The party had wound down, but my mind was still reeling from everything that had happened. Delphine's anger, Louis' regret, and Christian's warning about my mother's company all circled in my thoughts like an endless storm. But as I made my way toward the exit, something—or rather, someone—stopped me in my tracks.
"Ms. Wilson," a calm voice called.
I turned and found myself face-to-face with a distinguished man in his late forties. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his deep-set eyes held an unreadable expression. I recognized him instantly: Daniel Grimes, the lawyer who had worked with my mother before her passing.
"Mr. Grimes," I greeted, surprised by his presence. "I didn't expect to see you here."
He gave me a measured look. "I was invited, but I came mostly for you. There's something I need to discuss with you—something concerning your mother's estate."
My heartbeat quickened. "Is this about the company?"
"Partially," he admitted. "But it's more than that. I can't discuss details here. I'd prefer we meet at my office. Your birthday is coming up, correct?"
I nodded slowly. "Yes, in two weeks."
"Then let's meet on that day," he suggested. "There are things your mother left behind for you. Important things."
A strange mix of emotions swelled in my chest. My mother had been gone for so long, but the thought that she had left something for me—something that Cassandra didn't know about—sent a flicker of hope through me.
"Alright," I agreed. "I'll be there."
Mr. Grimes nodded. "Good. I'll have everything prepared."
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the thinning crowd. I stood there for a long moment, processing what had just happened.
Deonne's voice cut through my thoughts. "What was that about?"
I turned to find her and Christian watching me with curiosity.
"Mr. Grimes wants to meet with me on my birthday," I explained. "He said my mother left something for me."
Deonne's eyes widened. "That's huge, Elise. What if it's something that can stop Cassandra and Delphine?"
Christian crossed his arms. "If it is, you need to be ready. You know Cassandra won't go down without a fight."
I nodded. "That's why I need to play this smart. I can't let her suspect anything."
Deonne smirked. "Well, if you need a distraction, I'm more than happy to cause some chaos."
Christian chuckled. "You mean like you always do?"
Deonne flipped her hair. "Exactly."
Despite the tension of the night, I couldn't help but smile. My friends were my lifeline, and with them by my side, I knew I wouldn't have to face this alone.
The following two weeks dragged by. I spent most of my days keeping up appearances at home, pretending not to notice the smug way Delphine carried herself or the calculating looks Cassandra gave me. I knew they were plotting something, but I refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing I was onto them.
Instead, I focused on preparing for my meeting with Mr. Grimes. Deonne and Christian helped me research my mother's company, looking into recent board decisions and any suspicious changes Cassandra might have made. What we found was troubling.
"Cassandra has been slowly shifting shares into her name," Christian reported one evening as we sat in my room, laptops open. "She's making sure she has control over the company by the time you turn eighteen."
Deonne scowled. "She's basically trying to push you out before you even get a chance to claim what's yours."
I clenched my fists. "She won't get away with it. Not if Mr. Grimes has something to stop her."
Christian nodded. "Just be careful. If she suspects that you know anything, she might try to act before your birthday."
I met his gaze. "That's why we're not giving her any reason to suspect a thing."
The three of us agreed to keep everything quiet until the meeting. In the meantime, I continued to play the part of the unbothered stepdaughter. I attended social events, smiled at the right people, and even made polite conversation with Cassandra and Delphine over breakfast.
But I was counting down the days.
Finally, the morning of my birthday arrived.
I woke up early, nerves buzzing under my skin. Today was the day I would find out what my mother had left for me. Today was the day everything could change.
I dressed carefully, opting for a sleek navy pantsuit that radiated confidence. If I was going to take control of my own future, I needed to look the part.
As I made my way downstairs, Cassandra and Delphine were already waiting in the dining room. My father was present as well, his expression unreadable.
"Happy birthday, darling," Cassandra said with a strained smile. "Eighteen is such a special age."
"Yes," I agreed, taking a seat. "It certainly is."
Delphine leaned forward, smirking. "So, any big plans today?"
I met her gaze evenly. "Just a quiet day. Nothing extravagant."
Cassandra sipped her tea. "Good. We wouldn't want anything… unexpected to happen."
Her words were casual, but I knew better. She was watching me, waiting for any sign that I knew what she was up to.
I simply smiled. "Of course not."
After a painfully long breakfast, I excused myself and left the estate. My driver took me straight to Mr. Grimes' office in downtown Los Angeles, where he was already waiting.
"Ms. Wilson," he greeted, gesturing for me to sit. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," I said as I settled into the chair across from his desk. "I've been waiting for this meeting."
He nodded. "I imagine you have. Your mother was very thorough in her planning. She made arrangements to ensure that certain things would only be revealed to you on your eighteenth birthday."
He pulled out a thick envelope and slid it across the desk. "Inside, you will find documents regarding your inheritance, as well as a letter from your mother."
My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the envelope. "My inheritance?"
"Your mother's shares in the company," he confirmed. "Which, as of today, belong to you."
A rush of relief and determination filled me. Cassandra had been trying to take everything from me, but my mother had safeguarded my place in the company.
I looked at Mr. Grimes. "Does Cassandra know about this?"
"No," he said. "Your mother ensured that these documents remained private until today. However, I have no doubt that Cassandra will attempt to contest them."
I exhaled slowly. "Then we need to move fast. I won't let her steal what's mine."
Mr. Grimes nodded. "Then let's get to work."
As I opened the envelope and unfolded my mother's letter, I knew one thing for certain: This was just the beginning. Cassandra had played her game well, but now? Now, it was my turn.