A Secret Will?

She found Maya sitting on the floor sorting through a heap of sketches “Where is it? I am sure it was in this stack” She didn't even notice Cassie walk in. 

“I will not help you clean up this mess when you're done” she teased, relieved to see it was just her sister in the apartment.

At that, Maya turned around, the shock in her eyes was quickly replaced by excitement. “Surprise!!!!” She yelled, jumping up to catch Cassie in a bear hug.

Cassie laughed, fighting off the rain of kisses coming from her sister as she spoke “I wasn't expecting you sweetheart. You didn't tell me you were coming to visit” 

“Because you're always home Cassie. And I have good news!” Maya replied her eyes dancing with excitement. Cassie took a good long look at her and knew.

She couldn't stop her smile, her first real smile in months “You got in! You got the scholarship!” She yelled and Maya spun round the room giggling 

“Yes! You always know!” Cassie’s heart was bursting with joy.

“You have been trying to get into the Royal Art Academy for the longest time Maya. It is all you talk about” She remembered the mini van and quickly turned to shut the door. She took a quick glance at the window, hoping to check for the van without alerting her sister. 

“I can finally learn from some of the best teachers in the world. It is my dream come true” Maya was dancing to imaginary music now, going in circles round the room. 

Cassie couldn't help the feeling of dread that rose in the pit of her stomach. She was so happy for her sister but the Royal Art Academy was in New York. Maya was going to be close to home and easily within Frank’s reach.

She tried not to let her true feelings show as she helped Maya sort through her pile of sketches and put them back in a box 

“Can we go to see Dad tomorrow at the cemetery?” Maya suddenly asked. When she saw the silent question in her sister's eyes, she quickly explained “I need to tell him that I made it. I finally got into the Royal Art Academy….and I wish he was here to see it” 

“Of Course. We can go when I am back from work” Cassie replied fighting back the surge of anger that rose in her heart at the mention of her father. 

It has been there since the day she found out that he broke his promise to stop gambling and had put his family in danger by borrowing from the most dangerous loan shark in the city.

Her phone alerted her to a new email. It was from Executive surrogacy “Your documentation has been processed. Kindly present in person to any of our accredited clinics to complete your medical exams”

She will focus now on saving the only family she has left. She watched her sister who was happily looking through one of her sketches. 

Their father had failed them but she would never fail her sister.

*******

“I don't like this. You should marry someone else and have babies the proper way”. Dr. Melissa Scott complained with a sour expression on her face as she sat on a sofa in Zander’s study with a glass of champagne in her hand. 

Zander ignored her. His mother had never supported his relationship with his late wife so he wasn't surprised by her reaction.

“Your duty to this family…..” she started speaking again but Zander interrupted her, his voice as hard as steel

 “My duty to this family includes bearing children and continuing my father's legacy!”

 “Then get married son!” His mom retorted, her face red with anger. 

“You should know better. The process of finding a surrogate has already begun. There is no going back now. You will have to deal with it” Zander replied. 

His mother took one last look at his face and realized that it was a bad idea to push any further.

“Well…..I hope that your legal framework is airtight. This can easily turn into a custody battle in the future if you do not take necessary steps” She replied with a frown. 

Zander laughed. His mother really thought he would be that careless?

“I have it under control mom. Now…..is there any other reason you're in my study on a weekday morning drinking champagne?” He asked staring at the half empty glass with suspicion. But his mother stood and filled her glass up with more champagne. 

“We haven't spoken since I returned from my trip. There's something important we should talk about” she replied.

Zander’s face turned serious. He adjusted on his seat. “Go on”. 

“It is about your role as CEO in the company” she replied as she walked away from his desk towards the windows avoiding his eyes. 

“And what about it?” 

“Your father has a second will that addresses the matter of succession in this company”. She spoke solemnly knowing the news would trigger him. 

Zander sat up straight watching his mother closely. She wasn't joking. 

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that your position may be at risk.” she replied, her eyes filled with concern.

“What!?”

“I don't know the contents of the will or the lawyer in possession of it yet. Your father made sure to keep it a secret from me” She replied taking a long sip of her champagne again. 

Zander was deep in thought. His father's will was read few days after his death and even though no mention was made of the next CEO, it was assumed that he would take over as the first son. But he wasn't exactly surprised to hear of a second will. His father always kept him on his toes.

“He is trying to keep me on my toes even from the grave” Zander mumbled ruffling his hair in annoyance. 

His mother finally turned from the window “Your father has always been that way Zee. I am looking for the lawyer but so is Cameron's mother”

The rivalry between the two women never seemed to end. His mother had divorced his father who went ahead to marry Brenda, Cameron's mother who was also his longtime mistress soon after. 

When Zander met Cameron those years ago and learned that he was just a few years younger, he realized that his father had kept a son hidden from the family and married Brenda the first chance he got. 

The brothers had found a way to get along but their mothers remained in cold war over the years.

“I will look into it mom. But now I have some business to attend to”. He turned to his laptop signaling the end of the conversation.

 His mother gulped down the last of her drink and picked up her fur coat lying on the sofa “You better…I will be on my way. Oh…and make sure to keep me updated on this surrogate madness” 

With that, she exited the room, the sound of her heels on the tiled floor announcing her departure. 

As soon as she left, Zander reached for his phone and dialed a number “It has been a while Stone. I need you to keep an eye on someone for me” 

“Give me a name Zander and I'll be their shadow for as long as you need me to” the voice on the line replied calmly.

“Brenda Scott. Her name is Brenda Scott” he answered.

The line went dead but he didn't call back. Stone got the message loud and clear.