You’re right, Tracy nodded. Thank you, I will learn. At that moment, the office door swung open without knocking and Miranda entered.
A man in an expensive suit carrying a leather briefcase followed her. So, the heiress has arrived, the stepmother sneered, casting a contemptuous glance at Tracy. Decided to play businesswoman.
And yet yesterday you didn’t even know the difference between debit and credit. Miranda, Richard said firmly, it’s customary to knock before entering this office. Don’t tell me what to do, the woman snapped.
I am still a shareholder of the company. She nodded at her companion. Oscar Wright, my lawyer.
We’re here to inform you that I am filing a lawsuit contesting Andrew’s will. The lawyer took a folder of papers out of his briefcase. Until the court decision, he said officially, we demand freezing all company assets and stopping any financial operations that require the signature of the controlling shareholder.
On what grounds? Richard asked in surprise. The company can’t stop working because of your lawsuit. On the grounds that the will was made while Andrew Brown was under the influence of strong painkillers, the lawyer countered.
This affected his ability to assess the situation and make decisions rationally. That’s not true, Tracy interrupted. The will was made four months ago when dad was not yet taking strong medications.
He was fully conscious. That’s what you think, Miranda smirked. In reality, he started treatment earlier but hid the severity of his condition from you so as not to upset you.
I have medical documents to prove it. Tracy turned pale. Could it be that Miranda found a way to contest dad’s will? I demand that until the court’s decision, all company documents be sealed, Miranda continued, and no financial operations without my knowledge.
You have no right to do that, Richard objected. Tracy is the legal owner of the controlling stake and only she can make such decisions. We shall see, Miranda sneered.
Oscar Wright, leave them a copy of the lawsuit and we’ll be going. There are a few more instances we need to visit. When they left, Tracy sank into a chair, feeling empty.
What will happen now? She asked. Can she really take the company away from me? I don’t think so, Richard shook his head. But she can cause a lot of trouble.
We need a good lawyer. At that moment, someone knocked on the door and the secretary entered. Richard, Charles Collins says it’s urgent.
Let him in, the deputy nodded. A young man of about 30, tall, with an attentive look and a pleasant smile, entered the office. Hello, Richard, he said, then noticed Tracy.
Sorry, I didn’t know you had visitors. Charles, meet Tracy, Andrew’s daughter and the new owner of the controlling stake, Richard introduced her. Nice to meet you, Charles smiled, shaking Tracy’s hand.
My condolences on your loss. Andrew Brown was an outstanding man. Thank you, Tracy nodded, noting the sincerity in the young man’s voice.
Charles, we have a problem, Richard said. Miranda came with a lawyer. They are filing a lawsuit to contest the will, claiming Andrew Brown was incapacitated when he made it because of medication.
Charles frowned. That’s a serious accusation, but they have little chance. I was present when the will was made as a witness, and Andrew Brown was completely of sound mind.
Besides, there is a medical report from his attending physician confirming this. We can request a copy. You were there when the will was made? Tracy asked, surprised.
Yes, Charles nodded. Your father asked me to be there. He wanted everything to be legally flawless.
I checked every clause. God, you came just in time. Tracy exclaimed.
I was starting to lose hope. No need to panic, Charles smiled. We will handle this situation.
Miranda is trying to intimidate you, but the law is on your side. What do we do now? Tracy asked. First, don’t fall for provocations, Charles replied.
Second, gather all documents proving your father was of sound mind when making the will. I’ll take care of that. And third, keep the company running as usual.
No freezing of assets or halting operations. They have no legal grounds for that. Thank you, Tracy said sincerely.
I don’t even know how to thank you. No thanks needed, Charles smiled. I respected your father and will do everything to protect his last will.
Besides, it’s my job. Over the following weeks, Tracy often visited the company office, gradually getting involved in the business. Charles prepared for the court case, gathering evidence supporting the validity of the will.
He often consulted Tracy on legal matters, and a warm, trusting relationship gradually developed between them. Meanwhile, Miranda kept trying to gain control of the company. She spread rumors about Tracy’s incompetence, tried to turn employees against the new owner, even visited sites and threatened contractors with contract termination if they continued working.
It was not easy for Tracy. She never thought she would find herself in such a situation, managing a construction company while fighting a spiteful stepmother. But the support of Richard, Charles, and other employees gave her strength.
The court day was approaching. Tracy was nervous despite Charles’ assurances that everything would be fine. What if Miranda really has some documents we don’t know about? She asked the night before the hearing, when she and Charles stayed late at the office preparing for the trial.
Even if she does, we’re ready for that, the lawyer replied, rubbing his tired eyes. We have enough evidence that your father was of sound mind and clear memory when making the will. Besides, the notary confirmed the legality of the procedure, which means a lot to the court.
Tracy nodded, but anxiety lingered. She felt Miranda had a trump card hidden somewhere. Charles, may I ask? Why are you trying so hard to help me? I understand you respected my father, but still… The young man was silent, as if gathering his thoughts.
Your father once helped me a lot, he finally said. Three years ago, I got into a difficult situation. My previous employer was dishonest, and I was unwittingly involved in his schemes.
Andrew Brown believed in my innocence when others turned away. He gave me a job and helped restore my reputation. I’ll never forget that.
Dad had the ability to see the good in people, Tracy said quietly. He always gave a chance to those who needed it. Exactly, Charles nodded.
And I want to repay him by helping you. It’s the least I can do. Their eyes met, and Tracy felt her heart beat faster.
There was so much warmth and sincerity in Charles’ eyes. At that moment, she realized her feelings for the lawyer had long gone beyond simple gratitude. Thank you, she whispered.