Gemotions

The air in the sterile, modern office was frigid, and it made Ava shiver. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill. Her brother, Miles, sat opposite her, his face a mask of polite detachment. The lawyer, a young man with a neatly trimmed beard, began to read.

Ava’s heart was trying to escape her chest as she listened to the details about the family's assets. Her mind whirled, calculating, fearing the worst. Miles was clearly intended to be the executor, the decision-maker.

“And, to Ava,” the lawyer announced, “ownership of the family’s beachfront property in the Bahamas, including all associated liabilities and maintenance costs.” Ava felt a sudden, almost overwhelming urge to flee. Miles leaned forward, a strange glint in his eye.