Amidst a property division hearing, the Blight family gathered before a group of lawyers who, after explaining the rules, initiated the conversation that would determine the fate of their legacy.

  A certain tension lingered in the air; for some, this discussion would bring up old resentments, memories, and, of course, inevitable disputes.

  The silence in the room was only broken by the sound of documents being turned by the lawyers seated around the large mahogany table. Across from them sat the family members.

  Alador, a man of a mysterious presence, rested his interlaced hands on the table, observing the unfolding situation. His ex-wife, Odalia, maintained an upright posture and an impassive face, though she discreetly tapped her fingers against the arm of the chair, revealing a hint of nervousness.

  Meanwhile, their two eldest children, the twins sitting side by side, exchanged discreet smiles and carefree expressions.

  Emira and Edric viewed the hearing as nothing more than a minor inconvenience in their schedules. Emira sighed dramatically, only realizing her misstep when she caught her mother’s gaze, which immediately brought her back to reality. They both knew better than to test that woman’s patience.

  In contrast, sitting a bit apart from them with an indifferent posture was the youngest, Amity Blight. She made no effort to hide her disinterest in the situation, keeping her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on a particular spot on the table—right where the documents lay, the ones everyone seemed to consider so important.

  Of all present, she was the one who least wanted to be there. She knew this meeting wouldn’t lead to a fair agreement, and she cared even less about the fate of the family’s assets. To her, it was completely irrelevant.

  After the lawyers finished reading the documents, Alador remained firm. He knew that, regardless of what happened, everything was going according to plan. Odalia, on the other hand, found the whole affair completely unnecessary.

  One of the leading lawyers broke the ice, speaking formally:

  — As we have clarified and in accordance with the law, the assets were transferred to your children’s names. This agreement had been established before this process. Therefore, the division will be conducted within legal limits, considering the strategy previously adopted. We emphasize that both legal guardians are aware and in agreement, correct?

  The lawyer asked.

  — Understood.

  Alador replied directly, having nothing to fear regarding the mutual decision. Odalia, however, merely murmured and nodded, unwillingly agreeing.

  Although it was a legal agreement between both parties, it was evident that the woman felt affected by the entire decision. The twins exchanged quick glances after observing their mother’s reaction. Even though they had little autonomy in the process, they enjoyed witnessing the unfolding drama.

  She then looked at the man who had once shared countless moments with her and was now her ex-husband. Her expression was filled with resentment, considering the outcome of the situation. Still, she remained composed, as if she had accepted all the consequences.

  Amity also noticed. Her mother’s discomfort meant more trouble for her once the hearing was over.

  — And what does this mean for us?

  Her question hung in the air for a moment, carrying not just curiosity but exhaustion and disdain.

  — Amity, please...

  Her mother called her attention. The question was unnecessary, given that the discussion was still in progress.

  — I just want this to be over.

  She spoke directly to Odalia, who stared at her, forcing the youngest to avert her eyes.

  The lawyer adjusted his glasses and flipped through the papers before proceeding.

  The hearing advanced at a steady pace, each of the lawyer’s words echoing through the room with calculated weight. The fate of the Blight family's assets had already been decided; all that remained was to formalize the details.

  — As stipulated, the family's investments have been divided among the heirs,— the lawyer continued, — The aforementioned, Edric Blight and Emira Blight, already established in their careers, will receive shares and properties relevant to their fields.

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  — The Jaguar is mine! — Emira exclaimed.

  — Great, then I'll take the Mustang, but I want the summer house in exchange... — her brother demanded.

  Their father simply gave them a look, signaling them to calm down. The division of assets had been arranged differently.

  Edric, pursuing the medical field, would receive investments in the healthcare sector, along with properties that could be used at his discretion, perhaps to open clinics and offices. Emira, on the other hand, as a recognized model, would receive shares in luxury fashion brands and strategically located real estate.

  It was a convenient agreement for both, ensuring their stability without interfering with their achievements.

  Although the division of shares and properties was subject to discussion, the strategy had been adopted by their mother. She knew that, despite their apparent disinterest, the twins could still interfere in the family business. Thus, she ensured they obtained independence and stability through this arrangement.

  The twins exchanged glances, a discreet smile forming. Edric whispered something into Emira’s ear, and she stifled a laugh with her hand.

  — Is there a problem? — Odalia asked coldly, casting a sharp look at them.

