The things I realized during the reading of the first will are...
First, they became complacent with the will. Complacent about Riven becoming Chairman and CEO as if he poses no problem for them.
Second, complacent that no matter who follows Riven in becoming the chairman, they could use another rule of the Kingsley Family.
Other than the rule of the next direct kin becoming the temporary chairman, the other rule was that the board of directors could vote to replace him or her.
They did not bother with this rule towards Riven. I can say that they have planned his death all along.
Who else could have poisoned him other than these snakes and those in the company?
But their plans must have been disrupted by the last line they hadn't bothered listening to.
I started tapping my finger against my cup as I thought about this.
Riven had already compiled a lot of information. I just needed to dig a bit more to find the rest of those whose blood I would shed.
"As for the will that Riven Kingsley left behind, " the lawyer continued, pulling out the second will.
I saw Richard clenching his hand into a fist, his jaw tightening.
My lips slightly curled up.
Watching their smug looks crumble as the will was read felt so satisfying.
One by one, they turned to me.
I did not look at them and continued drinking my coffee.
But it does not taste that good. I want to go back now and use my coffee equipment.
"That's all," the lawyer finished.
"This is the reason why this is just a copy. The original is with Sir Patrick Sinclair. This copy will be left in your hands."
He handed the envelope to Richard, who begrudgingly accepted it.
"I... I suppose I should thank Sir Patrick for your benevolence."
"No need," Patrick replied, rubbing his ring.
"I am only returning a favor I owe Jayden Kingsley."
Richard forced a smile before turning to me.
"Lilith... you... don't look shocked. Were you already aware of this?" he carefully asked.
His tone has a tinge of accusation.
"I did," I replied without pause.
"!!!"
Everyone was once again shocked while I kept on a smile, tapping my finger against my cup.
"You knew, and you acted like you didn't today?" Samantha asked.
Her accusation could be heard more than Richard's.
"Did I?" I asked them.
No one could argue because I never said anything or acted in a way that says I don't know about the will.
"Though there is something I did not know," I then added.
They looked at me in confusion.
"I was listening to the first will for the first time. I was unaware of its content."
"That's not what we are talking about here!" Samantha reacted instantly.
"Is it not? Today we are talking about the wills."
"Samantha!!"
She wanted to argue more, but Richard stopped her.
"So you knew. I guess. We'll have to look for a capable husband for you now. We can't have the Kingsley Conglomerate disappearing just like that. Your grandfather and father lost their lives while trying to expand."
My grip on the cup tightened from his words, but I maintained my smile.
On the other hand, he too kept his smile, trying his best to look gentle.
"The family has a century-old legacy. So..."
He trailed off.
Since they can't do anything about my life, they will surely control me through my "husband".
Their thoughts are too easy to predict.
"You don't have to worry about all the assets of the Kingsley Conglomerate being donated in a month," I smiled.
Richard nodded with a smile.
"We will contact all the eligible bachelors, and by tomorrow, we will have you choose, okay?"
Obviously, he's glad at how easy he can talk to me.
I can clearly tell what he's thinking.
'Acting so rebellious and smart, but was actually stupid.'
"No need for that," I answered.
I raised my left hand to show them the ring that had been sitting there since yesterday.
They must have brushed the ring off as mere decorative jewelry.
"I'm already married."
*Crash*
Gary's cup caused the sound. He must have been drinking to steady his nerves, but my next words caused him shock instead.
"Careful there, cousin," I reminded him.
Richard laughed.
It is quite obvious that he's holding back his anger.
"Don't joke around, Lilith. This is a serious matter."
"Uncle, I'm not joking," I replied.
"Lilith Kingsley!!"
His act finally dropped.
"Richard Kingsley," I did not back down.
"I told you I am not joking."
He nodded sharply, anger simmering beneath his composure, no longer minding Patrick Sinclair's presence.
"Good, good. You really are the problem child of this family. Doing everything your way. Are you still thinking about the legacy?!?"
He seemed to still be holding back since he's not yet shouting.
"I am, that's why I married the man I married," I answered, putting down my cup.
"Fine. Bring that man here, right now!!!"
My smile slowly widened.
I picked up my phone that had been on call all this time.
"Did you hear that, honey?"
Their eyes widened. What a satisfying scene.
"They want to know you. Do you mind coming inside?"
"..."
I knew he wouldn't answer, but I heard the sound of the car door opening and closing.
My smile turned sweeter. Did he perhaps stay because of this?
Of course, I knew that they would demand I introduce my husband. And I planned on video calling him since Patrick is here as well.
Yet it seemed that he was already planning on introducing himself to join the fun.
No wonder he had come early today, instead of after finishing his work.
"Go on now, Harold. Open the door and lead my husband here," I said, looking at Harold.
Harold's face paled as he slowly walked, dragging his feet.
He must have known his time in this mansion was about to end.