The Damone House's driveway was packed with Rolls Royces, Lamborghinis, BMWs, and other luxury vehicles. The police had cordoned off the entire block, and parking was extended for a quarter mile on either side.
A crowd of wealthy people gathered outside, but only a few chosen ones were allowed inside. People wondered what the hell was happening with an ordinary family.
Inside the Damone House, the library room was packed to the fill. Guests included Claire Holt, Rose Atelier, Haley B, and other celebrities. The following families were present: Bolton, Baron, Johnson, Krasinki, Ribald, Cormorant, and all other major business groups of Springfield.
The secret was out; Victor Damone was the deceased Chairman of the mighty Rapids Project. Over the last year, the fifty-billion-dollar project had expanded to two hundred billion, shocking the industry worldwide. It was a global phenomenon at this point, and after the Chairman's death, hungry crows had come to roost.
Victor's grandfather Edgar rested on a couch near the fireplace. He paid no attention to the well-dressed crowd gathered in his library. The old man just wanted the legal process to be over quickly so that he could mourn his grandson in peace.
Elsa Madison walked into the room, holding a sealed file. She was Victor's official attorney. The young beauty was dressed in a body-fitting business suit and looked incredibly professional despite her age.
All eyes were on the document in Elsa's hands. What was Victor's last wish? Who were his legal successors?
Elsa cleared her throat and broke the file's seal.
"Mr. Edgar Damone is the last surviving relative of my deceased client," she began. "With his permission, I would like to read the last will and testament of Mr. Victor Damone."
Edgar nodded from his seat without offering any comment. His eyes were fixed on the crackling flames in the library hearth.
Elsa pursed her lips and continued. "Mr. Damone has left personal comments about his near and dear ones. However, I will not read them out in public. Instead, I will communicate them to the respective people through redacted photocopies of the will. Is that agreeable to all invitees present?"
The crowd nodded and mumbled their assent.
"Alright. I must also mention a clause inserted by the federal government. The total quantum of Mr. Damone's wealth and properties shall remain confidential by the President's order. Most of it will be managed and controlled by an organization whose name shall remain secret."
The listeners began murmuring among themselves. If most of his wealth was to be usurped by a mysterious organization, what was left for them? However, there wasn't much protest because the guests had already been filled in about this clause in their invitation letter. Moreover, those who knew about Victor’s real identity realized the organization referred to was the New World Order.
The cover story was—Victor Damone, a civilian spy, rescued Springfield from a terrorist attack. Therefore, his personal and financial details were sealed by the government.
"However, Mr. Damone has left behind considerable bequeathments for his near and dear ones."
The guests exchanged curious glances and shuffled nervously in anticipation. This was the moment they had been waiting for.
"In Mr. Damone's own words… To my grandfather, Edgar, I leave ten billion dollars tax-free!"
There was a collective gasp among the spectators. Ten billion? Even Clive Baron, the richest billionaire in Springfield, was worth only three billion dollars.
How did an ordinary guy come upon such a colossal amount? That, too, came from a small fraction of his total wealth. How rich was Victor in reality?
The Ateliers exchanged glances among themselves. Their time to act was approaching. Carol had been dying to tell someone about her pregnancy. After reuniting with her family, she broke into tears and told them everything.
Martha nudged Carol. "Honey, was Victor really that wealthy? Then why did he lead such a middle-class life? Why didn't he shower you with riches and luxuries if he really loved you?"
Ronald chimed in. "If he had given you a billionaire married life, we would have never been against your marriage. In fact, we would have opposed your divorce. Your happiness is a priority."
Carol shook her head. "I don't think Victor enjoyed accumulating wealth. He was correct in not trying to impress me with money and gifts. Victor just wanted to build an ordinary life with me. Alas, I was a horrible wife to him, and I deserved to be divorced."
Martha turned to Ronald and Josh and rolled her eyes. They put their heads together and gossiped quietly with renewed vigor.
"To my friend Dave…" Elsa Madison continued. "I leave fifty million dollars and a car. His beautiful family deserves a beautiful life."
Dave, Victor's best friend from his schooling days, emerged from the crowd with his wife and kid. His eyes were moist. "Victor is a kind friend even after his death."
"Next!" the female attorney continued. "To Haley B… I pass down the seven-gem royal necklace!"