When I arrived, there was no warm greeting, only an icy dismissal. “This meeting is only for heirs,” Vivien declared, her eyes narrowing as if challenging me to oppose her. Khloe and Elias exchanged triumphant glances, clearly reveling in my exclusion.

I chose not to argue; the time for confrontation had passed. Instead, I calmly handed a sealed envelope to Mr. Thompson, the family lawyer. “You might want to read this before we dismiss anyone,” I suggested, my voice steady.

With growing curiosity, Thompson broke the seal and unfolded the document. As his eyes scanned the contents, I watched Vivien’s self-assured smile falter, morphing into a frown. The room grew still, tension radiating like heat from a furnace.