Chapter 394
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After listening to Caitlin, Julie thought deeply for a moment, Finally, she mastered the courage to speak up . “Alright fitoskey want to fight for justike tool”
Caitlin extended a hand to her. “As long as you’re willing to work with me, I’ll make sure you get proper compensation–and that he ends a in jail. But it may require you to make one more sacrifice.”
Julie hesitated for just a beat before nodding. “Okay.”
With Bailey and Julie finally on board, Caitlin and her team grabbed lunch before heading back to The Yuncey Family estate.
By the time they arrived, nearly everyone was gathered–except for Rachel, who was still in the hospital. Even the family’s lawyer had already
arrived.
“Perfect timing” Caitlin announced as she stepped into the grand sitting room, sweeping her gaze over the room. She spotted Hayden beide
Taylor, both seated calmly.
Rachel’s side of the family looked at her like she was a ticking time bomb, Caitlin didn’t care in the slightest. She was here for the show.
“Everyone’s here, let’s get started,” Timothy said , signaling the lawyer, Owen, to begin.
Owen had already completed a full audit of The Yuncey Family’s assets–company shares , property, bonds, savings–and handed the documentation to Timothy.
Following Caitlin’s suggestion, Timothy had arranged to divide up the family: the second and third branches were assigned other properties and told to move out of the main residence.
He also redistributed his personal shares: 10% went to Taylor and 59% to Hayden–15% total between mother and son.
This immediately triggered protest.
“Dad! How can you give all your shares to them?” Quill demanded.
“Grandpa, have you lost your mind?” Douglas added. “You’re giving away everything?”
“I’ve made up my mind!” Timothy declared. “It’s what I owe them. And your shares weren’t touched, so what’s there to complain about?”
His favoritism was obvious. Though the others were displeased, they had no grounds to argue further–Timothy had spoken.
In the end, the family was officially split into four branches. With everyone receiving their share, the grumbling subsided.
“Alright. That’s settled,” Timothy said . “Start moving into your new places. Forrest will handle the staff assignments.”
The second and third branches left the main estate, while the first and newly created fourth branch–Taylor and Hayden–each took a wing of the old manor. They now lived on opposite ends out of each other’s way.
It was a clever division.
Caitlin watched the entire process unfold. No one thought to ask if she wanted a share–typical But to her, this whole estate had originally belonged to her grandmother’s family.
And now, she would break the empire down–one piece at a time.
After the division, each family branch went about settling into their new quarters. Caitlin accompanied Taylor to their assigned courtyard
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“Well? Taylor, Hayden? Happy with the outcome?” she asked with à faint smile;
Taylor nodded. “Very much. Thank you, Caitlin.”
She turned to Hayden, who rubbed his nose with a sly grin. “I already know what you’re going to say. You’re eyeing our shar
“You caught on fast.”
Caitlin wasn’t shy about it–she was definitely eyeing that 15%,
“No rush,” Hayden teased. “All in good time.”
“What’s the rush then? Looking for a girlfriend? Want me to set you up?”
Taylor chuckled. “If you know someone suitable, I wouldn’t mind you introducing someone.”
“Mom! I don’t need a matchmaker, Hayden said, coughing awkwardly. The thought of the infamous Fiver needing help to find a date was laughable.
With T
The Yuncey Family preoccupied, Caitlin and Hayden said their goodbyes. Caitlin had other business–namely, a visit to the Fragrance & Dye Studio.
As she approached her car, Douglas caught up with her,
“Hey, I heard
d you’re heading to the studio. Mind if I join you?” he asked.
Douglas hadn’t forgotten his desire to learn more about the whereabouts of the “Yun’s Aromatic Codex“, Plus, he was looking for an excuse to get closer to Caitlin
His e
seyes subtly lingered on her figure, but Caitlin caught it She’d already pegged him for a sleaze.
She was just waiting for the right opportunity to bait him in. She smiled smoothly.
I wouldn’t want to waste your time. I’m just going to check in quickly. Oh–but actually, I do have something I want to talk to you about in private. It’s regarding the studio’s development plans. Think you could spare some time tonight!”
“Of course!” he agreed instantly.
“I’ll call you later , alright?”
“Looking forward to it” Douglas was visibly delighted.
One glance from Caitlin, and his soul was hall gone.
As the car pulled away, he stood there, inhaling deeply, intoxicated by the idea of a private evening with her.
He knew from his father and grandfather that Eleanor’s branch of the family had no blood relation to theirs. That made Caitlin not technically a cousin and fair game, in his mind.
In the car, Sebastian took her hand and grumbled, “That creep. The way he looks at you–it’s disgusting. I should beat the hell out of him.”
“If all goes according to plan tonight, his days of creeping are over, Caitlin said with a sly smile.
Sebastian was all in. “Don’t worry, everything’s ready. But I’m drained. I need some energy.”
With James distracted at the wheel, Sebastian leaned in and kissed her hard.
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“Mmph…”
James didn’t need a mirror to know what was going on in the backseat. He was getting used to being a third wheel–but that didn’t make it
any less nauseating
When the kiss finally ended, Caitlin was breathless and flushed. “Alright, save the rest for later.
Sebastian looked at her like he hadn’t had enough.
Trying to change the subject, she asked, “It’s been a while since we’ve been back to New York. I wonder how everything is there?”
“I checked in. My sister’s out of the hospital, the kids are doing well–everything’s good.”
He then added, “Oh–and they caught Teresa’s killer.”
“Who?”
AD
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