READING ELLIOT'S WILL2.

"Yes, I'm ready," Ruby said, trying to sound calm.

The room began to fill with family members, each taking their place with mixed feelings of curious expressions.

Rose walked in, composed and confident, greeting Mr. Thompson, whose face lit up at her presence.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson.", she said warmly.

"Good afternoon, Rose. You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you,".

"And still a bit shy around me? Come give your uncle a hug.", he teased, his eyes twinkling.

Rose approached him confidently, embracing him with warmth that filled the room. "I'm sure your dad would be proud of the woman you've become," he said glancing at her with genuine admiration.

She nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and pride.

"You look a lot like your mother," he remarked, glancing at Ruby, who watched silently without saying a word.

"Oh, don't tell me you're still playing the strict mother," he teased Ruby, who turned her face away, with a hint of pride evident in her posture.

Thompson was aware of Ruby's cold demeanor toward Rose. He didn't know why she acted this way but guessed it was tied to the complications she faced during Rose's birth, which left her unable to have more children.

Suddenly, Thompson seemed to remember something important. Holding Rose's hand, he asked, "So, are you going to be wedded anytime soon?"

Rose pulled her hand away, slightly irritated. "I'm only 25; it's too early for that."

"It's never too early to love! Your parents found love at a young age; what's stopping you?", his probing felt intrusive.

Rose felt he was being overly nosy. He noticed her discomfort; it was clear she wasn't ready for marriage. Surprised, he turned to Ruby, who a erred her gaze. "Didn't your mother tell you?"

Rose's eyes widened in surprise, an unsettling feeling creeping in as she wondered-"what could her mother have kept from her?".

As she took her seat, she glanced at her mother, searching for answers.

Just then, Granny Goldie entered the room, accompanied by Dorris. "Tom!!!", she called out, her voice calm and welcoming.

Thompson smiled; she was the only one who called him Tom instead of Thompson, or George, his first name. They embraced, and Granny whispered jokingly, loud enough for others to hear. "Do you mind sharing your secret for looking younger?"

Thompson laughed. "Granny, you're still the funniest and most energetic woman I know. It's great to see you again."

"Have you been offered anything?", Granny asked, very much concerned.

"I'm fine, let's just begin with the will".

"Okay, you can begin the reading," Granny announced, settling onto the sofa beside Rose.

Mr. Thompson sensed the tension in the room. Everyone was eager to hear the will.

He sat down, cleared his throat, and opened an envelope and pulled out several documents, containing late Mr. Elliott's will.

"I am honored to read the last will and testament of a brother, son, father, and husband, Elliot Goldie."

The atmosphere grew tense, and all eyes were on him as he began to read.

"I, Elliot Goldie, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament."

"According to Article III," he continued, "To my beloved daughter, Rose Goldie, I leave the majority of my shares in Goldie's Enterprises and all its subsidiaries, with the condition that you must be married within three years of my passing in order to assume control of the company."

A hush fell over the room. Rose felt her breath catch, her heart racing in confusion. She exchanged glances with Ruby, who seemed unsurprised.

"Married? In three years?" Rose whispered, her brow furrowing.

Mr. Thompson continued, "Should you choose not to marry within that time, the shares will be transferred to a trust managed by your mother, Mrs. Ruby Goldie, until she feels you are fit to handle it."

Rose's mind raced. She thought of Vince, their plans, and her father's overwhelming expectations. Confusion washed over her as she processed his words. She realized this was why Mr. Thompson had inquired about her relationship status earlier. Her mother must have known about this condition.

"I don't understand," Rose said softly. "Why would my father impose such a condition on my future?"

Mr. Thompson leaned forward. "Your father believed marriage would bring stability and support in running the business. He wanted you to have a partner who would stand by you."

Granny, who had been quiet, held Rose's hand. "Your father thought this would be best for you, dear."

Dorris, the housekeeper, couldn't help but interject, "How quaint. As if love can be dictated by a will." Granny shot her a warning glance.

Rose felt uneasy. She turned to Ruby, who had remained silent. "You knew all about this but didn't tell me! I know you did it for selfish reasons."

Ruby ignored her and said to Thompson, "Please continue."

Turning back to Rose, Mr. Thompson added, "There's more. To Rose, I leave the family estate."

He continued, "To my wife, I leave my personal belongings and a monthly allowance of $10,000 for the remainder of her life. My dear Ruby, you have been the heart of our family. Your strength and love inspire us all. May this home continue to be filled with joy and warmth."

Ruby's eyes were clouded, touched by her late husband's words. "He always knew how to uplift me," she whispered to herself.

"And to my mother, I am grateful for all you've done in my life. I leave a sum to ensure her comfort and happiness, hoping she will continue to guide this family with her wisdom and love," Mr. Thompson added, looking at Granny.

Granny Goldie smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Your father knew how much I care for this family."

Rose felt a swirl of emotions inside her. While she appreciated her father's intentions, the weight of his conditions left her bewildered. "I just want to honor his memory and do what's best for the company," she said, looking at Granny for support.

"You will, sweetheart," Granny replied, squeezing her hand. "We'll navigate this together."

"So, if I'm not married within three years, you'll take over?" Rose asked, glancing at her mother.

"Yes," Ruby confirmed, pride evident in her voice. "It's almost three years now. Accept that I will manage the corporation and everything else."

Rose thought to herself--she wasn't gonna let her mother win. She felt a small sense of relief amidst the daunting path ahead.She knew she had choices to make. She would honor her father's wishes on her own terms, even if it meant getting married soon.

"I'll think about it," she finally said, her voice steady.

Turning to Mr. Thompson, a newfound confidence bloosomed in her tone, she added, "Mr. Thompson, you'll be getting a wedding invitation soon."

Ruby's jaw dropped in disbelief, by her words but remained silent. Thompson was also surprised, realizing that Rose hadn't known about the condition, yet she was now admitting to preparations for a wedding.