Gemotions

Eliza wrung her hands, the silver of her grandmother’s ring biting into her skin. The solicitor's office was cold, the mahogany desk gleaming like a dark, judgmental eye. Her brother, Thomas, was nonchalant beside her, flipping through a magazine. She, however, felt a knot tighten in her stomach with each rustle of the paper. She hadn't seen him since their grandmother had passed.

The solicitor cleared his throat. “For Eliza, there is a small cottage in the countryside, a collection of antique teacups, and a life insurance policy, quite modest, I’m afraid.” Eliza’s breath hitched. She’d always loved her grandmother’s tea parties.

Thomas looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. “And for me?” he asked, his voice smooth and controlled.

The solicitor adjusted his glasses. "For Mr. Thomas, there is a controlling interest in a very successful tech firm, a substantial trust fund, and a private jet.” The color drained from Eliza’s face. She stared at Thomas, the smile now gone, replaced by a calculating gleam.