Reunion

As Mia sat in her room, staring at the picturesque photos of her recent vacation in Greece, she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It felt like only yesterday that she was sipping fruity cocktails on the beach with her friends, feeling free and carefree.

She let out a playful sigh and leaned back onto her bed. Her gaze traveled over the lavish decor of her room, taking in the luxurious silk curtains and the plush velvet sofa. Mia had always lived a life of wealth and privilege, growing up in a pristine mansion located in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in town.

The sound of a knock on her door pulled her out of her reverie. "Mia, sweetheart, your father wants to see you in his study," her mother's voice drifted in.

Mia jumped up, feeling curious. She made her way down the winding staircase, the clacking of her heels resounding throughout the house. The mansion was always eerily quiet, despite the constant presence of her family and the live-in staff.

She reached the study and opened the door, peeking inside. Her father sat behind his desk, his back turned to her, engrossed in piles of paperwork.

Mia grinned and snuck up behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Daddy, guess what?"

Her father turned around, smiling at the sight of his daughter. "What's the matter, sweetheart?"

"I want to go to Hawaii for my 18th birthday next week. Can I, daddy, please?" she asked with a pout.

Her father leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest, pretending to contemplate it. "My little girl is always going to be my little girl, isn't she?" he teased, ruffling her hair.

Mia rolled her eyes, laughing. "Daddy, come on, you know how much I want this vacation. Please?"

Her father sighed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Alright, alright, Miss Impatient. You can go, but be responsible alright? You're still underage," he lectured, giving her a stern look.

Mia's face lit up with excitement. She practically ran out of the room to call her best friend, Shelby. "Guess what, we are going to Hawaii for my birthday!" she squealed into the phone, bouncing up and down on her heels.

Shelby was just as excited at the news. They discussed possible activities for their trip, including surfing, zip-lining, and snorkeling.

Mia's mother, Helena, entered the room, looking pale and tired. "Honey, I just got up from a nap. I'm feeling weak," she murmured.

Mia rushed to her mother's side, placing a hand on her forehead. "Mom, are you okay? What's wrong?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.

Helena sighed, looking up at her daughter with a sad smile. "It's nothing serious, Mia. Just the usual aches and pains that come with my illness," she said, attempting to downplay it.

Her father, William, entered the room next, his eyes scanning the two women. "What's the matter?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Helena shook her head. "It's nothing, dear. I'm fine," she assured him.

Mia looked back and forth between her parents, sensing the unspoken tension. She knew that her mother had been struggling with a chronic illness for years now, but she had never understood the severity of it.

After all, her mother was always so cheerful and lively, always up for entertaining guests or attending lavish parties. It was only now that Mia saw the strain it put on her.

Her father seemed to notice the tension as well and quickly changed the subject. "Richard, come in and sit down. We have a few things to discuss about the company," he gestured towards the leather armchair in front of his desk.

Richard, was her father's brother and his right hand man for everything regarding his company,; Liam Group, he came in, smartly dressed in a well-tailored suit. He sat down, his face expressionless as he waited for the meeting to commence.

Mia glanced at the three adults, feeling slightly left out. She wished she could be involved in the important business deals and financial negotiations, but she knew that her role as the daughter of a CEO was limited and she was only 17, she would be 18 in a week.

As they discussed the latest developments and issues within the company, Mia mentally tuned out, her mind wandering back to the sun-kissed beaches and swaying palms of Hawaii. She couldn't wait to be back in paradise, away from the stuffy atmosphere of the mansion.

The meeting eventually ended, and her father came out of his study, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "Well, that was productive," he muttered.

Mia hugged him from the side, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for letting me go to Hawaii, daddy. You're the best," she gushed, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Her father chuckled, "Anything for my little girl."

Helena smiled weakly, "I just hope I'll feel better soon enough to go on my own vacation with my husband."

Mia nodded, holding her mother's hand. "Of course, mom. We'll make sure you're okay before we leave."

As they all retreated back to their respective rooms, Mia felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She loved her family and the luxurious life they led, but sometimes, she couldn't help but crave the thrill of adventure and spontaneity.

