Chapter 13: An Act
"Nora and Sara, you understand that neither of you is yet twenty. So, I hadn't expected that you would marry early, and I would have to execute the will quickly. You'll both receive a copy of the will for review and second opinions if desired. For now, I'll explain in simpler terms.
When you turn twenty, one of you will inherit a valuable commercial property situated in a prime location, generating substantial rental income. The other will inherit a property with comparatively modest value. However, the prerequisite for this inheritance is marriage. Even then, you'll only receive rental income from these properties. To gain full control, you must remain married for three years."
"Now, there were other conditions that would have applied if you weren't married, but they are now irrelevant. So we come to the second part. Whoever marries first will have the first right to inherit the lucrative property, while the other will receive the rural property."
As William Doughby finished reading the will, silence filled the office. Sara appeared ecstatic at the prospect of inheriting the property with lucrative income, and Lara seemed content. Everything had turned out for the better. In fact, she couldn't have hoped for a better outcome.
"Is there any way to contest the conditions of the will, Grandpa Doughby?" Nora asked quietly.
William opened his mouth to clarify, but Lara beat him to it as she snorted, "What? Now you're going to fight your family for money? So what if your younger sister inherits the city property? If you ever need support, you can always turn to her. Why bring disgrace to the family name and my parents?"
William sighed and shook his head as he said, "There's no way to challenge this. If a will like this were made today, it would, of course, be invalid. But this one was made almost eighteen years ago. And I personally drafted it, so I can assure you it's watertight. Certain parts of it can be disputed, but if you're wondering whether it can be overturned, the answer is no."
"And there's no need to challenge it. My parents are already long gone. I don't want them turning in their graves at the thought of their granddaughters fighting for their money!" Lara interjected.
William Doughby nodded and smiled at Lara for the first time, complimenting, "Good. Your parents would be proud of you, Lara."
Lara Anderson smiled thinly at the man and cleared her throat. "Since Nora isn't yet twenty or married, only Sara can claim her right for now. Nora, sweetheart, you can leave. We'll come back here next year for you. Uncle William, let's sign the execution papers; she can at least start receiving the rent money. It would be a good wedding gift for Sara and Antonio, even though Antonio is well off..."