Chapter 9: The Legacy Unveiled

The lawyer's voice echoed through the solemn room, his tone clear and professional as he read Mary's will. James sat with his arms crossed, eyes heavy, expression unreadable. George, pale and weak, leaned against his grandmother Lucia. John sat beside them, his jaw clenched.

"…all personal investments made under the separate financial portfolio of Mrs. Mary Green, including all property and stock acquired post-marriage, are to be inherited solely by her son, George Green. All assets were legally acquired and maintained under a prenuptial agreement."

James's eyes narrowed. Stocks? Real estate? His heart sank further with each word. SilverCity's rising skyline, filled with buildings he had driven past countless times, now bore Mary's quiet mark. Unknown to him, she had built an empire beneath his nose.

"The jewelry gifted by Mr. James Green remains in his possession," the lawyer continued. "However, all family heirlooms, artworks acquired through Mary's dowry, and her private art collection shall pass to George."

James remained standing, frozen. It wasn't the money that mattered—he had more than enough, a fortune built over the years as the CEO of a powerful film production company. No, it wasn't the loss of wealth that struck him.

It was the truth.

Mary had outmaneuvered him. Silently. Carefully. While he flaunted his power, his mistress, his perfect image, Mary had been building a world where he held no place, no influence. A legacy that was entirely hers, and now belonged to the son he barely knew.

She never screamed. Never begged for justice. But in death, Mary had won.

George was protected. Inherited something pure—something just between mother and son.

James slowly sat down again, this time not in arrogance, but as if burdened by a weight he had never felt before. It wasn't about the fortune.

It was about the woman he never truly knew.