker gloating in my peripheral vision.
So, Zane is guilty. That’s why he’s not speaking to me. He doesn’t want to fess up. It doesn’t seem possible. The man I knew would never do such a thing. I hang my head.
“All right, let’s get on with it,” James says next. “Ryker, I’m going to start with you. You’ve been vice-president of Martel Investments for quite some time and you’ve done an excellent job. I’m very pleased with your efforts. It is my wish that you remain in that position. The new president will have a say in this decision, but that’s my wish. I hope it will be honored. Forty percent of my estate belongs to you. Use it wisely, son.”
Debra inhales loudly. “Vice president?”
And I thinkreally? Vice president and forty percent of the estate is not enough for her son? If the estate is going to be divided three ways, does this mean it’s not going to be divided equally?
Thankfully, James can’t hear her objection. “As you know, due to my health, I stepped down from being president of Martel Investments not too long ago. I publicly named the board of investors as the acting president until a new president could be named. Prepare yourselves, this will come as a surprise, but they have been my front men, so to speak, my smokescreen. My son, Zane Martel, has been the acting president and will remain as the president of Martel Investments upon my death, which, unfortunately, has happened since all of you are watching this video.”
This time, no one chuckles at his gallows humor.
“Zane has been a silent president up until now, but that changes immediately upon my death. Due to family strife, Zane was unable to operate in the company without interference. We both thought it best for his position in the company to remain silent, but ever-present. He will need to complete his commitments to the Army, but I assure you he can handle both. Zane, my son, my company is yours, along with sixty-percent of my estate. This keeps you as the majority stockholder, and therefore, in control. I know you can do it. I have faith in you.”
Debra rises to her feet, her chair hitting the wall behind her. “What? That’s not possible. He’s a thief. He’s the one who was taking the money. It was him!”
The two security guards standing next to Zane stand at attention, alert and ready to act, if necessary.
The lawyer pauses the video. “I suggest you take a seat, Mrs. Martel.”
“This is ridiculous. I won’t stand for it.”
Her lawyers whisper to her. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but she’s listening to them.
