PART 2: Arthur’s lawyer, Mr. Sterling, a serious and meticulous man who never smiled, called for the “Official Reading of the Will.” Curtis called me, furious.
“I don’t know why you have to go,” he snapped over the phone. “Dad probably left you some old jewelry or a dusty photo album. But go, sign whatever you have to sign, and disappear. I don’t want you to ruin my moment.”
I arrived at the law firm in my best outfit, the only thing I still had that didn’t smell like humiliation. Curtis was already there—sitting at the head of the mahogany table, surrounded by financial advisors who looked like sharks smelling blood.
He looked at me with disgust when I walked in.
“Sit in the back, Vanessa,” he ordered. “And don’t speak.”
Mr. Sterling came in carrying a thick leather folder. He sat down, adjusted his glasses, and looked at all of us. His gaze lingered on me for a second longer than necessary—unreadable—before turning to Curtis.
—We will now proceed with the reading of Mr. Arthur’s last will and testament—announced Sterling.
Curtis drummed his fingers on the table.
—Let’s get to the point, Sterling. Let’s talk about liquid assets and properties. I’ve got a trip to Monaco on Friday and I need cash.
The lawyer read the legal preambles. Curtis sighed impatiently. Finally, Sterling reached the division of assets.
—“To my only son, Curtis, I bequeath the ownership of the family mansion, the collection of cars, and the sum of seventy-five million dollars…”
Curtis slammed his fist on the table and stood up, triumphant.
“I knew it!” he shouted, ignoring protocol. “It’s all mine! Mine!” He turned to me with a cruel smile. “Did you hear that, Vanessa? Seventy-five million. And you have… nothing. You’re pathetic.”
I sat frozen, humiliation burning my throat. His advisors snickered. I could already picture myself leaving there, defeated one last time.
Curtis grabbed his bag.
—Okay, Sterling. Get the transfers ready. I’m out of here.
“Sit down, Mr. Curtis,” Mr. Sterling said. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried authority that chilled the room. “I’m not finished.”
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