Malevolence

Chapter 21:

Please read the Writer's note before continuing to read this chapter.

Evelyn:

I cannot believe I am going to Harlan's will reading, where I will be surrounded by Ransom's family.

His dysfunctional family.

I try to avoid Ransom's family as much as I can because most of them don't seem to like me, and I don't understand why.

I have always been kind to Ransom's family. Well, everyone except Linda, but that's only because she has been resentful from the minute I met her.

All because I wasn't the woman she wanted for her son.

And now I have to see her, plus the rest of the family!

So here I am, sitting in a car with Ransom – who I am upset with – driving to Harlan's house so that Alan can read Harlan's will. At least, I think Alan will be reading Harlan's will since he is the one managing the will, which means I need to speak to Alan before that will is read out. I need to tell Alan that he must not mention my name, or maybe I can ask Alan to exclude me from Harlan's will. Since I am going to Harlan's house – along with Ransom's family who dislike me – I might as well tell Alan that he needs to cross me off Harlan's will, but the family must not be around.

Dammit! I really don't want to go to the will reading, but I have to – unfortunately. I don't want to, but I have no choice. I have to see if Alan is going to read the new will Harlan signed before...before...Harlan passed away. I need to see if Alan has the new will or the old will.

I know Harlan told me that he doesn't want Ransom to know that I am written in the will, but what if Alan reads the new will by accident? Ransom, along with his family, are all going to find out that I am in Harlan's will. A will that I don't deserve to be in!

If this family hears my name being mentioned in the will – oh wait a minute! Now I remember! Harlan told me that he sent Alan an email stating that he has changed his will, but did Harlan tell Alan to read the new will in front of the whole family? Or did Harlan tell Alan to read the previous will, theone that Harlan signed before the new will?

Oh I cannot remember now! Did Harlan tell Alan to read the new will, or did he tell Alan not to read the new will?

Dammit! I will still need to speak to Alan, as soon as I can. I hope he is the one reading Harlan's will, because if this family finds out that I am even mentioned in this will – fuck! If Ransom finds out that I am in Harlan's will...then he will definitely not get a job. Ever. That's assuming Ransom will actually attend a job interview once Harlan's will is read out.

But Ransom might find out today that you are in the will!

Argh! The problem is, Ransom will find out about Harlan's will eventually. He knows me like a book, so he will know when I am lying or when I am hiding a secret from him. So maybe I should tell Ransom, butonce he has a job and is earning a salary. I know Ransom will be angry at me, but it is for the best, unfortunately.

But Ransom will find out before he gets a job!

I need to make sure the job Ransom takes on is stable and something he will enjoy.

I know I will eventually tell Ransom about the will, but I also need to keep to Harlan's promise. I cannot break that promise – even though I will break that promise in a few months' time. I know keeping this secret from Harlan's family will be easy, but keeping this secret from Ransom...it is going to be tough and tricky. He knows me too well to know when I am keeping something from him, especially if it's frustrating me.