The Missing Heir(5)
The lawyer nodded.
Roth’s smile grew wider and more calculating.
“The codicil,” Max interrupted the various discussions.
People quieted down again, and Roth’s expression settled into self-satisfaction.
“To give some context to this...” said Max. “And I do apologize for being so direct on such an emotional matter. Samuel Henderson was pronounced dead at the accident scene, while Coco Henderson was pronounced dead during the ambulance ride to the hospital.”
Amber’s stomach tightened. She’d been assured Coco had not regained consciousness after the crash, but she couldn’t help but be reminded of the fear and horror her stepsister must have experienced in those final seconds while the plane attempted to land in the storm.
“As such, Samuel is deemed to have predeceased his wife.” Max held a single sheet of paper. “Given that fact, Coco Henderson’s codicil is legal and valid. It modifies the joint will in only one way.” He read, “‘I leave guardianship of my child or children to my stepsister, Amber Welsley.’”
Amber could feel shock permeate the room. Jaws literally dropped open and gazes swung to her. Roth’s glare sent a wave of animosity that nearly pushed her backward.
Beneath the table, Destiny grasped her hand.
“What about business decisions?” Roth barked. “That woman is in no position to run the company. She’s an assistant.”
“Assistant director,” Destiny corrected.
Amber was in a management position, not a clerical one.
Roth sneered at them both. “Samuel clearly wanted someone qualified in charge of business decisions on behalf of his son.”
“It’s a valid question,” said Max. “For the moment, Amber Welsley has guardianship over Zachary, including all rights and responsibilities to manage and safeguard his ownership position in Coast Eagle.”
“But—” Roth began.
Max held up a hand to forestall him. “For any changes to that, you’ll need a decision from a judge.”
“You can bet we’re going to a judge,” spat Roth.
Amber whispered to Destiny, “What does this all mean?”
“It means we’re going to court to duke it out with Roth. And it means he just became your mortal enemy. But right now, it also means you get Zachary.”
Amber’s chest swelled tight. Zachary would stay with her. For now, nothing else mattered.
* * *
Walking through the entrance of the Atlanta hotel ballroom, Cole gazed at the crowds of people attending the Georgia Pilots Association annual fund-raiser. Tonight was the formal recognition of the new Samuel Henderson Memorial Scholarship, so he knew the who’s who of Coast Eagle Airlines would be in the room.
Luca was beside him, dressed in a formal suit. “You’ll be glad you came.”
“I’ll mostly be glad if it shuts you up.”
Cole had told himself a thousand times that the Hendersons of Atlanta were none of his business, and he still believed it. But Luca had kept after him for three long weeks. Finally, Cole had given in and checked out a picture of Zachary on a news site.