She vowed to make the most of her upcoming trip to Hawaii and create unforgettable memories with her friends. She knew that no matter what happened, she had the unconditional love and support of her family to fall back on.

Mia couldn't contain her excitement as she dialed her friends' numbers to share the news of her dream vacation. The phone rang, and one by one, her best friends picked up.

"Hello? Thelma?" Mia said eagerly.

"Hey, Mia! What's up?" Thelma replied, her voice filled with curiosity.

"I have the most amazing news! I'm going on an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii for my 18th birthday, and I want you to come with me!" Mia exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement.

Thelma gasped, "No way! Are you serious? This sounds like a dream come true! Of course, count me in!"

Mia giggled, "Yay! I knew you'd be excited. Get ready to pack your bags, Thelma!"

Next on the list was Katie. "Hey, Katie, are you there?" Mia asked with a smile.

Katie's voice sounded curious as she replied, "Hey, Mia. What's going on?"

"Guess what? For my 18th birthday, I'm going on an incredible vacation to Hawaii, and I want you to be there with me," Mia said, her excitement infectious.

Katie squealed with delight, "Oh my gosh, Mia! That's amazing! I'm so in! I can't wait!"

Mia's heart soared with happiness. Having her best friends by her side on this once-in-a-lifetime trip made it even more special.

Next up was Rosa, a friend with a love for adventure. "Hey, Rosa, it's Mia. I have something incredible to tell you!"

Rosa's voice sounded intrigued, "What is it, Mia?"

"I'm going to Hawaii for my 18th birthday, and I want you to join me! It's going to be the adventure of a lifetime," Mia said, excitement bubbling in her words.

Rosa let out a whoop of joy, "Count me in, Mia! I can't wait to explore Hawaii with you!"

Mia knew that Rosa's adventurous spirit would add a dash of excitement to their journey.

Last but not least, Mia called her dear friend Paula. "Hey, Paula, it's Mia. Are you free to talk?"

Paula's warm voice came through the line, "Of course, Mia. What's on your mind?"

"I have the most exciting news! I'm going to Hawaii for my 18th birthday, and I'd love for you to be a part of it," Mia said, anticipation in her voice.

Paula gasped, "Oh, Mia, that's incredible! This would be so much fun."

Mia did a little happy dance as she ended the call with Paula. Her heart was full, knowing that her birthday trip would be shared with her closest friends.

The next day, Mia and Shelby met up at the luxurious shopping mall to prepare for their glamorous vacation. They wandered through the high-end boutiques, trying on designer outfits, and envisioning the adventures that awaited them in Hawaii.

"Mia, this dress is stunning on you! You have to wear it on our night out in Hawaii," Shelby gushed, holding up a flowing gown that shimmered like the sea.

Mia twirled in front of the mirror, feeling like a princess. "You're right, Shelby. It's perfect! And look at this beach cover-up! It's like it was made for me."

As they continued their shopping, the excitement grew, and they couldn't wait to share their shopping haul with the rest of the group.

Over the next few days, Mia, Shelby, Thelma, Katie, Rosa, and Paula gathered at Mia's mansion to prepare for their upcoming adventure. Suitcases were packed with stylish outfits and travel essentials, and the air was filled with laughter and anticipation.

"Mia, I can't believe this is happening! Thank you for inviting us on this incredible trip," Thelma said, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"You're all like family to me. I couldn't imagine celebrating my birthday without you," Mia replied, hugging her friends tightly.

As the day of departure approached, the excitement in the air was palpable. The girls could hardly contain themselves as they counted down the hours. Finally, the big day arrived, and they set off on their journey to Hawaii, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Their days in Hawaii were filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable moments. They soaked in the beauty of ancient ruins, enjoyed lazy afternoons on sun-kissed beaches, and danced under the stars in lively tavernas. Each experience brought them closer together, strengthening their bond of friendship.

As they stood together on a cliff overlooking the azure sea, Mia looked at her friends and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These were the moments she would treasure forever, and she knew that this trip would forever hold a special place in her heart.

As the sun set on their final day in Hawaii, the group gathered on the beach to sing a birthday song for Mia, on the magical island. Mia's heart was full as she looked at her friends, knowing that they had shared something truly extraordinary.

