Chapter 3| Assumptions

Brandon’s POV:

I am Aunt Meredith’s only family and I have high hopes for myself. My Aunt is a complicated person. She married three times and her wealth came from all the marriages that did not give her any children. To this day, she’s Meredith Walton. Her last marriage was lucrative.

She was a Pembroke and wealthy in her own right before she married all the ridiculously wealthy men. Until this day, I had no idea how a woman who doesn't have an active social life managed to ensnare three of America's wealthiest. Aunt Meredith's conviction wasn't even disclosed to the public eye. Because she's freakishly wealthy and had connections everywhere---people assumed she was just chilling in one of her many properties in the tropics when, in fact, she was serving time in Bedford Women's Correctional.

Her life was pretty scandalous too. But that’s beside the point. My main concern here is who takes over all her assets. Harvey Brown’s secretary smiled at me when I walked into his elegant office. I suspect that my Aunt paid for almost everything he had there.

Her name was Mary, Harvey's assistant and by looking at the beautiful lady who takes care of the famous lawyer's day-to-day activities, I knew Harvey was just like me. A mere mortal who has women as one of his weaknesses. Men like that are more pliable. I've been in the hotelier business since I was a teen, and I've seen my fair share of married men with a taste for younger women like Mary over there.

The door opened and Harvey walked in. His surprise was quickly masked with professionalism. “I did not expect to see you here, Brandon. I hope Mary made you comfortable while waiting for me.”

I smiled, “It was okay. She's helpful.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“I want to see Aunt Meredith’s will. I’d like to know what she left for me.” I was bold. I knew she must’ve left something for me. I was her favorite nephew because I was the only one. Though our relationship was limited to a certain level, I was her flesh and blood.

Harvey sat down while I remained standing. He gave me an assessing glance and I didn’t like the way his smile turned into a smirk. He’s a good lawyer and his reputation precedes him---that’s why Aunt Meredith did everything to get Harvey as her lawyer and will executioner.

“Hmm, to be honest, I was about to call you after today, but I was tied up doing something else.”

“Like what, Harvey?” I probed.

“Like arrangements for you and the heiress to Meredith’s business empire.”

“Come again?” My brows furrowed. “Did you say h-heiress? I did not know Aunt Meredith had a daughter. When did this happen? How did this daughter slip my knowledge? All these years and she managed to keep her away from everyone? What kind of mother does that? Who...who's the father, if I may ask?" I was talking rapidly as I realized my chances instantly went down.

The respected lawyer chuckled. “Ah, see? You don’t know Meredith. She’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’ll get unless you pop it in your mouth.”

I smirked. “Yes, and like a box of chocolates, she’s nuts.”

“How dare you say that to someone who supported you all your life, Brandon?” He chastised me. “Meredith has always been gracious and generous to you.”

I composed myself. “Do I get anything?”

“Yes,” Harvey chuckled, his tone sarcastic. “But at a price. Meredith’s heiress does not know anything about running a business. Olivia doesn’t even know Meredith is ultra-rich when they met----”

“Whoa! Stop there, you mean to say that this heiress, Olivia, is not related to us by blood?”

“No, not by a long shot.”

“And Aunt Meredith gave everything to her?” I felt bile rising along with anger and frustration. My own flesh and blood choosing a stranger over me is not just an insult, but a complete humiliation! I will be New York’s laughingstock for decades until they find another gist for the mill!

Mary, Harvey’s efficient secretary, walks in with a navy blue folder with Aunt Meredith’s personal logo. I instantly knew that it was her will. The urge to snatch it from their hands was irresistible.

“To answer your question, yes. And you, Brandon Pembroke, will make sure she’s ready for a take-over. Only then will your inheritance be given to you. If you worry about your living conditions while you are still training her, Meredith allocated funds for your monthly expenses courtesy of this office.”

My fingers trembled and curled into a ball. “Aunt Meredith wants me to baby sit. Is that what you’re saying?”

Harvey smiled from ear to ear. The bastard didn’t like me since the day he laid his eyes on me. “That’s correct, Brandon. Liv is a wonderful lady, you’d get along well.”

After that meeting, I went to my girlfriend’s house and complained. I think I threw her lampshade against the wall and broke several wine glasses. I was fortunate that my girlfriend for two years, lived on a floor where tenants were scarce. I am paying for her apartment, so, there's nothing she could actually do to stop me. Alice and I have big plans once I inherit everything. After complaining, s*x was always a good option to let it all out. And that’s what we did until I was calm.

“It’s okay, baby…” she stroked my chest hair and planted kisses on my temple. She knows how to please me, physically and emotionally. “You know there will always be other options.”

I scoffed, “like what?”

“Marry the b*tch.”