Chapter 76: The Will

Saturday, an ordinary Saturday, but for most members of the Defoe family, it was an extraordinary weekend.

Today marked the reading of the will of Montreux Defoe, the late head of the Defoe family.

Montreux controlled nearly 40% of Diabo Group’s shares, and the fate of these shares would directly influence the destiny of many individuals.

Since Masashi was not a member of the Defoe family, he waited outside the room on his own accord.

Half an hour later, the door opened, and dozens of Defoe family members exited, their expressions varied. Following them were lawyers from the family’s dedicated law firm.

“I told you, that woman definitely had an unusual relationship with Montreux. Now you see.”

“Keep your voice down. Do you want everyone to hear?”

“I don’t know what Montreux was thinking, letting an outsider get involved in family affairs.”

Though most people kept a neutral expression, some couldn’t help but grumble aloud.

Among the crowd, Masashi spotted Ailin holding Amy’s hand. Beside them were Rolando, his two brothers, and Rolando’s Canadian wife.

Seeing Masashi, Ailin turned and bid farewell to the others before walking over with Amy.

“Let’s go home.”

Masashi nodded.

Noticing Ailin’s weariness, Masashi offered to drive, and the mixed-race beauty had no objection.

“Why don’t you ask me what was written in Montreux’s will?” Ailin suddenly asked Masashi after they returned to the estate.

“You’ll tell me when you want to. If you don’t want to, asking will only annoy you,” Masashi replied as he turned on the TV for Amy.

“Can’t you act like a normal young man sometimes? I wasn’t planning to say anything, but now I’ve changed my mind.”

“Though I didn’t hear the will, I can make a guess based on those reactions. Want a glass?” Masashi held up a bottle of red wine.

Ailin nodded.

“Montreux left most of his assets to Amy, including his shares in the group. Since she’s still a minor, the will specifies that she can only inherit them when she turns 18. Until then, I’m named her guardian to manage her assets,” Ailin explained after taking a few sips of wine, feeling a bit calmer.

“He also specified that if anything happens to Amy, all assets except the Diabo Group shares would be donated to charity, and the shares would be evenly distributed among family members.”

“Montreux set it up to protect Amy from people like Adams. Makes sense. So what’s your plan now?” Masashi asked.

“I don’t want any changes. Letting Rolando and Murphy manage the group is the best option. After all, I’m just an outsider to the Defoe family.”

“I agree. For now, maintaining the status quo is wise. In theory, Amy should be safe now. If something happens to her, those people won’t gain much besides a small portion of shares.”

“Who do you think is behind the attacks on us?”

“I don’t know, but one thing is clear now: why Adams tried to capture you back in Nepal.”

“What?” Ailin was surprised, setting her glass down.

“It’s simple. Adams somehow got wind of the will’s contents beforehand. He knew you would become Amy’s guardian with control over her assets. By capturing you, he intended to make you transfer guardianship to him. Don’t forget, as Amy’s biological uncle, Adams has a stronger legal claim to guardianship than you. Montreux’s will didn’t prohibit transferring guardianship. If you agreed to transfer it, he would gain the same authority over her assets that you have now.”

“But the assets belong to Amy. Even if he gains guardianship, it’s only temporary. What use would it be to him? Also, he can’t exactly force me to transfer guardianship at gunpoint, can he?” Ailin was puzzled.

“Have you considered this? Amy is only 9 years old. That’s nine years before she can fully control her assets. If someone like Adams gains control of 40% of Diabo Group’s shares during that time, who knows what he’d do to the company? While the other family members might try to counter him, don’t forget, Adams has no qualms about using violence. By the time Amy is of age, the group might be an empty shell.

As for forcing you to sign, there are at least five ways he could make you comply, based on what I know.”

Thinking of Adams’ past actions, Ailin realized it was indeed possible.

“What if Adams causes trouble for us again?”

“We’ll figure it out,” Masashi replied nonchalantly, finishing his wine.

***

Around 2 a.m., Masashi, sitting cross-legged on his bed, suddenly opened his eyes.

He glanced at the clock on the wall, jumped out of bed, grabbed a coat, and left his room.

In the living room, he found Ailin curled up on the couch, hugging her knees. On the table in front of her was an open bottle of brandy.

Masashi silently observed her for a moment before grabbing a box of tissues from another table and walking over.

Ailin looked up in surprise when a tissue was handed to her.

“Is one not enough?” Masashi asked, pulling out another tissue.

“Thank you,” Ailin said, wiping her tears.

“What happened?”

“Nothing. I just suddenly thought of Montreux and couldn’t hold back,” Ailin said after a pause.

Masashi looked into her eyes and said flatly, “Don’t use the dead as an excuse. At least respect them enough for that.”

Ailin was stunned and looked at him.

“Tell me what really happened. Maybe I can help,” Masashi said.

After a long silence, Ailin finally raised her head and looked at him. “Adams kidnapped my son.”

Masashi was taken aback. “You have a son?”

Ailin nodded lightly.

“When I was 18, I fell in love with a man. We moved in together, and I, naive as I was, believed he’d love me forever. But three months later, he left without a word. I didn’t even get the chance to tell him I was pregnant.

I waited, foolishly thinking he’d come back, and gave birth to my child. But he never returned. In my darkest time, Montreux helped me.

He supported my education and even arranged for someone to care for my child. I’ll never forget his kindness. After graduation, I left my son with relatives in Finland and came to Switzerland to work for him. I’ve been here ever since.”

“When did you learn about the kidnapping?”

“Tonight. Adams called me. I heard my son’s voice over the phone. Adams said if I don’t transfer guardianship within three days, he’ll kill my son. I… I don’t know what to do,” Ailin said, breaking into tears on Masashi’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry. Your son will be fine,” Masashi said softly after a moment of silence.