"Thank you, all of you, for making this the best birthday I could have ever asked for," Mia said, her voice filled with emotion.

Thelma smiled, "Thank you for inviting us, Mia. This trip has been a dream come true."

Katie nodded, "Yeah, we'll cherish these memories forever."

Rosa added, "And we have you to thank for that, Mia."

Paula hugged Mia tightly, "You're the best friend we could ever ask for."

Shelby wrapped her arm around Mia's shoulder, "And you're the best birthday girl ever!"

They laughed together, dancing around in circles, their hearts overflowing with joy and love. Mia knew that this trip was just the beginning of a lifetime of adventures with her friends, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

Little did she know, her life was about to change in ways she could never have expected.

Mia woke up to the sound of chirping birds outside her window. She rubbed her eyes and sat up straight, groaning at the headache that pounded against her temple. Memories of last night flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the fun she had had with her friends.

She got out of bed, checking her phone for any messages. She saw several messages and missed several calls from her family and friends. Her mom, dad, brother, and uncle had all wished her a happy birthday, and she felt a pang of guilt for not answering their calls. She returned the calls to her family and responded to messages. Her mom, dad, and brother joined her video call and sang a birthday song for her.

Mia quickly showered and dressed herself, ready to make the most of her last day in Hawaii. Her flight and that of her friends were slated for that evening. She met up with her friends for breakfast, and they laughed and joked over plates of pancakes and bacon.

After breakfast, they hit the beach, swimming, tanning, and taking candid photos of each other. As the day wore on, Mia felt a sense of melancholy wash over her. She knew this would be the last time she would see her friends again for a while, as they all went to college.

She pushed those thoughts away, not wanting to dampen the mood. As the sun began to set, Mia's friends surprised her with their birthday presents. Katie had asked her to make another wish as she handed a small cake with candles to her she teased that the wish she had made the previous night was not enough as she was now officially an adult.

She closed her eyes and made a wish, blowing out the candles in one breath. "What did you wish for?" Shelby asked, grinning.

Mia shrugged, "I can't tell you that, it won't come true then," she joked.

They spent the rest of the day shopping for souvenirs for their family as they prepared 5o catch their flight. They had danced under the stars, sipping drinks and chatting with other vacationers the previous night. Mia felt carefree and happy, enjoying the warmth of the Hawaiian breeze, she was truly. going to miss this place.

Back home in the city, Mia's father, William, was involved in a ghastly accident. His car had lost brakes, and it somersaulted before going up in flames. He had been rushed to the hospital, where he fought for his life, his body covered in severe burns.

Dave, her father's loyal driver, was also in critical condition, and both men needed extensive medical treatment. The first responders had managed to get them to the hospital in time, but the extent of their injuries meant their chances of recovery were very slim.

Helena paced the hall of the hospital, tears streaming down her face. "I can't believe this is happening. Why did it have to be him?" she wailed, wringing her hands in despair.

Corey, Mia's younger brother, hugged her tightly, his face pale with shock. "We have to stay strong, Mom. Dad's a fighter, he'll make it through," he said, trying to inject some positivity into the depressing atmosphere.

Williams' brother, Richard, was at the hospital, his face etched with worry. "Has anyone called Mia yet?" he asked, looking around at the solemn group.

Helena shook her head, "No, we didn't want to worry her. She would return today, probably in the evening"

Richard reached for his phone, dialing Mia's number. He was surprised when it went straight to voicemail.

Mia and her friends settled comfortably in the luxurious first-class lounge at the airport, eagerly awaiting their flight back home. The soft evening light painted the surroundings with warm hues as they chatted and laughed, their excitement palpable. The clock showed that they still had 30 minutes before their departure. She was chatting happily with her friends when her phone rang, disrupting the joyous atmosphere. Her face turned serious as she saw her Aunt Nina's name on the screen,

"Hello?"

Aunt Nina responded with a trembling voice "Mia, I need to tell you something... your father had an accident."

Mia's heart sank, fear gripping her soul.

"Oh no, is he okay?" she asked anxiously.

"He's in critical condition, fighting for his life."

