In the silence that followed, Mr. Kim, Evelyn's grandfather's personal lawyer, began reading the will with a measured tone. They were gathered in the grand study of her grandfather's estate, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and the faint scent of old leather.
The warm glow of table lamps cast a golden light on the tense faces of her uncles, their eyes locked on the document as if whoever inherited the 20% would hold the keys to the company's future.
Mr. Kim broke the heavy silence, his voice steady as he read from the will,
"The ownership of 20 percent of J&B Enterprises goes to my granddaughter, daughter of late Mr. Ethan and Mrs. Sarah."
The room froze as every gaze turned toward Evelyn, the shock mirrored on her family's faces. She felt like a specimen under a microscope, their eyes scrutinizing her as if searching for any flaw.
The room quickly filled with voices as every family member began talking among themselves. Thomas, her grandfather's second son, shot up from his seat, his tone laced with anger.
"How can this be? There's clearly something wrong! There's no way my father would give his wealth to Evelyn. It should be either me or my older brother, his true blood."
He slammed his fist on the polished mahogany table, making the water glasses tremble.
"Calm down," Jacob, the oldest son, commanded, silencing the room with his words.
Mr. Kim continued,"Evelyn can only inherit the will if the following conditions are met..." .
This grabbed everyone's attention, turning their focus back to the lawyer.
Fiona, Thomas's wife, leaned in, her voice laced with curiosity, "What conditions?"
"The heir to the will must marry within one year. If they fail to do so, 10% of their inheritance will be given to each of their sons".
Evelyn felt a surge of determination course through her veins as she faced the room full of family members. Their expressions of dissatisfaction and irritation were palpable, and she could clearly see by their faces that she was not welcome here. Yet adversity was no stranger to her; she stood tall, her voice unwavering.
"I accept my grandfather's wish and responsibility that comes with them,and I expect support from each and everyone of you in this room"
Evelyn's words hung in the air, a defiant challenge to her family and a declaration of her unwavering determination, as a resolute smile spread across her face.