Legitimate. I almost admired the precision.
“And until then?” I asked.
“The trust remains intact. You have access to operational funds, but you cannot liquidate, restructure, or claim full ownership of your father’s assets,” he went on.
I went still. That was the real problem. Not the money.Control.
My dead father locked it away. Every asset. Every empire move that required full authority was delayed.
Until I produced an heir. One last fuck you from the old man, who was six feet under and still trying to fuck with me. My jaw tightened.
“You’re telling me,” I said slowly, “that everythingIbuilt is sitting behind a child that doesn’t exist.”
“Yes,” the lawyer squeaked.
“And if I don’t have one?” I demanded. The lawyer hesitated.
“Then the trust outlines alternative beneficiaries,” he said carefully. “Distant relatives. Board-appointed oversight. Potential fragmentation of the estate. Some to your cousins, some to your uncles.”
I looked at him. Really looked at him.
“Say that again,” I said softly.
“Fragmentation means-” he started.
“No.” I leaned forward. “The part where strangers touch what’s mine.”
He swallowed. “Yes, that is in your father’s will.”
The room went quiet. I could already see it. Men circling like birds of prey. Opportunists. Faking loyalty while waiting for weakness. Waiting for a gap. There wouldn’t be one. There never was. But this…
This was a delay I hadn’t planned for. A leash from beyond the grave. My father always did enjoy hitting me where it hurt the most.
“Anything else?” I asked.
Clearly, it was a mistake. The lawyer hesitated again. Then opened the thick manilla folder sitting on his shaky legs.
“There is… a clause regarding the mother of the child,” he managed.
Of course there was. I leaned back again, expression smoothing out. “Let me guess. He picked her for me.”
“Not specifically,” the lawyer said quickly. “But the child must be born within a legally recognized marriage to ensure uncontested transfer.”
I went still. Then I smiled slowly.
“Well,” I said. “That simplifies things. Any other surprises you want to throw my way?”
“Well…” he shifted uncomfortably. “You have twelve months before… before the inheritance is split, and divided among your cousins and uncles.”
“Wonderful,” I seethed.
The lawyer blinked. “I don’t see how-”
“You’re dismissed.” I waved my hand at him, already sick of his annoying, sweaty presence.
He stood, relief flashing across his face as he gathered his papers. “If you need anything further…”
“I won’t.”
