Loves Sharp Edges

Chapter Six - Madeline

. . . .  Madeline's POV. . . . . 

Its at Richards wake that Madeline's lawyer motions her over to talk about the Will, she find herself in the offer with Tom who's sat on the sofa in there, deathly sad and broken. 
I need a minute of your time.

"Richard dictated this last draft of the will to me personally, then he signed it. And because he was at the height of his sickness I feel it's my obligation to assure you that he was cogent and of sound mind when he did so." David starts, allowing it to sink into both Tom and Madeline. "Richard left the bulk of his inheritance to Madeline." He begins slowly, carefully. 

Tom nods, in a half humours way "Perfect." Madeline is quick to keep up her act 

"This is ridiculous. Tom is his son. He should be inheriting it all."

"Richard was very clear. After the past incident with Tom, he had major misgivings leaving Tom both the business and the estate." David said diplomatically as he could. 

"You mean the incident where I had three hundred and fifty thousand dollars stolen from me and I then proceeded to have a nervous breakdown? That incident?" Tom scoffed he sat up then very unhappy, it was very like his father. 

"Tom, you will be taken care of through a trust. It's generous and will allow you to hold on to your bookstore. You will also retain control over the Hobbes Foundation." David reassures him. 

"But, as for everything else, stocks, shares, property and 7 billion of the remaining 9.2 billion will go to Madeline." Madeline's world swirls, she was giddy then horrified all under the mask of a mourning widow. 

"Where did he say the where the 2.2 billion was going?" Madeline asks, feeling safe to do so with the look of intrigue on Tom's face. 

"It will be put in a similar trust to that sustaining Tom for  . .  ." 

"My sister?" Tom asks, though it's not really a question. David shifts uncomfortably. 

"Indeed. . " Madeline looks utterly blown over with shock. 

"Dad's paid her to disappear. . ." Tom explains "cast her off after she came to find him for help but she didn't fit with his lifestyle." Tom scoffs unhappily offering no further explanation. 

"This is a matter Richard wished to keep private, as in hopes not to upset anybody." David says with an air of worry. Madeline calms, she'd pulled of a 4.6 billion dollar con with money in the property and other stocks and shares and she was sure she could get her way with the money Tom had easy. 

"David, I need to speak with Tom." She says slowly, delicately. 

"Of course." He excuses himself, taking his paperwork with him. 

"I am so sorry." She begins with a sad tenderness to her voice. 

"Don't be. It's not your fault." Tom shrugs. 

"He left you the foundation. That's what he prized more than anything. And he left it all to you." Madeline tries to sound happy and upbeat for Tom. 

"He left me his tax write off. That's what he called it. You can't fix my relationship with my dad, Madeline, especially now." He is a little bitter, his emotions boiling over much to her delight. She leans over and takes Tom's hand, warmly.

"I'm here for you, Tom."

"I know. Thank you." He says genuinely  Tom stands up and starts to leave.

"You don't have to move out any time soon. Stay as long as you like." She says as he leaves, causing him to pause confused at the door. "I'm planning on selling the apartment. I'm moving into something more manageable. But, that's not something we need to discuss now." She pretends to get a little flustered.