Tomorrow we’ll think about what to do next. In the morning, Tracy woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. At first, she couldn’t figure out where she was, but then the events of the previous day hit her with renewed force.
She forced herself to get up from the couch. Good morning, Nancy Cooper greeted her. How did you sleep? Thanks, not bad, Tracy lied.
In reality, she barely closed her eyes, replaying everything that happened and trying to figure out what to do next. Breakfast is on the table, the teacher said. And then we’ll talk about your plans.
During breakfast, Nancy Cooper delicately asked Tracy about the situation in more detail. So, your stepmother claims that your father transferred the apartment to her? Yes, Tracy nodded. But I don’t believe Dad would do that.
He always said no matter what, I’d have a roof over my head. And what about his business? If I remember correctly, your father had some company. Yes, a construction firm, Tracy answered.
Small, but stable. Dad started from scratch 20 years ago. He was very proud of his work.
But I don’t know what will happen to it now. Probably Miranda will get it too. And the will? Did your father leave a will? I don’t know, Tracy shrugged.
No one told me anything about a will. That’s strange, Nancy Cooper frowned. Andrew Brown seemed like a very responsible man.
It’s hard to believe he didn’t take care of his only daughter’s future. Maybe he just didn’t have time, Tracy said quietly. The illness progressed so fast.
In the last weeks, he was asleep almost all the time because of strong painkillers. They were finishing their coffee when the doorbell rang. Nancy Cooper went to answer and came back holding an envelope.
This is for you, she said, handing Tracy the letter. The courier said he looked for you at your old address, but neighbors told him they saw you walking this way in the evening. Tracy took the envelope with surprise.
It had her old address on it and a notary’s office seal in the upper corner. From the notary, she wondered aloud. But why? Open it and you’ll find out, Nancy Cooper smiled.
With trembling hands, Tracy opened the envelope. Inside was an official letter. Dear Tracy, We hereby notify you of the necessity to appear at the notary’s office at 24 Sadevaya Street, Office 301 to review the will of your father, Andrew Brown, born 1970.
Please arrive on December 15th, 2023 at exactly 2 p.m. Respectfully, Notary Lucas Jackson A will. Tracy exclaimed. Dad did leave a will after all.
See, Nancy Cooper nodded approvingly. I told you your father wouldn’t leave you unsupported. Today is the 15th, so you need to get ready.
And what if it says everything really goes to Miranda? Tracy asked anxiously. In that case, we’ll look for other ways to solve the problem, Nancy Cooper replied firmly. But somehow I’m sure your father took care of you.
Tracy arrived at the notary’s office 15 minutes before the appointed time. Her heart pounded with anxiety. What awaited her there? What last words had her father left? In the waiting room, she was surprised to find her stepmother.
Miranda nervously smoked an e-cigarette, pacing the small room. So you showed up, she snapped when she saw Tracy. Found somewhere to spend the night.
Found, Tracy answered shortly, not wanting to go into details. That’s something to be grateful for, Miranda smirked. I was already thinking about reporting you missing to the police.
How touching of you, Tracy couldn’t resist sarcasm, especially after you kicked me out into the street. Don’t dramatize, Miranda grimaced. You’re a grown-up girl, you should understand how life works.
Everyone has their own path. Mine is to be the lady of the house I earned by supporting your father through his illness. Yours is to start your own independent life.
Tracy didn’t have time to respond, they were called into the notary’s office. Lucas Jackson turned out to be a respectable man of about 50 with a keen gaze and a neat beard. He greeted both women and gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.
My condolences on your loss, he said formally. Today we have gathered to read the will of Andrew Brown. The will was drawn up and properly notarized four months ago, on August 10th, 2023.
Tracy noticed Miranda tense up. Four months ago, that was before her father’s illness worsened, when he was fully conscious and mentally clear. According to the testator’s wishes, the notary continued, unfolding the document, his property is distributed as follows.
The apartment at 17, European Street, apartment 56, passes to his wife, Miranda Brown. Miranda looked triumphantly at Tracy. Tracy felt her insides tighten.
However, the notary continued, the three-room apartment belonging to the testator at 103, Victory Avenue, apartment 42, passes to his daughter, Tracy Brown. Tracy opened her mouth in astonishment. What apartment is the notary talking about? Dad had only one apartment, the one they lived in.
The notary turned the page. The majority shareholding, 51% of the construction company Brown Renovations, belonging to the testator, passes to his daughter, Tracy Brown. The remaining 49% passes to his wife, Miranda Brown.
What? Miranda jumped up from her chair. That’s some kind of mistake. Andrew never told me about a second apartment, and we agreed that the business would go to me.
I assure you, there is no mistake, the notary replied calmly. All documents are properly executed. Andrew Brown purchased a second apartment about a year ago, and the controlling share of the company has always belonged personally to him.
This is confirmed by the founding documents. Tracy sat stunned. She had an apartment and controlling shares in her father’s business.
It felt unreal. A personal letter to Tracy is attached to the will, the notary added, handing her another envelope. Andrew Brown asked that it be given to you after the official reading.
Miranda shot Tracy a spiteful look. This is a forgery, she hissed through clenched teeth. I will contest the will.
Andrew couldn’t have done this to me after everything I did for him. That is your right, the notary answered evenly. But I must warn you that all documents are in perfect order.
The will was drawn up in the presence of witnesses, and medical certificates confirmed that Andrew Brown was of sound mind and memory at the time. Miranda abruptly stood up, grabbed her handbag, and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Don’t pay attention to that, the notary said gently to Tracy.