“I didn’t. I have every intention of using Dad’s name.” My eyes tear, but my insides simmer in anger. As always, my mother spoiled another great day in my life. I had no intention of giving away my family name. I wanted to do it on my own, just until I could show everyone that I’m worth something. I have something.
“Whatever be the case. You made your choice, and if you are so adamant on doing things your way, do it properly.”
I am not sure what other weapon my mom is drawing from her arsenal.
“I have called Mr. Marlowe, and he is going to read your father’s will to you. I would like you to know what your entitlements are from the family before you walk out.”
I hear Gram’s and Florence’s combined gasps as everything inside me freezes hearing my mother’s icy-cold words.
“I am not walking out. I just want to move to a different town for a job. I… I still want to come home on holidays and visit.”
“And you are free to do all that.” Mom dusts her hands and gets up from the table. I didn’t even realize she finished her breakfast. “I want everyone to be present in the family room in an hour.”
* * *
“Hello, everyone,” Mr. Marlowe, our family lawyer, greets us before his sympathetic gaze lands on me.
“Miss Clementine, Mrs. Hawthorne has asked me to explain to you about your inheritance from the Hawthorne estate. Last time I read this will, after your father’s passing, you were still a toddler.”
He holds a stack of papers in one hand and rights his thick-framed black glasses with the other.
“You have a fifth share in all Hawthorne holdings. You have full rights of residence at the Hawthorne Mansion, though the property belongs to your grandmother. If you want to associate yourself with any of the Hawthorne businesses, you can do that in any faculty after discussion with your mother, Mrs. Irene Hawthorne.” Mr. Marlowe pauses before peering between Mom and me.
I am not surprised that I’d need to discuss this with my mom. Working with Hawthorne Estate means working under my mom’s thumb. And I have no interest in being there. Twenty-five years were effing enough!
Mom nods, asking him to continue.
“However, in any circumstance you desire to start something of your own and part ways with the Hawthorne name, you lose the right of residence at the mansion.”
“What?” Florence gasps. “Lose the right to residence,” she stutters. “What does that even mean?”
“It means that if Miss Clementine forgoes the family name, she cannot live here.” The old man motions around.
“But she is not forgoing anything!” Oscar stands from where he’s seated in a vintage leather wingback chair, which I’m told used to be my father’s favorite place in our colossal living room.
For a moment, I’m distracted by his anger. The way his fists tighten and his neck muscles pop. It’s so rare for him to lose his cool.
“Calm down, Oscar. Mr. Marlowe is just reading the will.” My mother cocks her head, silently asking Oscar to sit back down. “Once Clementine fixes the paperwork at Vanshionista, I’ll personally visit them. We can then discuss how that company can be integrated into Hawthorne holdings. After that, Clementine can stay in Cherrywood and lead a part of the group.”
It takes me a few beats to comprehend my mother’s ridiculous plan. “What the hell are you talking about? You—” I’m at a loss for words. One thing, one thing, I managed to do on my own and I’m not going to let my mom take it away from me. “I don’t want the right to residence. I’m moving out.”
“Will you just shut up?” Oscar hisses in my direction before he runs his fingers through his hair.
“Mr. Marlowe—” my mother starts.
“A moment, Mom.” Oscar walks up to Mr. Marlowe. I have seen him go in full Hawthorne style, disagreeing with Mom only a few times before. “Mr. Marlowe, Clementine will continue to use her family name. She is not breaking ties with Hawthorne family or holdings. Right, Clem?” He glances toward me and I nod. “So, there is no question of her losing the right to residence. Am I correct?”
Mr. Marlowe nods, but my mother remains impassive.
“Clem wants to work independently and not in association with Hawthorne holdings, same as me. I assume she has access to her inheritance if needed?”
At this moment, I am so thankful to my brother. It appears he is asking all the right questions, which never even occurred to me.
“Unfortunately not.” Mr. Marlowe points to something in his stack of papers. “Miss Clementine has access to her share of inheritance only after her marriage. The same was true for Miss Florence. She was granted access to her inheritance after her marriage to Mr. Blakely.”
“I don’t need any inheritance. I have a paying job.” Why are they talking about inheritance and money? I just need to move out of Cherrywood.
This time Florence pinches my leg through my skirt. I look at her in irritation and confusion while rubbing the sore spot. “Let Oscar talk,” she mouths before turning away from me.