Chapter 197 Distribution of the Inheritance
When Percy showed up to announce the distribution of Hayden's estate, everyone perked up, eyes full of anticipation.
Over the years, they'd all played nice, pretending to be one big happy family, just to snag a bigger piece of the pie when this day came.
Hayden's health had been on the decline for a while, and rumors were flying that he didn't have much time left. So, everyone had been on their best behavior, either trying to make a name for themselves in the business world to impress Hayden and take over the Valdemar Group, or constantly showing up to win his favor.
But then, Percy called out Albert's name first. All eyes instantly turned to Albert, each with a different expression.
No one could figure out why someone who'd been MIA from the Valdemar family, never visited Hayden, and stubbornly refused to come back, would be singled out by Percy. And he was the only one mentioned.
Albert frowned, a bit confused, but he stepped up to Percy anyway. "That's me."
Percy gave him a slight nod. "Alright."
James's eyes lit up when he heard Albert's name. If Hayden specifically mentioned Albert to Percy, it meant Albert was definitely getting a piece of the inheritance.
If Albert got a share of the Valdemar Group's assets and didn't want to come back to the family, the current members would end up managing it. Whether it was David or him, it would be a win. When it came time to negotiate with the Horizon Group, even without a marriage alliance, they'd have an extra bargaining chip.Thinking this, James took a half step forward, patted Albert on the shoulder, signaling it was a good thing. But Albert just sidestepped, avoiding James's hand, his face blank.
Percy glanced around, calmly opened his briefcase, and pulled out the notarized will. With everyone watching, Percy read out Hayden's assets one by one, right in front of Hayden's tombstone. From real estate to stocks and funds, and finally the cash Hayden had, he listed everything.
Everyone got a decent amount; those who got more looked smug, while those who got less didn't react much. Compared to the Valdemar Group, it was small potatoes.
After reading the will, someone suddenly sneered, "Didn't he mention Albert? Why didn't Albert get anything?"
"Yeah, Hayden's always been vengeful. For those who wouldn't come back to the family, he gives them hope, then nothing."
"Classic Hayden. This is hilarious."
"Some people's little schemes really backfired. They've been busting their butts with Hayden's funeral for nothing."
"Serves them right!"
Percy looked at everyone with a playful smirk, saying nothing, just waiting for them to finish their chatter.
James's face twisted in frustration. "Why did David and I get so little? And Albert got nothing? Is this really how Hayden wanted it?"
Hayden had always doted on David, and since James was one of Hayden's more considerate sons, James was pretty ticked off about getting less than half of what Alan's family received.
Percy didn't flinch. "I suggest you hold off on any objections for now. The reading isn't over yet."
David quickly stopped James. "Dad, wait. The group shares haven't been mentioned yet."
"David, weren't you the one who didn't care about the inheritance? Now you're all about the group shares? You all act so above it, but deep down, you want more."
David pursed his lips. "While Grandpa was alive, I wouldn't covet it. But now that he's gone, the inheritance has to be divided." The implication was clear: better it went to him than someone else.
David was usually gentle and considerate, always polite to everyone. But now, his words, though still mild, carried a subtle sting that made it difficult for anyone to argue back. Albert, who hadn't cared much about Hayden's inheritance, glanced at David, intrigued.
Albert's face stayed blank. He tugged at his tie, finding the whole process pretty boring. He looked at Hayden's tombstone. In the photo, Hayden's eyes seemed to sparkle, as if he were watching his descendants squabble over his assets.
Albert pulled out his phone to check the time, only to find it dead. Just as he was about to head back to the car to charge it, Percy stopped him.
"Sorry, Mr. Albert Valdemar, no matter how urgent your matter is, you need to stay until I finish reading Mr. Hayden Valdemar's will." Percy smiled. "This is important for both you and me."
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, a sense of foreboding settling in.
"What do you mean? Why does Albert have to stay?" Someone in the crowd voiced the question, stirring up everyone's emotions.
People started shouting, afraid of what they might hear.
"Yeah, he's not even part of the family, doesn't want to be, and never acknowledges it. Why does he have to stay?"
"Is this really Hayden's will? Hayden didn't even like him!"
Percy's expression turned icy. He closed the will, looked up, and scanned the crowd. "Are you questioning my professionalism or Mr. Hayden Valdemar's decision?"
Asking such a question in front of Hayden's tombstone was a clear warning. Everyone was angry but didn't dare speak out, just glaring at Albert.
James's mood shifted from dark to smug. He straightened up, looking around proudly. "Percy, please continue. We're all listening."
Percy nodded, then looked down again, starting from the person with the least share. Finally, Percy looked up at Albert. "Mr. Albert Valdemar will inherit 42% of Mr. Hayden Valdemar's personal shares in the Valdemar Group, which cannot be managed or transferred by others."
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