Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
The silence that stretched out between us was thick and suffocating. I watched the grandfather clock in the dining room, which was where I’d spoken with Henry about all of this. My father’s study—where even more of my life had been turned upside down in the last twenty-four hours—was the last place I wanted to conduct this.
And then the image of Hades slammed into my mind.
I closed my eyes and breathed out as that familiar chill raced along my arms. He’d been like a ghost in my life. His presence was very much felt, yet completely unseen.
Henry pulled his shoulders back. I focused on him once more, holding my breath for what he was about to say.
I started rubbing my hands together, and suddenly, my nerves were so high I was almost licking the ceiling. “So, what’s the verdict?” I offered a tight smile.
“It’s all legal.” His brows lowered. “I’ll be honest.” He took his tortoise shell glasses off and rubbed his eyes before slipping them back on. “I’m not sure how any of this is legal, but Judge Martin Wilcox signed it.”
I made a note to search for who this judge was when I was alone.
I closed my eyes and cleared my mind. “So I really have nothing? No home, not even a penny until my twenty-first birthday?” I opened my eyes and stared at Henry. “If my father had nothing and was in debt, where did the inheritance come from?”
“I’m sorry.” Henry gave me an empathetic smile. “It’s true your father had secured a substantial amount of debt. But Hades was correct that your mother had sequestered away funds and put them in an account that only you can access.”
I nodded, unable to speak as I listened and let it all sink in.
“So as far as all of your father’s properties and personal possessions…” He let those words hang between us. “All will be liquidated.”
“What about his portion of the business he shares with my grandfather and uncle?”
Henry shook his head. “There are safety nets in place for enterprises as large as Cronus to protect it. And your father’s share of it reverted to your grandfather.” He watched me, his glasses sliding a fraction along the bridge of his nose.
I looked down at my hands, which I’d curled into fists tight enough the pain of my nails made itself known. “What am I supposed to do?” I looked up at Henry.
I didn’t know him, aside from the few times he’d come to the house to discuss things with my father. But right now, he was the only friendly face in my life.
“Where am I supposed to live?” I refused to acknowledge the part of the legal forms about me being given to Hades.
The silence in the office was heavy. It was hot and stifling, and I couldn’t breathe suddenly. My chest started rising and flailing frantically. I tried to get some much-needed oxygen into my lungs.
The room spun although I was sitting, and I clenched my hands around the armrests, my palms sweaty and sliding on the smooth wood.
“How did my father lose all his money?” My voice sounded like it echoed in my ears, but I was proud of myself for not shaking and keeping my composure. As much as I could, anyway.
I felt the rush of adrenaline moving through my veins, my throat tightening, my pulse racing. It would be so easy to just break down. How was someone supposed to be strong in the face of death?
“Those aren’t things you need to worry about. Just know that although things look bleak right now, Mr. Cronus has offered you a solution.”
I didn’t like the tone of Henry’s voice, as if he just expected me to give in so easily. Maybe he saw my expression change and those thoughts filter across my expression because he exhaled wearily and clasped his hands on top of the table.
“You’ll be taken care of. And that’s what your parents would’ve wanted. They wouldn’t have wanted you to suffer. It’s why your mother set up the trust.” He gave me a small but genuine smile. “I’m sure if they knew things would’ve ended so quickly for them, they would’ve had different safety nets in place. But as it is, these are your options, Persephone. And as your father’s attorney and your advisor, I would strongly suggest you consider taking them.”
With a tight, sympathetic smile, Henry promptly left, and I sat there at the dining room table, just staring at the paperwork. He’d spread them out and highlighted the parts I was to sign. Although he’d gone through every sheet, making sure I understood every single point written, I was still so very confused.
I picked up the pen, the weight of it substantial. It had been the one my father used the most. With his name engraved in gold, it looked more like a piece of art than an instrument for writing.