—“I’ve amassed a fortune by building strong foundations. But a house won’t stand if the foundation is rotten. I’ve watched my son Curtis for years. I’ve seen his vanity, his selfishness, and, sadly, his lack of empathy toward his own father. But I’ve also watched Vanessa.”
My heart stuttered. Arthur… mentioned me?
Sterling continued:
“Vanessa has been the daughter I never had. She cleaned my wounds, endured my bad moods, and gave me dignity in my final days, while my own son just stared at the clock, waiting for my end. I know Curtis loves money more than people. And I fear that, once I’m gone, he’ll try to get rid of Vanessa so he can enjoy the fortune without witnesses to his cruelty.”
Curtis turned pale. His mouth opened—no sound came out.
—“Therefore,” Sterling read, raising his voice, “if at the time of my death and the reading of this will, Curtis is still married to Vanessa, living with her, and treating her with the respect she deserves, he will inherit the 75 million. BUT…”
The lawyer paused and looked at Curtis, who was now visibly trembling.