CLAIMING HIS WEALTH

The persistent thought that there was more to Ejay's alleged death than what was initially apparent plagued Gia. She had seen him seemingly die, but Ejay continued to show up seemingly alive and well, defying reason and logic.

A disturbing knowledge that General Arden had the answers she needed flared deep within her. Her concerns were further stoked by his manner and his evasive comments whenever she brought up Ejay.

She replayed all of her conversations with the general, analyzing his deeds and words for any indication that they might have anything to do with Ejay's unexplained reappearance. The general was obviously uncomfortable with the subject, but it wasn't just a hunch—it was a gut feeling she couldn't shake, a nagging intuition pushing her to go further.

Gia's head was full of questions, a maelstrom of ambiguities and uncertainties. She was extremely respectful of this person in a position of authority, but she also understood she was stepping on thin ice by asking questions. But the more she thought about it, the more the parts seemed to fit together, creating a secret puzzle she was unable to ignore.

Every time the word Ejay came up, there were subliminal clues, evasive looks, and a defensiveness in General Arden's expression. It was as though he possessed a secret that was so carefully kept that admitting its existence was dangerous.

Her conviction was unnerving in its intensity. Torn between her allegiance to the general and her relentless search for the truth, Gia found herself in a difficult situation. She couldn't get rid of the impression that the general's mysterious silence held the secret to solving the mystery—an unspoken fact that lingered just out of grasp.

She was desperate to uncover the secret connection between the general and Ejay's mysterious return, so she promised to proceed cautiously with her suspicions despite the consequences. The disturbing reality she felt was lurking beneath the surface was closer to her as her conviction grew stronger and more unyielding in the face of secrecy and doubt.

Gia redirected her tactics with deliberate intent to outwit the general. "General, I respect how you feel about this whole saga, and even though I don’t agree with your take on this and how you are dismissing my claims without investing, I want to respect your decision. However, considering that you think he is really dead, I have to take care of something else. Still, I have to speak with my attorney first."

The general's expression tightened imperceptibly, his demeanor guarded yet curious. "What is it that you want?"

Gia maintained a composed facade, concealing her intentions behind a veil of calculated ambiguity. "I will let you know the details once I have spoken to my lawyer. It's a matter of legal matters, which I am sure you will have no problem with at all since Ejay is dead."

The general's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion flickering across his features. "I fail to see how legal counsel is necessary for such a simple task as this one. A lawyer is not necessary in this case. Stop wasting your resources and time unnecessarily."

Gia remained resolute. "Forgive me, General, but I'm adamant about this protocol. My lawyer needs to advise me before I proceed. It won't take long, and, ooh, you don’t have to worry about my time and resources. I know how to use them well. Just give me a minute."

The general hesitated momentarily before nodding in acquiescence, albeit reluctantly. "Very well. But make it quick. I don’t have all day here."

With a hint of satisfaction at having bought herself some time, Gia reached for her phone, quickly dialing her lawyer's number. As the phone rang, she maintained a facade of calmness, concealing the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Hello, it is Gia! I need urgent legal advice. Can we meet immediately?" She spoke into the phone, her voice steady yet urgent.

As she awaited her lawyer's response, she hoped this strategic move would allow her the opportunity to uncover the general's motives, leveraging the involvement of her legal counsel to navigate through the intricacies of the situation, all the while concealing her true intentions to catch the elusive truth.

Minutes later, Gia sat opposite the general, her resolve unyielding as she presented her case to her lawyer, who did not waste a minute in rushing to Gia after the call. "According to the legal records, Grace and I are Ejay's closest living relatives. As his adopted cousins, we have the legal right to claim all his assets and the family inheritance after his demise. Am I right, attorney?"

The general's countenance remained composed, though a subtle flicker of unease passed across his features. "Ms. Gia, what is this?” He snapped, caught off guard by Gia’s ploy.

“Just chill, general. I am just making sure that all the bloody wealth of the deceased does not fall into the wrong hands. You don’t have any problem with that as well, do you?”

“While I respect your relationship with Ejay, his financial matters are a different issue altogether. You are acting way too fast!" The general was fired.

Grace, seated beside Gia, interjected, her voice laced with determination. "I don’t think so, in general. I agree with my sister. Ejay had no immediate family. Gia and I have been his closest relatives since he became part of this family. We are entitled to everything in his name and the Well’s name.”

The lawyer, a meticulous and seasoned professional, studied the documents carefully before offering his opinion. "Legally speaking, Mr. General, Ms. Gia, and Grace have a valid claim to Ejay's estate as his nearest and only relatives. That goes without objection."

The general's mask of composure slipped slightly, a hint of concern glinting in his eyes. "But this isn't a straightforward matter. Ejay's financial affairs are quite complex, and certain arrangements are in place. There has to be a legal way around this matter. They just cannot be handed the wealth just like that."

“And why do you suppose Gia called me Mr. General?” The attorney asked, gazing at the officer with curiosity. She wondered why the officer was acting so defensively. “With all due respect, Mr. General, Gia would not have called me here if she did not deem the issue serious.”

Gia's determination surged as she held her ground. "We demand transparency in Ejay's financial matters. We will engage in the due process and expect to be rightfully informed about every single detail. Start the paperwork, attorney. And I want this issue resolved as much as possible."

The lawyer nodded in agreement, his expression neutral yet resolute. "I will.”

“That fast?” The general again.

“Why? We are not expecting Ejay to resurrect from the dead to come and reclaim his bloody wealth, right?” Gia shot at the general.

The general's composed façade faltered slightly, a subtle sign of concern at the implications of their legal claims. He knew that Gia and Grace's involvement could potentially unravel the clandestine dealings he had with Ejay. Despite his reluctance, the weight of his legal obligation compelled him to comply with the lawyer's advice.