Chapter 4 - The Law Office Showdown
At precisely nine o'clock the next morning, I pushed open the frosted glass doors of Pendelton & Associates. To my surprise, Ethan and Chloe were already seated in the conference room. Ethan wore an expression of supreme annoyance, tapping his Rolex against the polished mahogany table, while Chloe flipped through a bridal magazine.
"You're late, Maya," Ethan snapped, not even looking up. "Sign the papers so we can put this embarrassing spectacle behind us. Chloe and I have a flight to catch to the Hamptons."
Arthur Pendelton entered the room carrying a thick leather-bound folder. He didn't greet Ethan or Chloe. He walked straight to the head of the table, placed the folder down, and looked directly at me.
"Good morning, Maya. Mr. Vance," Arthur said coldly. "Before we discuss any divorce proceedings, we have an estate matter to attend to. Specifically, the reading of the final, legally binding codicil to the late Eleanor Vance’s will."
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Ethan scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Mother’s will was settled months ago. Everything goes to me as the sole heir. Why are we wasting time with this?"
"Because," Arthur said, opening the folder and sliding a document across the table, "your mother made a final amendment one week before her death. And she requested that Maya be present to witness its execution."
