I Inherited Trillions, Now What?

Chapter 3 Inheritance III

Mr. Baldwin, a man of impressive professionalism and precision, stepped forward. He was at least 60 years old but carried himself with the vigor of someone younger. His gold-trimmed glasses gleamed under the chandelier's light, and his black suit was impeccably tailored, a testament to his attention to detail. He adjusted his glasses and opened the document containing Cassius Blackwell's will, the faint rustle of paper amplifying the room's heavy silence.

"Mr. Cassius didn't leave any letter behind," Baldwin began, his voice steady and firm. "So, I'll get straight to the will."@@@@

He glanced at the assembled family and associates, his expression unreadable. "To my lovely ex-wife, Elisabeth Usher, I bequeath my 12-bedroom, 15-bathroom Hampton estate, including all its amenities, valued at $75 million, Additionally, I leave her my entire art collection, valued at $289 million, and my car collection, which she appreciated as much as I did, valued at $4 billion."

All eyes turned to Elisabeth Usher, Alexander's mother. Wearing a black gown that accentuated her blonde hair and striking blue eyes, she sat composed, but her sorrow was evident. Silent tears slid down her cheeks as she recalled the times she and Cassius had spent together—their shared love for vintage cars, the excitement of purchasing the Hampton house, and the memories they'd created within its walls. Her daughter, Stephanie Riverplate, leaned over to console her mother, gently patting her hand as Elisabeth wiped her tears with a tissue.

Baldwin cleared his throat, continuing, "To my brother Richmond, I leave nothing. I've already given you 2% of my company. Be satisfied."

Richmond, seated casually with a glass of whiskey in hand, laughed aloud, his voice rich with amusement. Nearly identical to Cassius, with the same black hair, piercing black eyes, and sharp facial structure, he smirked. "That's big brother for you," he said, drawing a few chuckles from the room.

Baldwin moved on without acknowledging Richmond's reaction. "To my granddaughter, Caroline Blackwell, I leave my $1 billion mega-yacht, which she adores, and my private plane, valued at $300 million. I also leave her my Panama account, placed in a trust, accessible when she turns 18, containing $2.8 billion."

Alexander gave a small nod, his expression unreadable but his approval clear.

Baldwin continued, "To my faithful butler and friend, Sebastian, I leave a trust containing $500 million for him and his family. This is a token of my gratitude for his unwavering loyalty over the years."

Sebastian, standing quietly to the side, offered a faint smile and lowered his head in silent acknowledgment.

"To my daughter Stephanie, despite our differences, I leave my Swiss account containing $18 billion and my real estate company, valued at $48 billion," Baldwin read, his tone even.

Stephanie opened her mouth to retort but was silenced by a look from David. With a frustrated sigh, she sank back into her seat, glaring daggers at her brother.

Caroline, still nestled in her grandmother's arms, whispered, "Why is everyone so angry? Grandpa wouldn't want this."

Elisabeth stroked her granddaughter's hair gently. "You're right, darling. He wouldn't."

Richmond snickered saying "Yeah right" Earning a sharp look from Elisabeth

Mr. Baldwin, who had remained silent during the outburst, cleared his throat. "If there are no further questions or comments, I will take my leave. The full details of the will can be reviewed by the family's legal representatives at their convenience."

He closed the document and placed it back in his briefcase with practiced efficiency. "Mr. Blackwell's wishes were clear. I trust that you will honor them accordingly."

The room remained tense as Baldwin exited, his footsteps echoing down the marble hallway. The remaining family members sat in uneasy silence, the weight of the inheritance dividing them even as it bound them together. Outside, the soft hum of the estate's fountain was the only sound, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within.

Alexander rose first, his movements deliberate and controlled. "I'll be in my study if anyone needs me," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for a response, he strode out, his long coat billowing slightly behind him.

Stephanie watched him go, her hands clenched into fists. David placed a calming hand on her shoulder, but she shook it off, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "This isn't over," she muttered under her breath.

Elisabeth, still holding Caroline, sighed deeply. "It never is," she said softly, her voice heavy with resignation. She kissed the top of her granddaughter's head and whispered, "Come, let's go somewhere quieter."

Caroline nodded, wiping her eyes, and followed her grandmother out of the room. The remaining family members dispersed slowly, each retreating to their respective rooms in the massive mansion