Gemotions

Sweat prickled on Amelia’s brow as she ran a finger along the mahogany surface of the lawyer’s desk. The air in the room felt thick, heavy. Her brother, Leo, was across from her, drumming his fingers on his knee. He hadn’t spoken a word since they’d arrived, his jaw clenched. Amelia took a sharp breath, trying to steady the flutter in her chest. Their father’s will. It seemed impossible to comprehend.

The lawyer cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. “The estate is… complex. There are… two primary beneficiaries.” He paused, looking between them. “For Amelia, there is the family home, its contents, and the majority of the liquid assets.”

Amelia allowed herself a small, shaky smile. Relief flooded her. The house – the one she’d grown up in – was hers.

“And for Leo,” the lawyer continued, his voice neutral, “there is the vineyard in Tuscany.” Leo’s head snapped up. His eyes widened, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face.