“Mama,” Rose said, tears instantly welling in her eyes. “That is Daddy’s favorite car. And you want him to sell it while he’s still alive?”
Agatha hissed and stood up. “Don’t you understand? We need funds to support the company before everything crashes down around us.”
Rose shook her head, finding her strength. “Then tell Frank to bring back the old workers he sacked. Those people know the roots of the company. They can help rebuild it.”
Frank scoffed. “Never. They were rude and useless.”
“They were loyal!” Rose shouted back. “Loyal to Daddy! And if he trusted them, we should, too.”
Two days later, the mansion’s heavy gates opened slowly as three large cars drove in. It was Chief Williams’ extended family—his younger brother, two cousins, and a respected elder from their village. They all stepped out, carrying gifts of fruits and drinks.
“We heard our brother is not feeling well,” the younger brother said to the gateman. “We came to see him. It’s been too long.”
Before they could take five steps toward the house, Agatha came rushing out, her wrapper flying behind her. “What are you people doing here? Who invited you?”
The elder man stepped forward, his demeanor calm. “Madam, we only came to see our brother and to pray with him.”
“Pray? Pray for who? When he was healthy and rich, none of you came. Now that he is sick, you’re all flocking here like vultures!”
The cousins looked down, ashamed. “We didn’t mean any harm, madam.”
Agatha clapped her hands loudly and dismissively. “Go back to your village. There is no space for you here. We don’t need any fake family love. Leave this house now before I call security!”
“But please, can’t we at least just greet him?” the brother asked.
“I said leave this place now!” Agatha shrieked. One of the guards standing near the gate quickly came forward and opened it wider.
Without another word, the guests quietly returned to their cars, turned around, and drove away.
From a window upstairs, Rose had watched the entire, painful exchange. She wiped her eyes, her heart aching. She turned to look at her father, who lay silently in the bed. But his heart was broken. Even though he didn’t move, a single tear tracked down his temple and into his pillow.
That evening, the house was still tense after the drama with the extended family. But things were about to get even worse. David stormed into the sitting room, breathing heavily. He had just returned from work, and his face was like a thundercloud.
“Mama!” he called out loudly. “Where is Mama?”
Agatha came out from the kitchen, holding a glass of orange juice. “Why are you shouting like the house is on fire?”
David pointed an accusing finger. “Why did you give Frank permission to sell one of Daddy’s other houses and his car?”
Agatha rolled her eyes. “David, must you shout every time you speak? I gave the order because we need money to save the company. Or would you rather people laugh at us and call us bankrupt?”
David moved closer. “Mama, with the way Frank is running things, what makes you possibly think the company won’t crash again, even if we sell ten houses?”
Agatha frowned. “Don’t talk like that. He is your elder brother. Show him some respect.”
David’s voice rose. “Respect? He’s not acting like an elder brother! Mama, the problem started the moment he sacked all the people who had worked with Daddy for years. The company was doing fine! Then he started firing the old guard and replacing them with his useless friends who know nothing about how a company actually grows. He started acting like the new owner, lavishing money, buying things we don’t need, and parading himself around as if Daddy is already dead. And now you gave him the order to sell Dad’s SUV and house!”
Agatha shouted back, “But you were told to bring the money from the hotel you sold! And you refused!”
David threw his hands in the air in frustration. “Mama, please don’t start. If you keep enabling Frank, he will sell every single one of Daddy’s properties, one by one, and the company will still fail!”
There was a tense silence for a moment. Then David added, “You know what? I think it’s time. Call Mr. John. Call the lawyer. Let him come here and read Daddy’s will. Let everyone get what belongs to them. That way, no one can touch what doesn’t belong to them.”
Agatha was quiet for a long moment. Then she nodded slowly. “Fine. I will call him first thing tomorrow morning.”
The next day, by 10 a.m., the living room was full. Cynthia sat on one side, scrolling distractedly through her phone. Frank crossed his legs, a smug smirk on his face. David folded his arms, waiting impatiently. Rose sat in a corner, looking worried and quiet. And their mother, Agatha, sat in the middle like a queen holding court.
The door opened, and Mr. John, the family lawyer, stepped in, carrying a leather folder. “Good morning, everyone,” he said calmly. “I was informed you requested a reading of Chief Williams’ will.”
“Yes,” David answered quickly. “We want to know what belongs to each of us before everything is gone.”
Mr. John cleared his throat and opened the folder. “Unfortunately,” he said, looking around the room, “your father has not written any will.”
“What?” Cynthia shouted, dropping her phone.
Mr. John continued. “Yes. He was, in fact, planning to do so just before he fell ill. He had even booked an appointment with me, but he became too weak before we could meet.”
Frank stood up angrily. “So you mean to tell me there is no will at all?”..