  They quickly straightened in their chairs, their amusement vanishing instantly.

  The lawyer then turned to the youngest.

  — Regarding Amity Blight, besides her allocated shares, the entire Palace Plaza Hotel chain has been transferred to her name.

  For her, this was a shock.

  Unlike her siblings, who received assets aligned with their careers, she had no choice in the matter, nor had she asked for it.

  Although she was studying in a similar field, she never expected to be managing a legitimate business so soon, let alone one as vast as this.

  Her life had always been dictated by her family, creating expectations for her future. Now, the greatest burden of all had been placed on her shoulders.

  Though she had every reason to be outraged, she showed no reaction of disgust or indignation. Instead, she remained indifferent. Whether it was a burden or a gift, she could not yet tell.

  Odalia, however, spoke up.

  — This was done without my approval! — she exclaimed, staring ahead.

  Alador, who had been silent for some time, finally spoke in a firm tone.

  — Exactly. That’s why I made this decision. Legally and strategically, each choice was made with their futures in mind.

  The woman let out an ironic laugh.

  — Oh, of course. You clearly have their future in mind...

  The tension in the room grew even thicker.

  The lawyer chose to ignore the exchange of provocations and proceeded with his duties, listing the rules, deadlines, and necessary signatures.

  Amity once again displayed her lack of interest, staring at the papers in front of her. Unlike her siblings, nothing was changing for her. Yet, for her, those documents were a reminder of a future she had never truly chosen for herself.

  When the lawyer finally concluded the hearing, there was a brief moment of silence, as if everyone was waiting for the next move.

  The twins were the first to stand, mumbling something about leaving as soon as possible. Their mother cast a final, cold glance at her ex-husband before walking away, leaving behind an invisible weight in the air.

  Amity remained seated for a moment, staring into the void. When she finally stood, she did so without haste, without looking at anyone. As far as she was concerned, this had ended long before it began.

  And if it were up to her, this would be the last time she answered any call from that family.

  [...]

  The tension of the hearing was left behind as Amity and Odalia entered a private room. The atmosphere was cold and questionable, much like their relationship. There was no need for words to summon her daughter—she simply followed, knowing she couldn’t postpone that conversation and fully aware that it would become a nuisance in the future.

  For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

  — Could you at least take this a little seriously? — Odalia broke the silence in a sharp tone. — Do you really think acting indifferent will get you out of this situation?

  Amity looked directly at her with a cold gaze.

  — Whatever, acting or not, this really doesn’t affect me.

  The woman bit her lips as she stared at her daughter after such a sharp response.

  — Your father put this in your hands thinking it was a gift, he is naive just like you. You should at least understand its importance. Do you even know what it means to be the owner of an empire like this?

  — I didn’t ask for any of this... —

  — You didn’t ask, but you were prepared for it. After all, that’s what we shaped you for. I at least expected you to be aware of your new position.

  Amity crossed her arms, staring at her with an empty expression.

  — Shaped? — she repeated ironically. — Since when does being dragged along by your decisions mean being shaped?

  Odalia pressed her fingers against the table, controlling her irritation.

  — You can act however you want, but you can’t escape this.

  — I can.

  — And live off what? — Odalia spoke in a serious tone. — Do you think, without this inheritance, you have somewhere to run to?

  Amity remained silent.

  — You have no personal assets, no funds. All your achievements have been the result of our direct actions. Everything you have now is tied to this empire. If you let go of it, you’ll have very little left besides your name.

  Amity let out a humorless smile.

  — Maybe that’s exactly what I want. Maybe I want to see how far you can control something I’ve already abandoned.

  — Don’t play with fate, girl. Many would kill to be in your position or to belong to this family. Do you really want someone else to take this from you?

  She was tired of hearing that woman’s sharp words and chose to leave, walking toward the door and opening it without hurry.

  — You may not care now, but sooner or later, you’ll have to fulfill this role. You can despise me, but you wouldn’t dare disappoint your beloved father, would you?

  She spoke directly to her daughter.

  — If this legacy is to be carried, let it be by someone who actually cares. I’m curious to see how far your stubbornness will take you. Do you really think you can go through with it and shatter Alador’s expectations and hopes?

  Playing her final card in an acidic and invasive manner, she remained in the room for a while, while Amity left with a look of discontent, already thinking about the new fate that awaited her.