Capítulo 28: Flynn's Will

The whole living room was silent. Bella's outburst the previous day had left everyone in an awkward situation. When Bella had hurled her harsh words, Marleen had come downstairs, drawn by the commotion. Since then, no one had spoken to each other, and Bella had only returned home that morning. What happened to her the previous day remained a mystery to both Anastasia and Marleen.

"Thank you all for gathering. I will now read Flynn's will. According to the document, Flynn has made specific provisions regarding the company and the family home." Samuel Reed, the lawyer Flynn hired to amend the will about two months ago, began to read. "Firstly, Flynn has appointed Anastasia to manage the company until Bella reaches the age of 25. He felt that Anastasia's experience and maturity would best serve the company's interests during this transitional period."

Bella suddenly stood up. "What do you mean?! Wait, wait!" She held her forehead, still unable to believe her ears. "You're telling me that Dad left the company in her hands?" She pointed to Anastasia.

Samuel Reed glanced at Bella before continuing, "Yes, Bella. Flynn believed that Anastasia's experience and maturity would be beneficial for the company's stability. The will specifies that she will oversee the company's operations until you turn 25."

Bella's face flushed with anger. "This isn't fair! Why would he do this to me? I'm his daughter!"

Samuel continued, "There's more. Flynn has also stated that the family home will remain under Marleen's care until you get married. This arrangement is meant to provide stability and support for you during this time."

Marleen shifted uncomfortably, trying to process the implications. Anastasia remained quiet, her thoughts racing as she tried to navigate the tension in the room.

"Are you sure you didn't read it wrong?" Marleen asked, unable to believe it herself. Although she knew Flynn truly loved her, the idea of him leaving all his inheritance in their care was unexpected, especially since Bella was now of legal age.

Bella snickered. "Both of you planned this, didn't you?" She glared at Marleen. "Did you force him to change his will and plan the accident?"

"Bella!" Anastasia shouted in anger. Bella had crossed the line. Her patience was wearing thin, and hearing such slander from Bella's mouth was deeply hurtful.

Bella's voice trembled as she crossed her arms. "What? I'm left with nothing until I'm 25 and married, and you expect me to just accept it? Who are you to take control of the company? This is just…" She struggled to find the right words, her anger palpable.

Anastasia took a deep breath. "Mr. Samuel, is there anything I can do about the will? I don't want this."

Samuel shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Anna, but it's clearly stated in the will. If you refuse to accept the terms, the company will be handed over to public administrators."

"Public administrators?" Anastasia asked, confused.

Bella's eyes widened in shock. She chuckled in disbelief. "Dad, you really went that far?"

Samuel continued, "Yes, a third party, specifically public administrators, will take over the management of the company. This was Flynn's way of ensuring that the business would be in competent hands if his wishes were not followed."

Anastasia's face paled as she processed the news. "So if I refuse, the company he had been working so hard for will be run by strangers?"

Samuel nodded solemnly. "That's correct."

Bella's anger intensified. "So this is just another way of him controlling me even after he's gone? Making sure I can't do anything about it?"

Samuel cut her off gently. "Flynn anticipated that emotions might run high. He included this clause to ensure the company's stability and prevent it from falling into disarray due to personal disputes."

Anastasia took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Give me some time to think about it."

Bella's frustration boiled over. "Why do you need to think about it? It's mine! I should have control, not you. And don't even think about taking it from me!"

"Bella," Anastasia said, her voice hinting that her patience was running thin, "I don't want to take anything from you. If you calm down and listen, Dad's will, only asks me to manage the company until you turn 25, and then it will be yours. Understand?"

Bella snickered. "It's funny, isn't it? My dad trusted a near stranger to manage the company and left his own daughter with nothing until I turn 25—and what? Get married?" She let out a bitter, fake laugh.

The living room stayed silent after Bella's outburst, the tension thick in the air. Then, she suddenly spoke again, her voice cutting through the quiet. "Oh wait! Marriage?" She placed her hands on her hips, a smirk creeping across her face. With all eyes on her, she continued, "Since you're not going to marry Ethan, I'll ask him instead."

Marleen's eyes shifted nervously, worry etched across her face, while Anastasia remained calm, her expression unreadable.

Bella's annoyance grew as she noticed Anastasia's indifference. "Why? Do you think he'll reject me?" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration. Deep down, she knew the answer, but she wasn't ready to admit it.

Her mind drifted back to the hospital, where she had confronted Ethan.

"I told Dad, you probably would agree to this marriage proposal if it were me." Bella raised her head and gave him a pursed smile. "You would, right?"

The memory of Ethan's blunt response stung her pride.

"I'm not sure who inflated your ego, but no, I'd reject it right away. Spoiled kids aren't my taste."

His words had humiliated her, and the bitterness still lingered, fueling her anger now. As the room remained silent, with no one reacting to her provocation, Bella impulsively reached for her phone and dialled Ethan's number.

"Hello?" Bella's heart raced as the call connected.

"Yes, hello." Ethan's voice came through, steady and calm. He was trying to be empathetic, knowing that Bella had just lost her father, but the tension between them was undeniable. "What is it?"

"I'm in a difficult spot right now," Bella said, her voice wavering as she struggled to mask her growing embarrassment. "Could you… would you consider marrying me?"

"Sorry?" Ethan clearly heard her but was in disbelief at what had just happened. "I can't," His voice remained calm, but there was a firm edge to his response. "I am married, Bella. But even if I wasn't, the answer would still be no." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "Some things just aren't meant to be."

"You're married?!" Bella's voice rang out in disbelief, her eyes wide with a mix of anger and shock. The living room fell into a stunned silence as everyone heard Bella loudly repeated the words she had just heard.

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