Mia's hands trembled, and her phone slipped from her grasp.

"What happened? Is everything okay?" Her friend Paula asked, placing a comforting hand on Mia's

shoulder.

Mia shook her head, unable to speak as she tried to compose herself. "It's my dad," she managed to choke out, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What's wrong with your dad?" Another friend, Shelby, asked, her concern evident in her voice.

"He's been in an accident," Mia said, her voice trembling.

"Is he okay?" Thelma asked, her own voice filled with worry.

Mia shook her head. "He's fighting for his life."

Her friends huddled around her, comforting her as best they could. Mia tried to calm down, but the fear and worry continued to gnaw at her.

"What can we do to help?" Shelby asked, rubbing Mia's back.

"I don't know," Mia said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "I need to call my mom and find out what's going on."

She fumbled with her phone, her fingers shaking as she dialed her mom's number.

"Hello?" Her mom's voice came through the other end, sounding tired and worried.

"Mom, what's going on with Dad?" Mia asked, her voice cracking.

"Sweetheart, I didn't want to tell you until you got back," her mom said, her voice trembling. "But your dad's been in an accident. He's undergoing surgery right now and we don't know how he's doing yet."

Mia's heart sank. "What kind of accident? How bad is it?"

"It was a car accident. Your dad and his driver were taken into surgery as soon as they arrived at the hospital. We're waiting for updates from the doctors," her mom said, her voice choking with emotion.

"I need to come home. I need to be there with you, I'm about to board my flight" Mia said, tears streaming down her face.

"I know, sweetheart. And we want you here with us. But your flight is leaving in just a few minutes. You can't make it back in time," her mom said, her voice filled with sorrow.

Mila felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She wanted to be there with her family, to support them in this difficult time.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Excuse me, Miss. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I'm the pilot of your flight and we've just received word that your flight has been delayed for at least two hours due to unforeseen maintenance issues. If you need to change your plans, we can arrange for you to disembark and book another flight."

Mia's heart leaped in her chest. A chance to be with her family, to be there for her dad when he needed her the most.

"I need to go home. Please, can you help me change my flight?" Mia asked, her voice pleading.

"Of course, Miss. Let me make some calls and see what I can do," the pilot said, his voice filled with compassion.

Mia felt a glimmer of hope as she started to make arrangements to change her flight. Her friends were by her side, supporting her every step of the way.

"You can do this. We'll be here for you," Kathie said, hugging Mia tightly.

Mia felt a sense of gratitude towards her friends. They had been there for her when she needed them the most.

As she made her way to the gate, Mia couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. She needed to be there for her family, to support her dad in his fight to recover.

As she boarded her new flight, her heart was heavy with worry and fear. She had no idea what was going to happen, but she knew that she had to be strong for her family.

Hours later, Mia landed in her home country; the U.S, tired and anxious. She rushed to the hospital, desperate for news about her dad.

She saw her mom waiting for her outside the hospital, tears streaming down her face, Mia knew that something was terribly wrong.

"What happened? Is dad okay?" Mila asked, her voice shaking.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. Your dad didn't make it," her mom said, her voice full of sorrow.

Mia felt her world crumble around her. Her dad, the pillar of strength in her family, was gone. She couldn't believe it.

She screamed "No, it can't be, Dad can't leave without saying goodbye to me"

She raced in the direction of the surgery room, trying to find her dad, she saw her Uncle standing in front of a room and she rushed in, dodging those who tried to stop her, she saw her dad's lifeless body on the hospital bed and she collapsed to the ground.

Over the next few days, Mia and her family grieved for their loss. They shared stories and memories about her dad, remembering the good times they had together.

Through it all, Mia felt grateful for the support of her friends. They had been there for her every step of the way, offering comfort and words of encouragement.

As time went on, Mia learned to cope with her loss. She would always cherish the memories she had of her dad, and she would always be grateful for the love and support of her family and friends.

Mia couldn't believe that her dad was gone. It had been a few weeks since his burial, but she still felt as though he would walk through the door any minute, his jovial smile and comforting presence filling the room.

