Chapter 136: Chapter 136: The Heir
Victoria was actually feeling very awkward about the current situation because she didn’t like Ansel being dragged into her problems. She was especially annoyed that Ansel hadn’t shown any anger, even though he had every right to be. Now, he was gripping her hand tightly, as if he didn’t want to let go easily.
Now Ansel, acting as her personal bodyguard, confronts her two greatest enemies. The entire family is gathered in one room, along with one of the D&C Group’s top lawyers. Looking at her stepmother’s enthusiastic expression, Victoria is certain she’s the primary culprit behind her father’s death.
"Okay, now that all the family members have gathered, I will read the will that the deceased made."
Victoria has begun to believe that her father will inherit all of her assets. Before his death, he had instructed her to become the primary heir to the D&C Group. Despite the company’s current dire situation, she wants to restore the company her family has worked so hard to build.
"The late Devan Christiano will give all his assets, including his house, shares, savings, and so on to his youngest daughter, Fransisca Giovanni."
Victoria’s eyes widened. She immediately jumped up from the sofa, her face furious, and glared at her father’s lawyer. Meanwhile, Fransisca smiled sarcastically at this exciting news. It was safe to say that victory was now in her hands.
"Nonsense! There’s no way my father would give all his shares to his stepdaughter!" Victoria snapped, glaring at her stepsister.
The stepmother smiled slyly, folding her arms. "I told you from the start. You don’t deserve to live in our family. Even your father abandoned you after he died."
"Watch your mouth!"
"Even though I didn’t get anything from your father, my daughter deserves it because she contributed the most to the D&C Group."
"Still, I am his biological daughter."
"Victoria, I still can’t believe my father gave me all his wealth." Fransisca looked at the lawyer with pity. "Is this really genuine?"
The lawyer showed a sheet of paper containing the results of the letter’s authenticity test. "This letter was indeed written by your father. His fingerprints are indeed authentic."
Victoria laughed in annoyance as she picked up her sling bag. "I really don’t believe it. I’m sure you guys manipulated the letter!"
Ansel put his arm around his ex-fiancée’s shoulder. "Victoria, we should probably go now."
"Anyway, I won’t let you get any of the inheritance from my father!"
Victoria held her ex-fiancé’s hand as they walked out of the room. She asked him to accompany her somewhere private so no one would witness this embarrassing incident. Her crying grew louder, shattering Ansel’s heart. Ansel could only remain silent, embracing his ex-fiancé warmly.
"Ansel, what should I do now? Should I give up everything for them?"
"But, actually, I feel something’s strange too. Why haven’t you received a single cent? You’re your father’s biological child."
"Therefore, now I must find a way to get those two disruptive people removed from the company. Moreover, I know all too well that Fransisca has been a very hypocritical person all this time."
Ansel took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "Actually, I felt awkward hearing your stepmother tell me to marry you. I’ve already decided not to steal you from Matthias. I still want to live a long life."
"Ansel, you won’t be angry after hearing what she said earlier, right?"
"No. I actually want to clarify everything, but that would put you and Matthias in danger."
"No need. Just keeping quiet is enough to make me feel better. I don’t want to interfere in my affairs anymore."
"Actually, I’m surprised at your stepmother. Why did he treat marriage as if it were just a game?"
"Indeed, she’s always considered marriage a game. That’s why she never loved my father, but rather his wealth."
"She really has no self-awareness"
*****
Victoria and Matthias were finally able to rest in peace at the funeral home, although Victoria still found it hard to believe what she was facing. Victoria recounted everything she had experienced during the reading of the will. Even Matthias, who heard her, was furious, his face turning red.
"Tory, even I don’t believe a word that lawyer says anymore. There’s no way your father’s entire fortune would be given to someone else." Matthias clenched his fists. "Looks like I’ll have to investigate this secretly!"
"After my father’s funeral, my stepmother will still hold a birthday party for D&C Group and announce Fransisca as the official heir."
"This can’t be allowed! Even though you’ve been focusing on your studio, you’re still your father’s biological child!"
Victoria let out a weak breath. She was actually more concerned about something else related to her relationship with Ansel. If Matthias found out, would Ansel’s life be saved? She was furious with herself for being unable to do anything in the midst of this chaos.
"Matty, my mind is really in a mess right now. I don’t have anyone who truly understands how I feel. That’s why I don’t want you to leave me alone." Tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Matthias’s heart shattered upon hearing his wife’s words. Could he save their once-shaky relationship? Should he follow his mother’s wishes, or should he follow his wife’s?
"Would you rather have me as your personal bodyguard or Ansel?"
"Actually, I like you more. Even though you couldn’t accompany me all day at the funeral home, I really like how sensitive you are to me."
"Then, after this whole thing is over, I won’t let Ansel pursue you any further. This time, I’m letting him take my place because I don’t want you to be in danger."
*****
While his wife was asleep, Matthias quietly walked away from her and headed to a small room in the funeral home. Entering the room, which appeared to be a storage room, he locked the door tightly. He immediately took out the recording device hidden in his jacket suit with a sad look.