Gemotions

The musty scent of the solicitor's office seemed to cling to Amelia's throat, making her swallow repeatedly. Her brother, Thomas, leaned back, a smug expression plastered across his face. Amelia’s knuckles were white as she gripped the worn leather of her chair. The lawyer, a thin man with a receding hairline, cleared his throat. "As per your grandfather's will, the properties are divided..." He paused, adjusting his glasses. "Thomas receives the vineyard in Tuscany."

Amelia's chest tightened. She hadn't even known her grandfather owned a vineyard. Her hand instinctively flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp. The lawyer continued, "And Amelia, you inherit...the taxidermy collection." Her gaze flickered to Thomas, whose smirk widened. She felt a cold dread creep up her spine. A taxidermy collection? What did that even mean? She struggled to breathe.