LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 1

Williams's POV

The Thompson family is one of the most respected in New York City. Mr. Thompson, a talented and highly esteemed judge, also served as the chairman of his successful hotel business. He was well-regarded for his dedication and excellence in both fields. Despite his professional success, tragedy struck the family-his wife had passed away, and now, Mr. Thompson was gravely ill, confined to the wheel chair, too weak even to stand.

The Thompson children included three siblings: Anderson, the eldest son, followed by Agnes and Victoria. A gifted lawyer, Agnes was recently promoted and was appointed to take her father's place as a judge. Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson had yet to decide who would succeed him as the chairman of his hotel business. The general belief was that Anderson, the CEO of the company, would inherit the role, but Agnes desired the position as well. This desire had created a bitter rivalry between the siblings. Victoria, on the other hand, remained detached from the power struggle, living a quiet, ordinary life, unmarried and uninterested in the family's corporate ambitions.

After Dinner at Grandpa's House

"I'm getting old, children," Grandpa said, his voice serious as the family gathered in the Living room after dinner. "Death can reach me anytime now. That's why I've decided to divide my property among all of you-my children and grandchildren. It's my final wish."

We always have these monthly family dinners to please Grandpa. It's the one time we all gather together, even though not everyone gets along.

"Grandpa, what are you saying? You still have plenty of years ahead of you. Mark my words," I replied with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Grandpa chuckled. "Agnes, your son is funny. But look at all these gray hairs! I don't have much time left."

Mom smiled gently. "Dad, he's right. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. For all we know, one of us might go before you. Death is unpredictable."

"Agreed," Aunt Victoria added, nodding.

Ace, my cousin, chimed in. "No one knows the future," he said with a small laugh.

We all laughed-well, not all of us. Most of the family pretends to be cordial during these gatherings, but underneath it all, tensions run deep.

"All right, kids, I'm heading to my room. Have a good night," Grandpa said as his assistant helped him up and led him to his room.

"I think it's time we left too," Mom announced, standing up and signalling for us to leave.

"Good idea. It was getting hard to breathe in here," Uncle Anderson muttered, clearly trying to provoke a fight.

"I'm not in the mood to respond to you, so go ahead and bark all you want," Mom said, rolling her eyes. I knew she was holding back to avoid a bigger conflict.

I exchanged a look with my brother, Ed. It was time to leave before things escalated.

"The car is ready, Mom, Dad," Ed said, guiding them toward the door.

"Like mother, like sons," Uncle Anderson sneered as we passed. "Go ahead, run along."

I don't understand what his problem is. Every time we gather as a family, he starts something.

Ed, however, had reached his limit. He turned sharply. "Mr. Anderson, we all know you crave attention, or you wouldn't pick a fight every time we meet. But just know this-it only makes you look foolish."

"How dare you speak to me like that!" Uncle Anderson started to yell, but we didn't stick around to hear the rest.

His wife and children tried to calm him, but he's always been arrogant and hard to deal with. I guess he feels sick if he doesn't pick a fight. God help him.

Once outside, Mom gave me a hug. "Get home safe, okay?" she said softly.

I left home, trying to get a life of my own. so i rented an apartment and working part time at least that makes me happy, at home everyone is busy with work it seems like there is no life at all.

"I will, Mom. See you soon," I replied.

Dad patted me on the back. "See you when I see you," he said with a smile.

They climbed into the car, and I watched as they drove away. Ed approached me before getting into his own car.

"I'll see you after work tomorrow," he said. "Amelia's invited us for dinner at her place."

"Yeah, she told me. I'll be there," I replied. We hugged, and each went our separate ways.

The following morning, I went to class. I'm in my second year of college, with just one more year left to finish my course. It was a Monday, and I had lectures until 1 PM. After class, I headed to my part-time job.

"Hey, I thought I was taking the afternoon shift with James?" I asked Kevin, who was working behind the coffee counter.

"James had an emergency, so I'm covering for him," Kevin explained.

"Oh, I see. I'll go change then." I headed to the back to put on my work uniform.

I was closer to James than anyone else at the café, but Kevin was fine to work with too.

After my shift, I went home, showered, and then made my way to Amelia's house for dinner.

"How early you are!" Amelia greeted me with a smile as she opened the door.

"Well, you don't seem surprised," I teased, stepping inside.

"I know you well," she replied, still smiling. "How was your day?"

"Just the usual. What about you?"

"I took the day off. Needed a break, and some company," she said, a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

"You're always welcome at my place, you know that," I reminded her.

"Of course, but tonight I wanted to cook dinner for you both at my place," she said with mock seriousness.

"Sounds fun to me!" I laughed.

Just then, Ed arrived, calling out from the hallway. "I'll never win against you, Williams. Always early!"

"You're a prosecutor, Ed. You work longer hours than me," I said, walking over to help him with the bags Amelia had apparently ordered him to pick up on his way.

"It smells amazing in here. What are we having tonight?" he asked, moving towards Amelia and kissing her on the cheek.

"Both of you, go sit in the living room. I'll call you when the food is ready," Amelia instructed, shooing us away.

Ed and I exchanged amused glances and headed to the couch.

As we sat down, Ed looked at me closely. "Hey, is everything okay?"

Ed smiled weakly. "Why do you ask?"

"You've been a bit emotional lately too. Something on your mind?"

"Will I ever get a direct answer from you?" I joked, trying to deflect. We both laughed.

"All right, but seriously-if you're happy, that's all that matters," he said, patting me on the back.

Ed has always cared deeply for me. No one in the world loves me more than he does.

We chatted casually until Amelia called us for dinner.

"Boys, dinner is ready!" she called from the kitchen.

"Finally! I was about to die of hunger," Ed joked as we made our way to the table.

"It looks delicious. I think I'm full just from the smell," I added with a grin.

We all sat down to enjoy the meal. It was as good as it smelled, and we spent the evening talking and laughing.

By the time the night ended, everyone was full, happy, and ready to call it a night.