She had been spending most of her days in her room, curled up in bed, the weight of her grief too heavy to bear. Her mom was also struggling, her health deteriorating even further since her husband's death.

It was a bright afternoon when Mia's Uncle Richard arrived at their house, accompanied by her dad's lawyer; Mr. Anderson. Mia's mom was still in her room, resting. Mia knew she had to be present for the reading of the will, it was what her dad would have wanted.

"Mia, my dear. How are you holding up?" Uncle Richard asked, his deep voice comforting.

Mia looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. "I'm trying to be strong," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Uncle Richard pulled her into a tight embrace. "You don't always have to be strong, my dear. It's okay to let it out."

Mia felt a sense of comfort wash over her as she clung to her uncle.

The lawyer cleared his throat, interrupting their moment of grief. "Shall we start with the reading of the will?"

Mia nodded, wiping away her tears.

The lawyer proceeded to read out the contents of the will, detailing how her dad's assets and finances would be distributed. Mia listened intently, appreciating how her dad had planned everything out so meticulously.

"I leave all my assets, my company; The Liam Group, our family home, and all its contents, along with all my accounts and all accounts in the family to my brother Richard, to administer it. I believe my brother would take good care of my family and protect their inheritance till Mia comes of age"

This came as a shock to Mia, her mom, and her brother, even the lawyer was surprised. He reexamined the will and he confirmed that it was original and had not been tampered with.

Mia's mom Helena was shocked but she also believed that Richard, her husband's brother would treat his family well and take care of them. At least he had been so helpful all these years and he understands how to take care of the company.

Mr. Anderson continued, "To my beloved daughter, Mia, I leave my journal, open it on your 23rd birthday."

Mia's heart ached, knowing that this journal held a piece of her father's heart but she was puzzled as to why her dad would leave everything to her Uncle to administer, even their accounts.

She felt a little concerned but she decided that her dad had probably done what he felt was best to guarantee them a good life.

Helena and Mia exchanged glances, realizing the extent of their late husband and father's trust in Uncle Richard.

Mr. Anderson: "Furthermore, I have set up a trust fund for Mia's education and future endeavors, ensuring that she has the support she needs to achieve her dreams, my brother Richard is also in charge of granting her access as the need arises"

Mia: who was surprised and grateful, simply whispered "Thank you, Dad."

In the following weeks Richard, Mia's Uncle proved to be the complete opposite of what they had expected, he began to reveal his true nature. Mia had traveled for college within the US, she was in Houston and her family was in New York.

The problem started when she arrived at her college and she was not given accommodation because her fees and other expenses had not been paid, she thought it was a mistake but it wasn't. She immediately reached out to her uncle to inform him about this.

Mia's heart raced as she stood there in the bustling streets of Houston, her eyes fixed on the cityscape that was supposed to be her new college home. But everything had turned sour in an instant. Her dreams of a bright future were fading into uncertainty as she tried to comprehend the situation she found herself in. She had traveled thousands of miles from her family in New York, excited to begin this new chapter of her life, but now she was stranded without a place to stay.

With trembling fingers, she dialed her uncle Richard's number, hoping he could provide some clarity or even a solution to her predicament. Her phone rang, and with each passing second, her anxiety intensified. Finally, he answered, and Mia hastily explained her situation.

"Uncle Richard, I've arrived at college, but they won't give me accommodation because my fees and other expenses haven't been paid. I thought it was a mistake, but it's not. Can you please help me with this?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by a chilling response that sent shivers down Mia's spine.

"Daddy's little princess, you're about to experience the full impact of Daddy's absence," he said coldly.

Mia's heart sank. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Was this her uncle speaking to her in such a heartless manner?

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and then asked, "Uncle Richard, what do you mean by that? Please, I need your help."

Her uncle's voice dripped with malice as he replied, "You'll learn what it's like to fend for yourself, just like your dear old dad should have made you do."

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes as the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Her uncle had no intention of taking care of her family as instructed by her father in his supposed will, and worse still, he seemed to be reveling in her distress.

She clutched her phone tightly, trying to hold back her emotions. She couldn't let her family know what was happening. Her mom had been struggling with health issues and her condition had worsened since the death of her dad. Mia didn't want to burden her further.

