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“What does this mean?”
Thomas pointed to the final page.
“Your grandfather transferred controlling voting rights to you.”
I stared at him.
“Why?”
“Because he believed you were the only member of your family who wouldn’t use the position for personal gain.”
My throat tightened.
“Does my family know?”
Thomas shook his head.
“Apparently not.”
I remembered Grandpa’s words.
When people think silence means weakness, let them keep thinking.
I opened the envelope taped beneath the lid of the cedar box.
There was a handwritten letter.
Claire,
If you’re reading this, then something has happened that finally forced you to see your family clearly.
I am not leaving you money simply because you are my granddaughter.
I am leaving you responsibility because you have something your parents and sister have forgotten.
Judgment.
The letter continued.
Your father will eventually ask you for something.
Your sister will eventually tell you that she deserves something.
Neither of them understands that wealth without character becomes a burden.
Use what I left you carefully.
And never let anyone make you feel small because you are rebuilding your life.
I had to stop reading.
Tears filled my eyes.
Grandpa had known.
Perhaps not exactly what would happen on Christmas morning.
But he had understood my family better than I ever had.
Thomas waited patiently.
“There is one more matter.”
He opened another folder.
“Your grandfather had a business agreement with your father’s company.”
My stomach tightened.
“Dad’s company?”
“Yes.”
Thomas showed me several financial records…
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