by the board and all shares and monies due to me will be split equally between Theo and Gabrielle.”
“Is there anything in there for me at all or did I waste a transatlantic flight from Paris?” Claudette flared.
“Classy, Mother,” Theo drawled.
“Why you—”
“I’m getting to that section,” the lawyer interrupted in a louder voice than normal. The lines on his forehead more pronounced as he stared at the document before him.
“If both my children survive me, I have a special request before bequeathing them the sum of twenty-five million dollars each. They will live together for a period of three months and spend time together as siblings. It is my deepest regret that I’ve never mended the rift within my family. It is my wish that Gabrielle will remain Theo’s guardian until he reaches eighteen. If he files for emancipation immediately after my death, the money bequeathed to him will be distributed evenly to the charities mentioned prior to this section.
“Now, to Claudette Dumont, I bequeath the sum of eight million dollars and my apartment in Paris, France as long as she stays out of my children’s lives. She shall not interfere or try to gain custody of Theo while he has not reached legal age.”
Mr. Goodman’s throat bobbed and he stole a glance at her father’s ex. “This is a direct quote to you Ms. Dumont.
“Stay the fuck away from my children, Claudette. Even in my death I have ways to hunt you down if you hurt them in any way. Let them get to know each other with none of your vile manipulations. Keep your people away. I mean it.”
Your people?
“Did Peter amend his will recently?” Gabby asked.
“A month ago.” Mr. Goodman’s eyes darted toward Claudette.
Before Gabby could say anything, Theo sprung to his feet and stalked toward his mother. “Was it you? Did you have him murdered?”
“I was in France!” Claudette exclaimed. “I have my money and my boyfriend is rich enough to buy out Peter ten times over. Eight million dollars is nice, but I don’t need it.” She sniffed. “I’ve agreed to talk to the detectives. Peter always thought someone was after him. You should talk to Nick. Your father’s been on a cocktail of medication for his heart condition and a bad back, and they’ve made him depressed and paranoid. He always had trouble distinguishing between his movies and reality.”
Gabby’s mind was swirling at this turn of events. Live with her brother? What was their father thinking? And what was that cryptic threat against Claudette? Did Peter know he was in danger? She would request a copy of the prior will and the current one to compare the differences. Maybe robbery wasn’t the intention and just a front. She debated whether she should inform Captain Mitchell of these developments and get clearance to get involved in the case.
“Is there anything else in the will?”
“Yes. This one is a direct quote to both of you.”
“Gabrielle, I’ve watched you struggle with what happened all those years ago. You needed your family and I’ve been selfish, thinking of my own happiness and didn’t consider your own. I tried to contact you, but you never returned my emails, calls, or texts. I hope you view Theo in a different light than me and Claudette. He’s a good kid—if not spoiled, but I hope spending time with you will teach him about the real world. Because of that, I would like for Theo to move in with you for the duration specified in this will.”
“What?” Theo growled. “No way. You live in a dump.”
Gabby was amused if not a tad terrified. “A dump? Have you seen my place?”
“No. But I’m sure it’s not Beverly Hills.”
“You’re right. But maybe that’s Peter’s best idea yet. You need a lesson in humility.”
“Pleaaase.” He rolled his eyes. “Do you have room for Levi?”
“Three bedrooms.” Gabby paused. “Shit. Am I agreeing to this?”
“Do you have parking for my Ferrari?” Theo demanded.
“I suggest you downgrade your ride if you don’t want it stripped, or worse—stolen.” She lived in a gated apartment complex, but her brother didn’t need to know that.
For the first time since Gabby had to deal with this teen version of her brother, he was the one who was speechless. Was it petty that she derived immense satisfaction in seeing his face pale and his lazy nonchalance evaporate?
Theo glanced at Goodman. “Is there a way to contest this?”
“Over sleeping arrangements?” Gabby laughed.
“I’m not finished,” Goodman interrupted.
“By all means, please continue,” her brother muttered.
“Theo, son,