Such reactions are common when wills are read. People tend to make plans, and when those plans collapse, they feel disappointment. Tracy nodded, still unable to believe what was happening.
May I read my father’s letter? Of course, the notary nodded. You may do it here or take it with you, whichever you prefer. I think I’ll read it at home, Tracy decided.
By the way, when can I see the apartment? Even today would be great, the notary smiled. Here are the keys and documents. The apartment is fully registered in your name.
All utility bills are paid for six months in advance. Andrew Brown was a very prudent man. Leaving the notary’s office, Tracy pressed the envelope with the letter and the bunch of keys to her chest.
She felt as if her father was near again, as if he had embraced her and said, everything will be alright, Tracy. I’ve taken care of everything. Tracy decided to return to Nancy Cooper first to tell her what had happened before going to see the apartment.
On the way, she couldn’t resist and opened the envelope with her father’s letter. My dear Tracy, If you are reading these lines, it means I am no longer with you. I’m sorry I couldn’t defeat the illness and stay by your side longer.
You have been and remain the greatest joy and pride of my life. I suspected what might happen after I was gone. Miranda has changed over the past years and not for the better.
She was a good wife in many ways, but I saw how she treated you and understood that as soon as I was no longer here, she would try to get rid of you. That is why a year ago, I secretly bought an apartment for you and transferred the controlling stake of the company to your name. Miranda didn’t know about this.
She thought she would inherit the entire business. I didn’t want to create conflicts while I was alive, so I arranged everything through trusted people. The apartment is fully ready to live in.
It has everything you need. In the bedroom, in the closet behind the books, you will find a safe. The code is your birth date.
Inside are all the important company documents and money for the initial period. There are reliable people in the company who will help you manage it. Pay special attention to Richard, my deputy.
He is 58 years old. He has always been loyal to me and will help you. Don’t let Miranda intimidate you.
All the documents are legally flawless, and she won’t be able to contest the will, though she will surely try. I believe in you, daughter. You are strong and smart.
You will manage. Remembering that I am always with you, in your heart. With love, your dad.
Tracy didn’t notice the tears running down her cheeks. Father had really thought of everything. He protected her even after his death.
It was so like him, always thinking several steps ahead. Nancy Cooper was happy to hear the news. I told you, she exclaimed, hugging Tracy.
Your father couldn’t have left you without support. What a wise man to have arranged everything. Yes, Tracy nodded, wiping her tears.
But Miranda said she will contest the will. Let them try, Nancy Cooper snorted. If the notary says everything is done correctly, then it is.
Now, let’s go see your new apartment. The apartment turned out to be spacious and bright on the 10th floor of a new building overlooking a park. Three rooms, a large kitchen, two bathrooms.
Everything was renovated in a modern style with good furniture and appliances. Oh my God! Tracy whispered, surveying her new possessions. This is a fortune.
Your father clearly wanted you to want for nothing, Nancy Cooper remarked, opening kitchen cabinets with interest. Look, there’s even tableware here and quite expensive. Tracy went into the bedroom and opened the closet.
Behind a row of books, she indeed found a built-in safe. She entered her birth date and the door opened. Inside was a folder with documents and an envelope with cash, 500,000.
Dad, she whispered, clutching the envelope to her chest. Thank you. The next day Tracy decided to visit her father’s company.
She needed to meet Richard and understand how things were going in the firm now. Brown Repair’s office was located in a small two-story building in the city’s business district. Tracy was nervous.
She had never been interested in her father’s business, thinking it was not her affair. Now she was about to become the company owner. In the reception, she was greeted by a secretary, a young woman with a friendly face.
How can I help you, she asked. My name is Tracy Brown. I’m Andrew’s daughter, the girl introduced herself.
I need to speak with Richard. The secretary’s eyes widened. Tracy, of course, come in.
Richard is in his office. Please accept my condolences on your father’s passing. He was a wonderful man and leader.
Thank you, Tracy nodded, moved by the sincerity in the woman’s voice. The deputy was an older man with a gray beard and a thoughtful look. Seeing Tracy, he stood up from behind his desk.
Hello, Tracy. Finally, we meet in person. Your father told me a lot about you.
Hello, Tracy said, shaking his outstretched hand. Dad mentioned you in his letter and said you would help me figure out the company. Gladly, Richard nodded.
Please have a seat. We have much to discuss. For the next hour, the father’s deputy briefed Tracy on the company’s affairs.
The company was small but stable, engaged in building economy-class residential houses, and had a good reputation in the city. The staff included about 30 permanent employees and up to 100 contract workers. In recent months, while your father was ill, things haven’t been going smoothly, Richard admitted.
Miranda tried to interfere with management, even though she had no authority. She fired several valuable employees, which caused delays at the construction sites. We struggled to keep the situation under control.
And now? Tracy asked. She knows the controlling stake has passed to me, the man nodded grimly. She came here right after the notary, caused a scandal, threatened to fire everyone as soon as she contests the will.
We tried to explain to her that it doesn’t work that way, but she wouldn’t listen. Tracy sighed. It seemed no easy life awaited her.
What do you advise? She asked. I don’t know anything about the construction business. Maybe I should sell my share? Richard frowned.
I don’t recommend rushing into such a decision. Your father built this company for 20 years and put his soul into it. He wanted the business to continue.
Besides, the company brings stable income. You will be financially secure with it. You can sell at any time, but first, it’s better to understand how things work.