255. MARSHALL’S WILL – PART II

255. MARSHALL’S WILL – PART II
The clauses. The ones that kept the family tied down for the next ten years, like a noose around the neck and shackles on their ankles. Just hearing them mentioned makes everyone tense, as if their souls can still feel the sentence once handed down.
“Regarding the General and Perpetual Clauses,” Mr. Hawthorne continues, his voice tightening slightly, maybe even feeling his own throat constrict. “Clause I – Of Lineal Descent and Bloodline Restriction. All estates, titles, properties, interests, and rights disposed of under this Will shall pass solely to the lawful descendants of the blood of the House of Houghton, being issue of the body. No person not of such blood shall inherit, hold, or enjoy any beneficial interest herein.”
The lawyer reads the clauses, and at first, nothing appears to be different. They’re still the same as before. Clause II also assures that if there’s any lawful issue of any heir or beneficiary, the property and all associated interests will revert to the main line of the House of Houghton. Both exist to protect the inheritance and the descendants, ensuring that no ill-intentioned person, bad marriage, or questionable choices affect the legacy Marshall left behind, just as his father did before him.
The third and fourth clauses require that any property placed in a family trust be administered by three trustees chosen from among the senior members of the Houghton family, to guarantee integration and preservation, and to prevent any of it from being sold without written consent from both the Family Council and the trustees.
No one seems to object to those—at least not the first ones. When it comes to protecting assets, there’s a sense of relief. But when the clauses begin to touch on more personal matters, a few faces twist in disapproval.
One of the clauses states that “Should any heir or descendant act in a way that brings public scandal or dishonor to the House, including conviction of a serious crime, the trustees may suspend or revoke that individual’s beneficial interest and transfer it to the next in line.”
And this isn’t just about Christopher. Any Houghton could be cut out of the succession and have their name dragged through the mud. It already happened to Marianne once. First, she got involved with the chauffeur. And not the chauffeur’s son. No, the chauffeur himself. A man thirty years older than her. And if only it had been for true love.
When the scandal broke in the media—compromising photos of public indecency—she blamed it all on the man. Claimed he forced her into it. Ruined his life publicly and even dragged him into court. Then she dropped the case, saying she had forgiven him. The media painted her as a sweetheart, only for her to spiral into disgrace soon after.
More scandals followed in quick succession. Private parties that led to three months in rehab. A crumbling marriage to a man with an even larger age gap, and with five failed marriages before her, a billionaire tycoon with shady and questionable dealings.
When he was arrested, Christopher and Benedict stripped Marianne of her Houghton rights and inheritance.
Confidentiality clauses, which dictate the final fate of the estate in case the bloodline is entirely extinguished, are also read by Mr. Hawthorne: “All estates and trusts shall pass to such charitable and historical foundations as may preserve the memory and heritage of the name.”
Everyone nods. There’s no reason to worry when your body is already rotting in the ground. At least the legacy will live on, benefiting others.
Then, once again, the atmosphere shifts. The lawyer’s voice grows even more serious as he moves on to the decimal clauses—the second section. “In accordance with the Family Holding Clause, the shares of Houghton Trading shall be distributed as follows.”
I hear someone gulp hard.
“40% of beneficial interest to my heir, Christopher Houghton.”
“20% to Benedict, my eldest son.”
“20% divided equally among the remaining legitimate descendants…”
“15% to Sebastian Houghton, second son of my firstborn.”
“And 5% shall remain in the Trust, allocated to the maintenance of the estate and the beneficence of the House of Houghton.”
“As for the other companies in which I am a partner, they shall follow the same distribution.”
Christopher squeezes my hand, knowing what’s coming. With each clause read, Clause Seventeen gets closer. The one I once used against him, like a knife to the throat and a gun to the chest. But now, thinking back, maybe it would’ve been easy for him to get around it, if his heart had truly wanted to.
I don’t know if, back then, deep down, Christopher already felt the way he does. But that doesn’t matter anymore. That future is gone. The way he holds and squeezes my hand today proves that.
“Clause Seventeen,” Mr. Hawthorne finally says. I sit up straight immediately, every muscle in my body tensing like a rope about to snap. Christopher’s hand over mine is an anchor, but it does little to calm the frantic pounding of my heart echoing in my ears.
After all… I’m facing my mistake, my weakness, all over again.
“Through this instrument, I dedicate and bequeath to my beloved granddaughter of the heart,” the lawyer continues reading, but it’s not his voice I hear. It’s Marshall’s voice. My Grandpa’s. “The coastal property known as Fairwater Manor, located on the Cornish coast, with its gardens, stables, pier, and all its dependencies, for her lifetime use, and after her passing, to her legitimate descendants, in perpetuity.”
My eyes widen as a few shocked gasps—especially from Marianne—echo around me. But I can’t bring myself to care. Not when his words are sinking deep into my mind.
Fairwater Manor?
“Isn’t that the property that used to belong to the Queen? Wasn’t it built as a summer home for the royal family?” Marianne nearly chokes, her voice trembling, barely hiding her hatred. “How did our grandfather even acquire it?”
“The said estate is and shall remain her exclusive property, to be held by her in fee simple absolute, free from all entail, trust, or claim of the House of Houghton. She shall have full power to sell, devise, mortgage, or dispose of the said property in any manner she shall deem fit, without restriction or approval of any family council or trustee.”
“What?” This time, it’s Dorothy who nearly faints. “She has full rights? Why is she the only one exempt from the other restrictive clauses?”
“Likewise, I declare that all shares in Whitestone Couture, Harrington Jewels, and Maison d’Aurora, purchased by me and registered in her name, are her sole and personal property, to be managed, transferred, or bequeathed at her discretion.”
Grandpa, you…
You really did all of this for me?
“These assets, along with the aforementioned property, are entirely independent from the estate of the House of Houghton and shall never be subject to its trusts, succession rules, or reversion clauses.”
Everyone is too stunned to speak. Even my own mouth feels dry.
Christopher leans in and places a kiss on my temple. He’s surprised too, but there’s a certain pride in the way he looks at me, in the way his joy spreads despite his effort to contain it. Sebastian smiles at me as well, even if he doesn’t fully grasp what this means… how much this clause, which once brought us all to our knees, has been redefined.
Grandpa heard me…
He really heard me.
Is this his way of doing his part? His way of fixing our mistakes?
I’ll accept it, Grandpa. I’ll accept it with all my heart.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
The lawyer closes the will after finishing the reading. He straightens up, clears his throat, and adjusts his glasses. His shoulders are heavy, tired, and I can tell that, like all of us, he’s also ready for this to be over.
“Marshall also entrusted me with letters,” he says, a faint smile forming. “Letters that will be delivered to each of you at the appropriate times. In the event of my death, my son,” he gestures to the young man beside him, “will be responsible for this task.”
“Appropriate times?” Benedict asks, slightly curious. “What does that mean?”
“When the right time comes, you’ll receive yours, sir.” He closes the folder. “And with that… I declare that the reading of Marshall Houghton’s will has been concluded. I wish you all the best of luck and happiness in continuing his legacy.”