Chapter 45: Inheritance Case

At the Marriott

The pair rushed to the hotel. Daisy wanted a two-bedroom suite, but Luke insisted it was unnecessary.

"The bedrooms are too far apart," he reasoned. "It would be hard to protect you if something happened."

Daisy saw his point and booked a one-bedroom suite. With the living room close to the bedroom, Luke would notice any intruders immediately.

"Isn't a double room nice?" Luke thought but kept it to himself. He knew Daisy was no fool—she was a sharp lawyer, not some clueless girl.

As he settled on the sofa, accepting he'd be sleeping there, Daisy removed her coat, revealing her figure. "Luke, thank you for being here. I don't know what I'd do without you. I could have been under surveillance without even realizing it. It's terrifying."

"Relax, I'll protect you. My colleagues are investigating, and we'll find clues soon." Luke hugged her, offering comfort.

"Will you have a drink with me?" Daisy asked, retrieving a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

"Cheers to you," she said, raising her glass.

"Cheers," Luke replied, watching as Daisy downed her drink in one gulp.

"Drink slowly," he advised. "The night is long, and I have to keep watch."

Ignoring him, Daisy poured another glass. "I just want to forget tonight. Someone sneaked into my house to install surveillance. It's scarier than being robbed."

"Do you have any suspects?"

"I've thought about it. My life is pretty straightforward—work, home, and the occasional bar visit. No personal grudges, so it's likely related to my work."

"Can you tell me about your current cases?"

"I shouldn't, but I'll tell you. Can you help me analyze?"

"Of course," Luke smiled.

"I have three cases—two divorces and one will. Which one do you think is connected?"

"The will case," Luke suggested.

Daisy nodded. "A year ago, a client entrusted me with their will. There's a written will, which I have, and an electronic will in which they distribute their estate on video. The client is in a coma now, and their family found the video. I suspect someone wants to steal the written will from me."

"But if they know the contents from the video, why steal the written will?" Luke asked.

"California doesn't recognize oral or video wills. Only written ones are valid. The will I have is handwritten by the client, making it even more critical."

"What if it's stolen or destroyed?"

"The estate would then be inherited according to California law."

"And how much is the estate worth?"

"Several million dollars."

"That's a lot of money. No wonder the will is so important."

"Yes, it's only after you pointed it out that I connected it to this case."

Luke pieced it together. "Someone tried to steal the will from your office, attacked you, and installed surveillance at your home. It all makes sense."

"If it weren't for you, I'd be lost," Daisy admitted.

"I'm always here for you," Luke reassured, holding her hand.

The two sat closer, and Luke, drawn by her charm, kissed Daisy. She was taken aback but soon relaxed under his embrace. Just as the atmosphere grew intense, a phone buzzed.

Daisy pulled away, blushing. "I need to take this."

She answered the call, leaving Luke cursing under his breath. "It's the divorce client," she explained after hanging up.

"Forget about work," Luke said, moving in for another kiss, but Daisy stopped him.

"You're right, it's late. I have a lot to handle tomorrow."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" he offered.

"No, not tonight. I'm still shaken up. Can I have some time?"

Disappointed, Luke asked, "Where does your divorce client live?"

"Why?"

"I want to teach him a lesson."

Daisy chuckled, kissed his cheek, and said goodnight.

"If you get scared, call me."

Luke watched her retreat, then drained his wine. Progress had been made, even if it's only a little. He lay back on the sofa, reflecting on his luck compared to his colleagues, who were probably still working.

"Ah-choo!" He sneezed, thinking it's probably his mother or a friend talking behind his back. Remembering he hadn't checked in, he texted his mom, "I'm not coming home tonight."

"Found a new place?"

"No, I love you guys, I won't move."

"Then come back immediately."

"I have a mission."

"You didn't look like you were on a mission this afternoon. Are you with a woman?"

"No."

"That lawyer girlfriend?"

"I said no."

His phone rang with his mom's video call. He ignored it.

"I knew it," she texted.

Luke tossed his phone aside, too tired to respond.