THE MORE, THE ANGRIER

Kyle stood up, his voice calm and authoritative. "Okay, that's enough," he said. "We're not going to resolve anything by fighting and arguing."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Kyle. Victoria looked angry and hurt, while Rachel looked determined and defiant. Vivian and Malcolm looked at each other uncertainly.

"I think we need to take a step back and try to find some common ground," Kyle said. "We all want what's best for the family and the company. Let's try to work together to figure out what that is."

Victoria crossed her arms, still looking angry. "Fine," she said. "But I'm not making any promises."

Rachel nodded in agreement. "I'm willing to listen and work together."

Vivian and Malcolm nodded as well, and the tension in the room began to dissipate.

"Okay," Kyle said. "Let's start by discussing the company's future. What do we want to achieve, and how can we work together to make it happen?"

Victoria smiled, a confident glint in her eye. "I'm not worried about the company's future," she said. "Because I know I'm the obvious choice to inherit Ethan's estate. After all, I'm his wife."

Kyle's eyes narrowed slightly. "That doesn't necessarily mean you'll inherit everything," he said.

Victoria laughed, a dismissive sound. "Oh, come on," she said. "I'm his spouse. I'm the one who's been by his side all these years. It's only natural that I should inherit his properties and assets."

Rachel frowned, looking concerned. "But what about the rest of us?" she asked. "Don't we have a claim to the inheritance as well?"

Victoria shrugged. "I'm not worried about that," she said. "I'm Ethan's wife. I'm the one who's entitled to his estate."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, her expression uninterested. "I don't really care about the company's future," she said. "I just want my share of the inheritance."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Victoria. Kyle felt a surge of disappointment, but he tried to remain neutral.

"I understand that you're entitled to a share of the inheritance, Victoria," Kyle said. "But the company is a complex entity with many stakeholders. We need to make decisions that will benefit everyone involved."

Victoria shrugged. "I don't care about the stakeholders. I just want my money."

Rachel frowned, looking disapproving. "Victoria, that's not very thoughtful. The company provides livelihoods for many people."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Spare me the lecture, Rachel. I'm only looking out for myself."

The tension in the room increased, with everyone looking uncomfortable. Kyle tried to think of a way to refocus the conversation.

Malcolm spoke up, his voice firm. "We'll see about that, Victoria. Ethan's will could say anything. We don't know what his wishes were."

Victoria's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I'm sure Ethan would have wanted me to have everything," she said. "We were married, after all. It's only right that I should inherit his estate."

Kyle shook his head. "We can't assume anything, Victoria. We need to wait and see what the will says."

Victoria's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "Fine," she said. "We'll wait and see. But I'm confident that I'll be the one inheriting Ethan's estate."

The tension in the room was palpable, with everyone waiting to see what would happen next.

Sophia's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even. "You know, Victoria, it's interesting that you're so confident about inheriting Ethan's estate. Almost as if you knew something the rest of us don't."

Victoria's eyes flashed with anger, her face reddening. "What are you insinuating, Sophia?" she spat.

Malcolm's smile was cold and calculated. "Oh, just that it's convenient that Ethan died so suddenly. And that you're the one who stands to gain the most from his death."he said, interrupting Sophia's response.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Victoria. Her face was white with rage, and for a moment, Kyle thought she might lash out physically.

Then, with a sudden movement, Victoria stood up and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The room fell silent, with all eyes turning to the door. Kyle let out a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. The tension in the room had been palpable, and Victoria's departure had eased it somewhat.

Rachel spoke up, her voice soft. "Well, I think that went about as well as could be expected."

Malcolm nodded in agreement. "Yes, Victoria's not exactly known for her calm demeanor."

Vivian stood up, her eyes sparkling with pity. "I think you went too far with such an accusation ."Well someone had to say it" said Sophia. 

Kyle stood up, his eyes fixed on the door that Victoria had just slammed shut. "I think we should take a break," he said. "This conversation is getting out of hand."

Rachel nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's calm down and regroup later."

Malcolm shrugged. "I'm just glad she's gone. She's been a thorn in our sides for far too long."

Vivian nodded in agreement. "I don't know how Ethan put up with her for so long."

"I think he felt sorry for her," Sophia said. "She played the victim card really well."

Malcolm snorted. "Victim? Ha! She's a manipulator, through and through."

Kyle sighed. "Well, whatever she is, we need to focus on the future now. We'll have to wait and see what the will says."

"I just hope she doesn't get everything," Vivian said. "That would be a travesty."

Rachel nodded. "Me too. Let's just hope that Ethan's wishes are respected."

The group fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. Kyle wondered what the future held for them, and whether they would be able to put their differences aside and work together.

As they began to file out of the room, Kyle felt a sense of unease. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to see it through. would be a pivotal moment, and he wondered what secrets it might reveal.

Malcolm's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even. "You know, Victoria, it's interesting that you're so confident about inheriting Ethan's estate. Almost as if you knew something the rest of us don't."

Victoria's eyes flashed with anger, her face reddening. "What are you insinuating, Malcolm?" she spat.

Malcolm's smile was cold and calculated. "Oh, it's just convenient that Ethan died so suddenly. And that you're the one who stands to gain the most from his death."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Victoria. Her face was white with rage, and for a moment, Kyle thought she might lash out physically.

Then, with a sudden movement, Victoria stood up and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The room was silent for a moment, before Rachel spoke up. "Malcolm, that was uncalled for."

Malcolm shrugged. "Someone had to say it."

Rachel fell into step beside him, her voice low. "Kyle, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Kyle nodded, and they stepped aside, out of earshot of the others.

"What's up?" Kyle asked.

Rachel hesitated, her eyes darting around the hallway. "I don't trust Victoria," she said. "I think she's hiding something."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

Rachel leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've seen her arguing with Ethan several times before he died. And she's been acting really strange, even for her."

Kyle's eyes narrowed." We need to be careful. We don't want to accuse her of anything without proof,"he said.

Rachel nodded, her eyes serious. "I know. But I have a feeling that something is off."

As they stood there, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Victoria appeared, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Tomorrow is the reading of the will," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "We'll see what Ethan has left us."

Kyle's eyes locked onto Victoria's, a se

nse of foreboding settling in the pit of his stomach. Little did he know, a shocking revelation was about to upend everything…