Page 11 of Promised to the Demon King (The Demon Brides #1)
Nova stood in the hallway, she was too anxious to sit on the benches with the others. This was the first time she had seen her mother since the wake when she had called her out on her theatrics and lies. Not once had Carol attempted to reach out to either clear the air or apologize for her behaviour. But that was of no surprise to Nova. Carol had always been one to play the victim card brilliantly. Everything was everyone else’s fault. Even at forty, Carol could still not see the wrongs she contributed to escalated matters.
Poor Carol. Always mistreated and disrespected.
It was sad to Nova, who was a few months shy of eighteen. How could she understand accountability and consequences better than her mother, twice her age? It was pathetic, but it was no longer her problem.
She refused to allow Carol any room in her heart or her life. Nova was fueled by vengeance and only vengeance whenever her eyes landed upon her mother.
As per the character, Timothy sat poised in his tailor-made suit when out in the public eye. His focus was constantly on his cell phone, responding to emails and answering calls. It was clear that he would prefer to be elsewhere, but Carol held a great deal of the reins here, and she played her cards right.
The mournful ex-wife.
Timothy had no choice but to make a public appearance to show moral support for his grief-stricken wife.
They truly mastered their roles when it came to their image. Timothy had on a navy blue tailored suit. The accent pieces to his attire complimented Carol’s cream-coloured designer dress, which also had navy blue accents. They looked as if they were going to a social gathering among friends and business acquaintances and less like they were attending a will reading.
Carol’s hair was freshly platinum, and her face had the new glow of a recent facial treatment.
It must be really tough for her, mourning through all her overly pretentious spa treatments! Roz hissed next to Nova. The very words that Nova was bitterly shouting within her broken heart.
“I hate her!”
Nova whispered to Roz, meaning to speak within.
“What?”
Dane, sitting on the bench right next to Nova, looked up. His face was sunken, and his eyes were red and puffy. It was clear Dane was just as deep in mourning as Nova was, yet none of those visual questions could be found on her mother or stepfather.
‘Frauds! Both are perfect for one another!’ Roz rolled her eyes viciously and huffed.
Nova looked at Dane and shook her head silently. Understanding that she didn’t want to talk, he zoned back out again, lost in his thoughts, like she was.
Winston Crane, her father's attorney and long-time friend, stepped outside his office with a stone expression. His eyes softened when they fell upon Nova but quickly masked over with determination and professionalism.
“If everyone would follow me into the office, we could begin the reading.”
His voice carried authority and confidence that Nova wished she could emulate.
After standing up, Dane wrapped his arm around her and led her into the professionally decorated office.
“Nova, Dane,”
Crane called out and gestured to the two seats closest to his desk while he guided Carol and Timothy to the opposite side. After witnessing the blowout at the wake, it was best to keep mother and daughter separated for the time being.
“Alright,”
Crane started after everyone was settled into their assigned seating. “Are we ready to begin with the Will reading of Jonathon Thompson?”
Everyone nodded, and Crane began.
“I know this may be hard for everyone, but I ask you to hold your questions until the end. Is that agreeable?”
Crane asked, and the room nodded. And Crane begins.
“I, Jonathon Thompson, resident in the City of Calgary, Country of Canada, province of Alberta, being of sound mind, not acting under duress or undue influence, and fully understanding the nature and extent of all my property and of this disposition thereof, do hereby make, publish, and declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament, and hereby revoke any and all other wills and codicils heretofore made by me.”
Crane begins to read her father's Will, and Nova reaches out, taking hold and squeezing Dane’s hand for grounding and support.
“I direct that all my debts and expenses of my last illness, funeral and burial be paid as soon after my death as may be reasonably convenient, and I hereby authorize my Personal Representative, hereinafter appointed, to settle and discharge, in his absolute discretion, any claims made against my estate.
I further direct that my Personal Representative shall pay out of my estate any and all estate and inheritance taxes payable by reason of my death in respect of all items included in the computation of such taxes, whether passing under this Will or otherwise. Said taxes shall be paid by my Personal Representative as if such taxes were my debts without recovery of any part of such tax payments from anyone who receives any item included in such computation.”