Taking a deep breath, Mia decided she had to find a way to survive on her own. She searched for nearby hotels, hoping she could at least find a place to rest for the night. With trembling hands, she entered the hotel, hoping against hope that her credit card would go through. But as she handed it to the receptionist, her heart sank further when she heard the words she dreaded most.

"I'm sorry, but your card has been declined," the receptionist said with an apologetic smile.

Mia's face flushed with embarrassment as she tried another card, only to face the same rejection. She stepped aside to call her bank, hoping it was just a misunderstanding, but they informed her that there were insufficient funds in her account. The weight of her helplessness bore down on her, and she felt tears streaming down her cheeks.

She walked out of the hotel, her dreams shattered, and her future uncertain. Her phone rang again, and this time it was her mom calling. Mia wiped her tears, trying to sound composed as she answered.

"Hey, Mom," she said, her voice quivering.

"Oh, Mia, I was worried when I didn't hear from you. How are you doing, sweetheart?" her mom asked, concern evident in her tone.

Mia forced a smile, not wanting her mom to sense the turmoil she was going through. "I'm fine, Mom, just settling in. It's been a long day."

"I'm glad you're okay. Remember, you can always talk to me if you need anything," her mom reassured her.

"I know, Mom. Thanks. I love you," Mia said, her voice breaking slightly.

"I love you too, Mia. Take care," her mom said before ending the call.

Mia walked aimlessly through the streets, trying to gather her thoughts. She needed to figure out a plan, a way to survive in this unfamiliar city until she could sort out her college fees. She didn't want to ask for help from anyone else, not after what her uncle had said.

Mia sat in her on the cold floor, outside a club, staring at her phone in disbelief. Her uncle's words echoed in her head, leaving her feeling confused and betrayed. She had always looked up to Richard, her father's brother, as a sort of surrogate father figure. But ever since her father's untimely death, Richard had been acting strangely. And now, this.

"Daddy's little princess, you are about to experience the full impact of Daddy's absence." His words ran through her mind again, ringing with a hint of malicious glee. She couldn't believe it. This wasn't Richard she was talking to. This wasn't the man who had always been there for her and her family when they needed him. It was like he had changed overnight, even before her father's will was read.

Mia had always been close to her father. They shared an unbreakable bond, even now that he was gone. Her father had always said that Richard was a good man, that he could be trusted to take care of them if he was ever gone. But now, she couldn't help but wonder if her father had been wrong about him all along.

She missed her father terribly, and she knew that her brother, Corey, was feeling the same way. They had always been very close, and losing their father had been hard on both of them. But now, with Richard acting like this, she couldn't help but worry about what would happen to their family.

She picked up her phone and dialed Shelby's number, needing to talk to someone who understood what she was going through.

"Hey sis, what's up?" Shelby answered after a few rings.

"Mia sighed, "Richard just told me that he's not going to pay for my school fees and I won't get accommodation."

"What? Why not?" Shelby's voice registered her surprise.

"I don't know, he just said something about the full impact of Daddy's absence." Mia's voice choked up. She was starting to feel like everything was falling apart, and she had no clue what to do next.

Shelby paused, trying to think of something to say that would make her feel better. "Maybe it's just a misunderstanding. You should try calling him back and see if everything is okay."

Mia nodded, her mind already running through possible scenarios. "Yeah, you're right. I'll give him another call." She hung up and dialed her uncle's number again. When he answered, she tried to keep her voice steady as she asked, "Richard, what's going on? Why aren't you paying my fees? I thought you said you would take care of us."

Richard's voice was cold and dismissive. "Things change, Mia. You'll have to figure it out on your own."

"But I can't, Richard. I don't have any money. I don't even have a place to stay," Mia protested.

"That's not my problem. You'll have to figure something out. I have my own problems to deal with," Richard said before hanging up.

Mia felt a wave of panic wash over her. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't believe that her uncle was treating her this way. She had always been close to him, and he had always been there for her.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. What if Richard had somehow manipulated her father's will? What if he had deceived her father into signing to leave everything to him and cut out their family? She had never been one for conspiracy theories, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.