Connor wanted everything finalized quickly, as if erasing me from his life was just another task on his schedule.
Three weeks later, I received a call from an attorney requesting my presence at the reading of Harold’s will, and I could not understand why I would be required to attend.
Connor later called me with irritation in his voice and said, “Just show up, sign whatever they give you, and do not create unnecessary drama.”
On the morning of the reading, I wore a simple navy dress and the pearl earrings Harold once complimented, because they felt like the only piece of strength I had left.
When I entered the conference room, Connor was already seated confidently with his advisors, and he glanced at me with open disdain.
“Sit in the back and do not speak unless addressed,” he said coldly, and I obeyed without responding, choosing instead to observe everything quietly.
The attorney began reading the will, confirming that Connor would inherit the mansion, the cars, and the seventy five million dollars.
Connor leaned back with a satisfied smile, clearly expecting nothing more than formalities, but then the attorney continued, explaining that the inheritance came with strict conditions regarding his marriage.
“You must remain married to Olivia, live with her, and treat her with respect,” the attorney stated clearly, causing the room to fall into stunned silence.
Connor’s expression shifted instantly as he demanded, “What does that even mean?” and the attorney replied calmly that any violation of those conditions would result in a drastic reduction of his inheritance to a minimal monthly allowance.
His hands began to tremble slightly as realization set in, because he had already thrown me out and filed for divorce, effectively disqualifying himself.
The attorney then delivered the final clause, stating that if Connor failed to meet those conditions, the entire estate would be transferred to me.
The words felt unreal as they settled over the room, and Connor stared at me in disbelief, his voice barely audible as he whispered, “This cannot be happening.”
The attorney looked directly at me and said, “Mrs. Bennett, you are now the sole heir to the estate.”
I walked out of that room feeling neither joy nor triumph, only a heavy sense of responsibility mixed with a quiet understanding that everything had changed permanently.