“Your mother is gone. Tears won’t bring her back—so wipe your face, make dinner, and don’t look like a grieving child when my guests arrive.” That was what my husband said.

He pulled out several sheets of thick paper. Mark held his breath. You could see the tension in his neck. Jessica, trapped near the door, also pricked up her ears. Her materialistic nature made her curious about the amount of assets that would be mentioned. Mr. Harrison began to read the contents of the will in a loud, clear voice. The first point specified the list of Mrs. Vance’s assets, a list so long it would leave anyone who heard it speechless. From the majority stake in the parent company where Mark worked to several commercial buildings downtown, vast tracks of land on the outskirts, and huge cash deposits in various banks.