Marcella decided not to answer Mrs. Murphy. She can wonder about her ring for some more time. She turned to leave when Mrs. Murphy grabbed her hand.
She stared at the ring closely. Looking at Marcella, she squinted her eyes. She looked shocked and angry. Marcella sensed that the ring meant something more. Mrs. Murphy seemed to be so engrossed in the ring.
"How did you get this ring?" Mrs. Murphy seethed. "Tell me!"
Mrs. Murphy lost her cool and as she shifted the baby, the baby's head rolled to the side. "His neck!" Marcella tried to hold the baby's head but Mrs. Murphy gripped her hand hard and twisted it.
"Her ring…" Mrs. Murphy looked at Paul Romano and he averted his eyes the moment Marcella looked at him. He must have been watching the commotion there up until that moment. Magdalene appeared curious but she stayed put.
Okay… what is going on?
The little ruckus was put to an end when Karl Benjamin banged on the table. "Time to read the will," he announced. "Everyone, take your seats, please."
Uncle Karl's eyes were on Marcella. She cleared her throat and ran to her seat. Her cheek stung and she pressed a tissue on the scratch. Christopher was standing behind Uncle Karl. Marcella avoided looking at him. She could see that he was a little nervous.
Marcella understood him. If Uncle Karl knew what he did, he will make sure he loses his license. Uncle Karl is such a stickler for rules. For some reason, his "morals" never applied to her father who was crooked as a dog's hind leg.
First of all, they read Andrew Romano's will. Uncle Karl sighed as he mentioned a letter, Andrew had written for his wife in case she survived him. Marcella had already had tears in her eyes.
Andrew's will was pretty straightforward. He had left everything he had for his wife. He wanted his wife to share his wealth with their kids as she sees fit.
As the last part was read, Tony entered the room. Uncle Karl stopped and glared at Tony for interrupting. Mrs. Murphy, Paul, and Maggie turned to look too.
"He's with me," Marcella got up.
Mrs. Murphy stood up from her seat, once again forgetting that she was holding a sleeping baby in her arms. "You," she walked to Tony. Paul Romano stood up too. He did not look happy. Maggie pulled her husband's sleeves to make him sit. She looked embarrassed.
Tony was donning a poker face. However, when he saw Marcella, he smiled at her. Uncle Karl banged on the table.
"Silence!!" His gong-like voice made everyone compose.
Tony walked and sat beside Marcella. Uncle Karl followed him with his eyes. Christopher looked stunned. He looked at Marcella and she saw his face go pale.
Marcella could sense that something was wrong. Everyone knew Tony and no one looked pleased to see him there.
She was not left to her thoughts as Uncle Karl got to Mellissa's will. Of course, Mellissa left a letter for her husband too. Another letter was for her son. She also left a letter for Marcella.
Covering her mouth with her hands, she listened as Uncle Karl read Mellissa's will. Tony consoled her silently by covering her back with his warm hand. Uncle Karl mentioned that Mellissa wrote the will with the support of her husband but was under no duress to listen to her husband. She didn't know why that should be mentioned.
The will started by mentioning her son Joseph, and any possible children she might have in the future. Mellissa had mentioned how having a complete home gave her the advantage she had in life and she wanted her children to have that advantage when they grow up. She wanted her children to live in a complete two-parent household in case something happened to her before they are adults.
Marcella gripped her skirt. So, Chris was right!
So as per Mellissa's wishes, her children will end up with her sister Marcella if she was married unless she was legally deemed unsuitable to raise a child.
Marcella closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She wanted to thank Christopher. She was indebted to Christopher for the rest of her life.
She almost stood up but Uncle Karl continued. Marcella clenched her jaws seeing the disapproval in his eyes. She should wait until he finishes reading.
According to Mellissa's will, in case Marcella was not married, their children will be given custody to Andrew Romano's brother if he was married and had no legal issues. Uncle Karl read about Mellissa describing how Andrew had found solace in his brother during his tough times and would want their children to have a close relationship with their uncle no matter who raises them.
Marcella was shocked. Andrew was an only child. Who is his brother?
She looked at Tony unconsciously as if he would have answers. But he was looking ahead with a poker face.
He doesn't know?