As Crane reads, the office notes Carol's growing impatience. At this point, she twisted and adjusted her seating position several times, and the reading had only just started. She continued to huff and roll her eyes disrespectfully until Timothy reached out and clamped his hand firmly down on her thigh closest to him. His glare was lethal and telling of his impatience with her.
“May I continue, or would you two prefer to exit the room?”
Crane asked in annoyance.
“No, she is adjusted now and will no longer cause any interruptions.”
Timothy’s underlying threat was clear to Carol and the room. She thinned her lips and glared at Nova as though this was entirely her fault.
Clearing his throat, Crane continues. “I nominate and appoint Winston Crane, of Crane and Crane Law Firm, County of Calgary, province of Alberta, as Personal Representation of my estate, and I request that he be appointed temporary Personal Representative if he applies. If my Personal Representative fails or ceases to serve, I nominate Charles Crane, jr of Crane and Crane Law Firm, County of Calgary, province of Alberta, to serve.”
“Wait, so I can ask someone else to represent the Will if I don’t like your interpretation of it?”
Carol asked, stunning the room.
“What do you mean by that? If you don’t like his interpretation, the reading will remain the same regardless of who reads it.”
Dane responded. He shook his head and gave Nova’s hand a quick squeeze.
“I just meant--”
Carol started.
“Enough!”
Timothy cut her off again and nodded for Crane to continue with the reading.
“Mrs. Carter, what has been stated is true. Regardless of myself or my appointed brother, the Will does not change. These are Jonathon's instructions; there is no interpretation, just black-and-white facts are put down on this legally binding document. I ask that you refrain from further interruptions.”
Crane continued to read, much to Carol's annoyance and impatience, but they were now approaching the section of the Will that she had been waiting for. She was eager to learn what she would gain from the good-for-nothing bastard. She needed the money quickly. Once she learned the value she would receive, she could extend the date that her acquaintances required their payment for the job they finally succeeded at completing.
“I give and devise any interest which I may have in my home, including the real property and improvements located at 642 EVERGREEN TERRACE, owned by me at the time of my death alone with all insurance policies upon my home, to NOVA THOMPSON, MY DAUGHTER per stripes subject to any loans, mortgages, or other encumbrances.
I give and devise any interest which I may have in any other real estate, including the real property and improvements located at JOHNNY’S AUTO, 12 CITY LANE, owned by me at the time of my death, along with the insurance policy upon such real property, to DANE FRANKS, MY SHOP MANAGER, per stripes subject to any loans, mortgages or other encumbrances.
I give all my tangible personal property owned by me at the time of my death, including, without limitation, personal effects, clothing, jewelry, furniture, furnishings, household goods, automobiles and other vehicles, along with all insurance policies upon such tangible personal property to, NOVA THOMPSON, MY DAUGHTER, per stripes to be divided among them as they shall agree, or if they cannot agree within sixty(60) days, or if any of them shall be under the age of eighteen(18) years, as my Executor shall determine.”
Crane paused and gave Nova a small smile. Her reaction showed she didn’t expect to be left with everything besides the business.
“I request that my appointed Personal Representative handle all charities and programs started by me at the time of my death, including the REDUCED AUTO PROGRAM. I leave my business to DANE FRANK in knowledge and understand that he shall continue what we have started together. Financial allowance shall be given for coverage for a term of ten(10) years. My Personal Representative must hereby approve or deny all requests promptly.
I hereby designate that All other financial accountants and funds not associated with JOHNNY’S AUTO be left in a trust for NOVA THOMPSON, MY DAUGHTER, until she reaches the age of eighteen(18). She is to be given a monthly allowance of three(3) thousand dollars. All other financial allowance requests must be approved, denied, and monitored by my assigned Personal Representative. Should adjustments need to be made, I put my Personal Representative as the decider of the increased amount to ensure NOVA THOMPSON can remain financially supported.
