Chapter 45

VIVIAN

I could sense the weight of expectation in the room. They were all waiting for me to say no, to reject the inheritance and walk away. But I flashed back to the memories of how they had treated me, like a nobody, a mere afterthought. The way they had belittled me, made me feel small and insignificant.

But then I remembered Grandfather Edward, the one person who had always been truthful to me, who had always made me feel seen and heard. And I knew that I had to honor his wishes.

The room erupted into chaos, with gasps and exclamations filling the air. Martha's face turned red with rage, while Mira looked like she had been punched in the gut.

Wait you can't be serious!" Martha shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

But I just smiled, a sense of triumph and vindication washing over me. "I'm completely serious, I am definitely not joking about my answer" I said, my voice steady. "Grandfather Edward wanted me to have this, and I'm going to make sure his wishes are respected”.

The lawyer nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Very well," she said. "Congratulations Miss vivian."

As the room continued to buzz with shock and anger, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. I knew that I had made the right decision, and that Grandfather Edward was smiling down on me.

As the room emptied, I turned to leave, but Mira's grip on my arm pulled me back. Her eyes blazed with anger, her voice low and venomous.

"Hey listen, You can't accept those," she hissed. "Remember, it's not even your sweat. It's not yours to accept. Grandfather worked for it, it should be Martha's or Julian's. None of them got a better share, and you have the guts to accept it?"

Her words cut deep, but I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. Kian stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger, but I signaled him to leave it to me.

I smirked pulling her hand away from mine “You expected me to say No dont you? No common, why would I reject that ? Even if it means taking you both down and making you pay for all the embarrassment you have caused me, my marriage was canceled because of you two. Or are you saying grandfather wasnt thinking straight when he said all that? He knew you and Martha didnt worth it which is why he did that.  So dont question the me or the dead anymore, just accept what it is, get your share and back down, stop chasing fame, positions, money and wealth in this stupid way you will only end up down.

"And i understand why you're upset, Mira," I said, my voice calm and steady. "But Grandfather Edward wanted me to have this. Maybe He saw something in me that none of you did." I added my voice low and filled with malice.

Mira's laughter was bitter. "He saw a charity case, that's what he saw. Someone to pity and feel sorry for."

I felt a sting from her words, but I refused to back down. "I dont care if you call it that, but who is the winner now?"

Mira's face twisted in rage. "Shut up, You're not even family," she spat. "You're just a stranger who waltzed in here and stole everything."

I took a deep breath, my eyes locked on hers. "I may not be family by blood," I said, "but I am family to grandfather in every way that counts. And I will not let you or anyone else take that away from me."

As I was about to walk away from their venom  words, Martha stepped forward, her face red with rage. "I am going to sue you, either way or the other I am going to make sure you lose everything. " she spat, her voice high and angry.

I turned to face her, my eyes calm and steady. "Go ahead," I said, my voice firm. "But you'll lose. Grandfather Edward's will is clear, and I have the right to accept everything he gave to me because it’s my decision to make not anybody’s."

Martha's eyes flashed with fury. "You think you're so smart, don't you?" she sneered. "But you're not. You're just a manipulative, opportunistic..."

Kian stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "That's enough, Mom," he growled. "You're not going to stand there and insult her like that."

Martha turned on him, her voice rising to a shriek. "And what are you going to do, Kian? Defend your little ex fiancee?"

I put a hand on Kian's arm, stopping him from responding. "It's okay," I said. "I can handle this."

I turned back to Martha, my eyes locked on hers. "Dont stress it Martha, at this moment if you make me angry more , you can just choose either to move out or to stay peacefully, Afterall this mansion is mine”  I said and walked away, my heels making sound step by step as the maid bowed.

As I walked away from the toxic scene, my heels clicked on the floor, echoing through the room like a declaration of independence. I felt a sense of triumph and empowerment with each step, knowing that I had finally found my voice and stood up for myself.

"I knew I won in a very bigger way," I said to myself, a smile spreading across my face. "Thanks to Grandfather Edward for making me who I am now. I can't be looked down on anymore."

I felt a surge of confidence and determination as I reached the door. "The ball is in my court now," I shouted, my voice echoing through the room. "I get to choose how it's played!"

I flung open the door and stepped outside, feeling the warm sun on my face and the cool breeze in my hair. I took a deep breath, feeling alive and free.

As I walked towards my car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had faced my demons and come out on top. I had proven to myself that I was strong and capable.

I reached my car and turned back to look at the house, a sense of closure washing over me. I knew that I would never again be held back by the toxic people and their poisonous words.

I got into my car and started the engine, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future. I knew that I had a long road ahead of me, but I was ready for whatever came next.

As I drove away from the house, I felt a sense of liberation and freedom. I was finally in control of my life, and I knew that nothing could ever hold me back again.

And as I drove off into the sunset, I knew that I would always carry his legacy with me, and that I would never forget the lessons he had taught me, everything he has done for me and I wish him a happy place wherever he is, I hope he  finds happiness over there in heaven because he is a good man and he deserves more.