One Step Closer(87)
Veronica shot indignantly to her feet. “This is an outrage!” she spat. “Did you do this?” She pointed a red-tipped finger at Wren. “I bet you’re inwardly rejoicing!” Her face was turning a mottled red as she stood there, fists clenching in protest at her complete helplessness.
“Go ahead, Veronica,” Caleb said, casually amused. “Kick and scream. Have a fit. Hold your breath until you pass out.”
Everyone in the room burst out laughing at his arrogant jibe, except him. His narrowed eyes met hers, daring her to challenge him.
“You think this is funny?”
He nodded, unaffected, then grinned. “I sure as hell do! Goddamn hilarious.”
“With all due respect, Mrs. Luxon, you are divorced. You have to accept Edison’s wishes,” Jonathan added.
“No, I don’t! I’ll contest this in court! I gave him the best years of my life!” She literally stomped her foot. “The lousy housekeeper gets a million, and I get nothing? I don’t think so!”
“Oh, God,” Wren said quietly, wanting to sink down in her chair. Caleb’s hand came down on her shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze as he stood up.
“No. You mean you sucked his dick, uh, I mean; sucked him dry for as long as he’d allow. But now that’s over.” Caleb shrugged wryly; his eyes snapping up to meet Veronica’s unflinchingly. “Sucks for you.” Jonesy started to blush, clearly in shock at Caleb’s analogy. “Oh, sorry, Jonesy.”
Veronica gathered up her clutch purse and shoved it under her arm, angrily. Her intention to leave was clear.
“You should wait.” Jonathan put up his hand to halt her from leaving. “There is more at the end you should hear.”
“Really, Jonathan?” Caleb asked incredulously. “Let her leave!”
“Caleb,” Jonathan admonished with a shake of his head. “She should stay.”
Caleb threw up his hands and took his seat again. “Fine.”
Without a word, his stepmother sat back down in her leather chair, but she was seething and everyone knew it.
“I leave the remainder of all monies & tangible property (excluding the home furnishings-which are to remain with the respective estates), and all policies and proceeds of insurance covering such property, and all life insurance to be shared equally between my son, Caleb Allan Luxon and stepdaughter, Wren Elizabeth Brashill.”
Veronica’s eyes widened in shocked disbelief; so mad Caleb was sure her head was going to explode.
Wren’s mouth fell open and formed the word “Oh.” She turned her head to look at Caleb who was leaning back in his chair, waiting for her reaction. “But, I don’t deserve—”
“Yeah. This is exactly what you deserve,” he said. “It’s real.”
Wren’s heart started pounding until it felt like it would fly from her chest, not sure how she felt about the inheritance. Money didn’t mean she’d be in touch with Caleb. “Really? You’re okay with it?” she asked. “This is crazy.”
His hand reached out to cover hers. “It is.” His tone was reassuring, his expression softened and he smiled at her. “Go on, Jonathan.”
Caleb heard Macy huff on the other side of him despite that he’d already told her Wren would receive half of everything. He wished to God that he still didn’t have that confrontation ahead of him.
“This includes the art collection, cars, stock portfolio, and investments to be divided equitably among them by my executor’s discretion after consultation with my children. My late wife, Celine Luxon’s entire jewelry collection will go to my son, Caleb Luxon. My executor may pay out of my estate the expenses of delivering any of the tangible properties to the beneficiaries.”
The will continued with the Denver house going to Caleb, the one in boulder to Wren and the vacation house would be put into both of their names. Wren was stunned and as Jonathan went through the document point by point, Caleb kept his eyes trained on her.
His chest swelled with pride that he could do something so significant for her, now happy that his father had given him this very important choice. He felt satisfaction that he could take care of Wren, but more, it was sheer joy that she’d be a real part of his life.
The stipulations about division of the Lux stock came next. Wren couldn’t believe her ears at Jonathan’s next words.
“As stated in Article II of this document, my LUX stock options are part of my portfolio and will be shared equally between Caleb and Wren. This represents the majority and controlling interest in the company. Any dividends will be shared equally or used to purchase more shares. The shares shall remain in your possession for a minimum of five consecutive years during which time you may not sell or gift them to anyone else. It is my wish that one, or both, of you assume control of Lux and the other to sit on the board of directors. At the end of the stipulated time period, you will decide the fate of Lux, by choosing one of the following options: 1. One of you may buy the other out, at or above fair market value of the stock at that time. 2. Continue to run the company together going forward. 3. You may give the shares to charity, with the stipulation that the shares remain together, the charity benefits by the dividends and the board of directors will hire a CEO to continue operations.”
“You had me stay to hear this?” Veronica spat. Macy sat in silence, clearly uncomfortable as she listened to it. Caleb told her Wren got half, but not about the stipulation that tied him to Wren for five years. She was upset and angry, her mind working overtime to figure out a way to manipulate the outcome.