contest the will. Pierce, get ready to fight her.”
I nod at him. I’ll take care of that immediately. Blaire got Carter’s trust, but she’s not getting one more cent from us.
“Can we skip the drama and act like grownups?” Blaire sighs and crosses her arms.
“Where is Vance?” the lawyer questions.
“He was striding into the hotel when I was sauntering toward this room,” Blaire, who is just as nerdy as Hayes, answers.
Vance chooses that moment to enter the room, looking like he just came off the set of an action movie. I hope the red stuff around the raggedly bandaged arm is ketchup because if it’s not, he’s in the wrong place. Go to a hospital, buddy.
“Sorry for the delay, the guy at the entrance didn’t want to let me in. According to him—”
“He did the same to me. Tried to send me to a shelter,” Blaire complains and glances at us. “I suggest you train him or fire him.”
“Hey, Skittles,” Vance hugs her. “You look better than the last time I saw you.”
“Took a shower, avoided a kidnapping, and I even texted my mother on my way into the conference room,” she jokes, touching his arm. “You okay?”
“All good. I’m glad you’re here because I’m too busy to go and search for you,” he dismisses her question. “What have I missed, other than the funeral?”
Everyone stares at them with confusion. Hayes and Henry mumble shit that I don’t hear because I’m too busy reading the stupid will.
Dad is leaving us all his assets. The properties around the world, including the factory that operates in Happy Springs. Aldridge Enterprises too, which I’m not sure if it’s still based in New York. How are we supposed to manage it? That’s Henry’s new toy. I know shit about business, but I’ll be happy to check on the contracts if he needs me. There are also several bank accounts with billions of dollars. I knew the guy was loaded, but this is just criminal.
When I read the conditions, I almost laugh. We have to spend the next eighteen months sharing the Aldridge mansion located in this town to receive this inheritance. We also have to share the responsibilities of The Lodge, the factory, and Aldridge Enterprises.
The commotion starts. For the first time in years, we all agree. This is bullshit, and we are walking out without wanting a cent from William.
“Ms. Wilson, I haven’t finished reading the will, and as I told you over the phone, a lot of people count on you,” Mr. Parrish declares. “All of you. Let me finish reading.”
I sigh and turn my attention back to where I stopped reading but freeze when I hear him say Leyla’s name, “For the next eighteen months, you’re to live on the Baker’s Creek property. Pierce, who is the only one married of the six, should live with his wife, Leyla Faye Aldridge.”
“Wait, he knew I’m married?” I stare at him. “How? I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
Mr. Parrish disregards my question and continues, “Mills should bring his son, Arden, along.”
I look at Mills and ask, “Did he know about your boy?”
Mills shakes his head, but Blaire answers, “If you follow hockey, you know he has a son. This guy is considered the hottest single dad in hockey history.”
I follow hockey, but I had no fucking idea about the kid until a couple of weeks ago.
“May I resume?” The lawyer asks.
We all nod.
“You will share the responsibilities of the companies. You should manage the properties and do what’s best for the towns of Baker’s Creek and Happy Springs. After eighteen months, everything will be divided into equal parts. If one of you walks away before the term is over, all the assets will be liquidated and donated to various charities.”
“I vote that we take the charity route. Let’s sell everything right now,” Hayes suggests.
As I’m about to suggest that we all vote, Mr. Parrish interrupts me, “I don’t think you understand what’s at play.”
“Well, then tell us the stipulations, so we can figure out how to end William’s game,” I request, annoyed at this charade and begin reading from his document in case he has any notes I don’t.
“In the event that one or all of you decide not to commit to this town, the employees, and the properties, everything will be sold to the pre-approved buyers assigned by William Aldridge. That means The Lodge will be demolished, and the land will be donated to the state of Oregon with the condition