Page 41 of Executive Decision

“Derrick Carlise-Delphine, David Delphine left you 15 family shares and 280 million dollars in a living trust. He also left you his King Air and Piper Cub.”

“Oh shit, really?”

“Planes? You’re currently getting shot at, and you still want planes?” Lanie rolled her eyes. “Pilots are fucked in the head.”

“You wouldn’t understand, Lanie,” Derrick said. “That’s fucking amazing. Thanks, man.”

That was simple. All of this seemed painless. If we each got 15 shares, that would amount to 90 shares total. I figured Davey would get the extra ten added to his total for 25 family shares. That would work.

“Now, I have placed what you were allotted in these remaining envelopes for the rest of you. Anyone with concerns may ask to see a copy of the will in its entirety. This was the way Mr. Delphine wished for. Now, Mrs. Carlisle-Delphine, here is your envelope. There should be no surprises.”

“Let’s wait to open them until they’re all out,” Dora said sweetly. “Well, minus you, Mum.”

Mum opened the seal on her envelope. I watched her go over it as Patrick passed out the remaining allotments. He handed Davey his, then mine. Last was Dora—all in order now. We popped the seals on ours and began to read.

To my daughter, Daphne Eugenia Carlisle-Delphine Walker, I leave 350 million dollars in a trust and 25 family shares of Delphine Holdings. I also leave you the cabin in Boyne, Michigan.

I sat the document down.

350 million dollars. It was an unimaginable amount—even more significant than the inheritance from my grandfather or my trust fund before it vested. The question now was if I would have to split it with Chandler.

“I’m sorry to ask this, but… does it stay there? Can it go in the divorce?”

“I would encourage you to leave it in the trust for now,” Patrick said. “Your father… was a bright man. He wanted to ensure you were safe. The trust was put together to not vest for two more years. There are two small payments between now and then you could take. If you take all of the money out now, there is a withdrawal penalty.”

I beamed, relief washing over me.Thank you, Daddy. I wasn’t sure how everyone knew Chandler was a snake exceptme, but I was grateful for my father’s attention to detail.

“Three hundred million dollars,” Dora scoffed, turning to Mum as she sat in the corner by the window. “Mummy, this cannot be real!”

“Can I see the document?” Davey asked.

“Yes,” Patrick agreed, handing over the entire will.

I looked across the table at Lanie. Tears in her eyes, she looked down at the parchment. She, too, was in disbelief.

“I cannot accept this, Mum,” Dora said.

Mum shook her head. “Dora, it is set aside until you are thirty. You will have plenty of time?—”

“God fucking damn it!” Davey stood.

He paced back and forth, hands balled in tight fists. I turned, confused. Davey stopped and pointed. “You! What did you say to him?”

“To who?” I asked.

“Dad! What the fuck did you?—”

“I didn’t say anything to Dad, Davey.”

“You got 300 mill and a quarter of the family shares. Mum, do you have family shares?”

“Your father decided that you all would split the shares.”

“Why doyouhave more shares? I’m the CEO. I?—”

“I didn’t say anything, David.” My head reeled.What did he mean?

“Mum, tell me Dad was wrong! Tell me I am reading this wrong. Daphne did nothing but marry the wrong man and come home with her tail between her legs when she couldn’t make it work.”

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