To my ex-wife, CAROL CARTER, I leave nothing at this time. Should she prove herself capable of raising NOVA THOMPSON within a healthy and safe environment, I designate the financial support amount of ONE million dollars, to be paid out by my Personal Representative after an investigation has been conducted and reviewed one day after NOVA THOMPSON'S eighteenth(18) birthday.”
Carol pushed into the arms of the chair to stand and lash out, but Timothy sensed this reaction and tightened his vice-like grip on her thigh, causing her to winch in pain.
“In the event that I am the sole parent or guardian of my minor children at the time of my death, I hereby appoint CAROL CARTER as guardian of said minor children, with full authority to act in their best interest. Should CAROL CARTER be unable or unwilling to serve as legal guardian of NOVA THOMPSON, I appoint DANE FRANKS as an alternate guardian, and CAROL CARTER shall receive no financial support upon NOVA THOMPSON'S eighteenth(18) birthday.”
Carol snapped. This was the limit of her patience. She sat there for an hour, waiting to hear what she inherited from the bleeding heart of an ex-husband, and all she gained was the promise of money later and a brat effective immediately. Absolutely not.
“I contest! I want to be another reader of the Will. You have changed things. This was not his Will when we were married. I was left fifty percent of everything in the other Will. I will challenge this!”
Carol shouted.
No one was surprised by her outburst, but one person was clearly embarrassed by it. Timothy stood and glared at his wife with malice and a hint of danger in his eyes. Nova had seen what their marriage was like behind closed doors and was concerned that they would start here, forgetting they were in front of others.
“Sit down, Carol!”
Timothy hissed.
“No, how about I just leave because this is bullshit. Expect to hear from my lawyers!”
She threatened the room and stormed out.
Timothy paused and apologized to the room, making excuses that Carol was emotional over the loss of her ex-husband and that she didn’t know how to express her mournful ways constructively.
Both Nova and Roz rolled their eyes and looked at one another.
“Nova, we will swing by the house and pick you up tomorrow. I apologize for your mother's behaviour; she will remember herself better next time.”
With that, Timothy exited the office and went searching for his wife.
Dane and Nova looked at one another with raised brows. Crane shook his head and continued the Will reading.
"In the event that anything happens to NOVA THOMPSON before she can inherit her trust and all possessions bequeathed to her, I designate all my wealth to the Charities I have listed below."
Crane listed the charities, all started by her father and centered around their church and community. She wasn't surprised. He had already left them a large donation, so it made sense that he would end up leaving them everything if not for her.
Ultimately, upon her eighteenth birthday, everything but the Auto business was left to Nova. Dane was the most deserving of Johnny’s Auto; he was her father's right-hand man and helped develop many of the programs. He trained troubled teens and had a knack for solving situations and problems around the shop with ease. Nova was happy for him. This would be great not only for Dane and his family but also for the community. She knew he would continue her father's legacy of helping those in need.
“Nova, I want you to know if, at any time, you can come to me. I don’t know why your father gave guardianship to that vile woman, but you know that I am here.”
Dane spoke.
“Why did he leave me with Carol?”
Nova asked Crane, causing him to sigh.
“To be honest, I suggested that he not, but he was convinced he needed to give Carol one more chance to be the mother she never was. He figured giving her the promise of money in the end would give her the incentive, but evidently, it would not. You should know he was doing it for you and not Carol. He hated the thought that he could give you anything and everything but a real mother. This was his final attempt. I ask that you try, but as Mr. Franks said, please reach out if you are unsafe or need help. I don’t trust her, but your father asked that we try. No matter what, I am here for you, kiddo.”
Nova hugged Crane. “I know, Uncle Crane. I’ll keep you posted.”
“The monthly allowance is automatically scheduled to be deposited at the beginning of each month. If you need to adjust this amount, please let me know.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“Come on, Nova. I’ll drive you home.”
Dane said, tucked her arm into his large arm, and they exited the law firm. This was a sad moment, but they were relieved that Carol hadn’t received anything.
There was an ominous vibe lingering, however. Nova felt that her mother would challenge her and try to find a way to take the wealth her father worked hard to earn and maintain. Only a greedy woman would battle with a Will for undeserved wealth, and Nova knew her mother was just that type of woman.