Chapter 63: You Are A Rich Woman Now

Serenity looked shell-shocked, and Crystal could tell that her friend was struggling - and failing to find the right words. Then, suddenly, Serenity looked past Crystal, and her eyes lit up. She raised her hand and shouted, “Hey, Professor Davis, what a coincidence.”

Her trick didn’t work on Crystal, though, whose eyes remained fixed on her face.

Serenity sighed when she realized that her trick hadn’t worked. She frowned, lowered her head, and whispered, “I’m sorry, Crystal. You are right. I misspoke. I must admit that I am very impressed with the way you handled things, and who would have guessed that you have access to over three hundred million dollars. You are a rich woman. What are you going to buy? Are you still looking for pendants?”

“I have no idea,” Crystal admitted. “I didn’t even know that I had that much money available until I pulled up the account balance. Talk about good timing!”

***

When Crystal returned home, she looked around for Nathan, but he was nowhere in sight. Susie didn’t know where he was either, and when she looked for Tiffany, she discovered that her teacher had moved out while she was at the mall.

Nathan didn’t return that night either, which inhibited Crystal’s ability to fall asleep. She thought that he was probably still angry with her.

That morning, she received a text message reminding her that she needed to return to Henry’s Mansion later that day. Not only that, but it was her birthday. She would turn eighteen, and her Grandfather’s will was supposed to be read today. Nathan had bought her a lot of clothes the previous day, which came in handy, and she put on a pure white lace bud skirt that made her look like a fairy.

Crystal tied her hair up in a loose ponytail with a lace ribbon, which framed her delicate face. When she was done, she smiled in the mirror and reminded herself that she would need to hold that smile indefinitely when she arrived at the Henry's Mansion. She would wear it like armor, and even when she was alone, she would not allow herself to lose her composure.

***

When Crystal arrived at the Henry’s Mansion, her Aunt Lucy met her at the door. Lucy smiled and rushed her in, saying, “Crystal, you’re finally here. Everyone is waiting for you.”

Crystal: “Well, thank you, Aunt Lucy.” When Crystal entered the living room, she saw that there was a group of people gathered. Some were sitting on couches and chairs, but others were standing around nervously. Todd was the host, and he was sitting in his usual chair. Evan, Joyce, Jessica, and Carlos sat closest to him. Their family lawyer sat across from Todd.

As Crystal walked inside, everyone turned to look at her, and each person had a different expression on their face. Todd was old and cunning, and his face was void of emotion.

Joyce and Jessica wore masks of contempt on their faces, and they made no effort to hide their disdain for Crystal.

The lawyer stood up and greeted Crystal. He extended his hand and said, “Miss Smith, it is good to see you.”

Crystal smiled and said, “Hello, everyone, I am so flattered that you have arranged such a big reunion for my Birthday!”

Joyce scowled. To say she didn’t want to be there would have been the understatement of the year. In fact, she still hoped to leave early to meet Cecilia for a SPA.

Jessica signaled Joyce with her arm and said, “Now that you are here, let’s get started.”

The lawyer waited for Crystal to sit down, and then he said, “We are here because, before his passing, Mr. Henry made it clear that his will should not be read until Miss Smith’s eighteenth birthday. The will has been notarized at the notary office and is legally binding. It lacks ambiguity, and thus, it should be respected and followed to the letter.

“The Henry’s existing fixed assets include, but are not limited to, three villas, three cars, and a workshop.” The lawyer opened the will and continued: “The villas and the cars will be given to Todd, Joyce, and Evan, but all of the Henry Group shares are to go to Miss Smith.”

Crystal’s mouth dropped open when she heard that, and she was not the only person that was shocked. Why did grandpa do this? - she wondered in amazement. Everyone was looking at each other in surprised dismay.

Crystal shook her head and said, “Excuse me, sir., but did you say that all of the shares are being. given to me?”

The lawyer smiled and said, “That is correct, Ms. Smith. Congratulations and Happy Birthday. You are now a very wealthy young lady!”

Joyce rushed to grab the will out of the lawyer’s hands. “It’s impossible!” she snapped.

“Grandpa was eccentric, but he wasn’t crazy. How could he give all that equity to that woman? No matter what the will says, it should all go to my father.”

“These were your Grandfather’s wishes,” the lawyer said. “If you wish to contest them, you will have to go to the notary office and file a lawsuit. You are highly unlikely to be successful, though. The will is very clear.”

Joyce turned to Crystal and began to yell at her: “Crystal, I really underestimated you. What means did you use to tamper with Grandpa’s will? You can rest assured that I will look into this! The Henry’s Company will never fall into your hands. And how could they? You don’t belong to the Henry family! Not anymore!”

Crystal sat quietly. She had not yet gotten over the shock of the will’s revelation. “I d didn’t d-do anything,” Crystal stammered.

Joyce couldn’t believe that Crystal was defending herself, and she went crazy with anger and jealousy. She rushed over and grabbed Crystal’s hair, but Crystal-in reflex stepped aside and kicked her in the abdomen.

Joyce hit the coffee table, and a cup of hot tea tipped over and scalded her arm, causing her to scream.