Chapter 3: The Task
Reg's eyes scanned the document, his anger growing with each passing sentence. His father's will, read aloud by the family lawyer, stipulated that he had to stay in the mansion for at least six months before he could inherit the family business.
Reg's mind reeled as he tried to process the stipulation. Six months? In this mausoleum? It was unthinkable. He was a busy man, with a company to run and deals to make. He didn't have time to waste in this dusty old mansion.
But as he looked up, he saw Emma watching him, her eyes calm and understanding. She seemed to sense his turmoil, and her expression softened.
"I know it's a lot to take in, Reg," she said, her voice gentle. "But maybe this is an opportunity for you to take a step back and re-evaluate your life."
Reg snorted. "You think I need to re-evaluate my life? I'm a successful CEO, Emma. I know exactly what I'm doing."
Emma's smile never wavered. "I'm not questioning your success, Reg. But sometimes, it's the things we think we know that we need to question the most."
Reg's anger began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of curiosity. What did Emma mean? And why did he feel like she was seeing right through him?
"Okay, fine," he said, tossing the document onto the table. "I'll stay. But I'm only doing this because I have to, not because I want to."
Emma nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'll help you settle in, Reg. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find that this place isn't so bad after all."
Reg raised an eyebrow, but Emma just chuckled and patted him on the arm.
"Come on, Reg. Let's get you settled in. We've got a lot of work to do."