Chapter 145 CHAPTER 145
Chapter 145 CHAPTER 145
ROBIN
“We’re sorry for postponing the reading for so long. We were… dealing with a hiccup.”
“Please don’t worry, Mrs Betton. I completely understand this is a very difficult time for your family. I’m deeply sorry for your loss,” Mr Smith said, setting his briefcase on Jack’s study desk before withdrawing several documents and passing a copy to everyone present in the room—Mum, Lana, Margaret and me.
“In my hand is the authentic Last Will and Testament of your late husband and father, George-Garret Betton, as approved by the probate court.”
He looked around the room, pushed his glasses up his nose, before continuing.
“We’ll begin with his companies.” He pulled out another document.
“His real estate company, together with its staff and all operations, shall be divided equally between my daughters, Lana and Robin.” He pulled his head up, his gaze sweeping across our faces.
“It was his wish that the two of you continue building his thriving business and carry on his legacy. Next. His oil and gas company, inherited from Gregory Crawford, shall be transferred to his wife, Lindsey Betton. Who is Michael?” he asked, his eyes roving around the room.
“That would be my boyfriend.” Lana responded with a scowl. “Is there a problem?”
“His name appears here.” He adjusted the document in his hands. “Your father wanted him to oversee the new business he started shortly before his untimely demise—as Managing Director of his publishing house. He told me he was inspired to establish it because of Robin’s love for reading. Could someone please ask Michael to join us?”
I rose to my feet, heading towards the gardens where I knew I’d most likely find him. He loved nature. More often than not, he’d be outside admiring the plants, tending to the flowers scattered throughout the grounds, volunteering to operate the sprinklers, or cutting back the shrubs. He plainly couldn’t help himself, he always had to keep busy, even when nobody expected him to.
“Mike?” He turned, secateurs in hand. I snorted.
Mike, the ever hard working man.
“Jack has people for this, you know.”
“I know, Robin. I just like feeling useful, I don’t really know how to sit still.” He chuckled, swiping the sweat from his brow.
“You really do need to learn.” I twisted to the side, slowly dipping low to pick up his shirt for him. “You’re needed in the study.”
“Really?” he breathed, slipping his arms into the sleeves and buttoning it up. “Why?”
“The solicitor wants you present,” I replied simply, waiting while he finished dressing.
“Okay… um… do you think I should freshen up first?”
I giggled. “No, Mike. You look just fine.” He smiled at me, his broad hand enveloping mine before leading me back into the house and towards the study.
“Um… hello,” he greeted nervously, waving before taking one of the empty cushioned chairs.
“Michael?” Mr Smith asked, nodding slowly when Mike answered.
“Excellent. Now that everyone is here, I can proceed … Michael Hart, your name is listed here as the Managing Director of Mr Betton’s publishing house. You are also appointed Head of Transport Operations for all ten thousand employees of his oil and gas company, Director of Transport Operations for his aviation company, and Head of Corporate Services and Transport for his financial technology company.”
Three pairs of eyes immediately turned towards Mike, his mouth falling open as he stared blankly at the solicitor.
“A bit too much responsibility, my boy?” The solicitor asked, Mike gulped, his mouth opening and closing, yet no words slipping out from his tongue.
“This… um…” He chuckled anxiously. “This is … a pretty big deal. I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.”
“That’s exactly what Mr Betton said you might say.” Mr Smith smiled. “He told me he trusted you enough to do whatever was necessary to learn everything required to become the leader he believed you could be. He wanted you to earn his daughter’s love and respect every single day. And above all, he wanted you to give her the life she deserves.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes, sir! For Lana, I’d do anything.” Mike declared, turning to Lana and blowing her a kiss. I smiled, overwhelmed with joy that Daddy had accepted him even before coming to see me that fateful night. The realization brought tears to my eyes.
“That’s the spirit, my boy. Moving on.” He turned another page.
“His properties. Your father owned five family homes, excluding his apartments and country estates. The penthouse, Betton Manor and several other residences in and around London. His estate homes and apartment portfolio shall be managed by his daughters, Lana and Robin. The penthouse and Betton Manor shall pass to Lindsey. The remaining three family homes shall be divided equally among my three daughters—Lana, Robin and Margaret. The ten luxury vehicles shall also be distributed among my family. Five shall remain at Lindsey’s disposal, two each shall go to Lana and Robin, and one shall be reserved for Margaret upon her eighteenth birthday. His stocks, savings and investments, valued at one hundred billion dollars, shall be divided into two equal portions. One half shall go to Lindsey, while the remaining half shall be shared equally among my daughters—Lana, Robin and Margaret.
The Betton yacht, private jets, and islands shall all pass to Lindsey together with any jewelry I own.
My clothing shall be given to Michael unless otherwise specified. Any remaining clothing shall be donated to the Crawford orphanage.
I have established an educational trust for Margaret, covering her education until she completes both her master’s degree and doctorate. I leave wedding gifts for my daughters, Lana and Robin should they marry, and a parting gift for Lindsey should this temporary separation lead to a divorce.
Any assets unintentionally omitted from this will shall automatically pass to Lindsey.
This is my Last Will and Testament and shall be respected accordingly”