Chapter 2 - EARN YOUR OWN MONEYThe family lawyer answered on the second ring.
“William Hart speaking.”
Jonathan kept his eyes on Marcus.
“It’s time.”
A pause followed.
William’s voice became formal.
“Mr. Reed, should I proceed according to the revised will?”
“Yes.”
Marcus took one nervous step backward.
Eleanor looked at her husband.
“You already revised it?”
“Three weeks ago.”
Marcus stared.
“What did you change?”
Jonathan ended the call and placed the smartphone beside his dinner plate.
“You will receive a formal copy tomorrow.”
“I asked what you changed.”
“And I said you will read it tomorrow.”
Marcus looked toward Eleanor.
“Did you know?”
She could not meet his eyes.
“Mom?”
“I knew your father was reviewing the estate.”
“You let him cut me out?”
Jonathan stood.
“Do not blame your mother for my decision.”
Marcus’s anger returned.
“You’re disinheriting me because I slapped you?”
“No.”
“Then why make the call now?”
“Because the slap answered the last question I had.”
“What question?”
“Whether continued protection would help you change.”
Marcus laughed bitterly.
“You are enjoying this.”
Jonathan touched his cheek.
The skin was red, but his voice remained controlled.
“There is nothing enjoyable about discovering your son believes money makes him untouchable.”
“You pushed me.”
“I said no.”
“You treated me like a stranger.”
“I treated you like an adult.”
Marcus’s eyes moved toward Jonathan’s leather wallet beside the table.
“You cannot cut off everything immediately. My rent is due.”
“Your apartment belongs to the Reed company.”
“My car?”
“Also company property.”
“My credit cards?”
“Paid through my office.”
Marcus looked stunned.
His luxury life contained almost nothing he legally owned.
Eleanor stepped closer.
“Marcus, sit down.”
He shook his head.
“No. You both planned this.”
Jonathan walked toward the dark wood cabinet.
He removed a leather folder containing family documents.
“I planned to give you one final opportunity tonight.”
“What opportunity?”
“A position at one of our smaller properties. A salary. Training. No executive title.”
Marcus looked offended.
“You wanted me to manage apartments?”
“I wanted you to begin learning how the company works.”
“I already know.”
“You have never completed a full week in any department.”
“I’m not one of your employees.”
“That has always been your problem.”
Marcus pointed at his father.
“I am the future of this family.”
Jonathan opened the folder.
“No. You are a member of this family. Its future does not belong to you automatically.”
Eleanor touched Marcus’s arm.
He pulled away.
The rejection hurt her.
Jonathan noticed but did not soften.
“Tomorrow morning, your company cards stop working. You have twenty-four hours to leave the apartment and return the vehicle.”
Marcus stared at him.
“You would make your own son homeless?”
“You have an education, good health and more opportunities than most people receive in a lifetime.”
“Where am I supposed to go?”
“Somewhere you can afford.”
Marcus looked around the waterfront mansion.
Every polished surface reflected the life he believed was his.
Then he saw the leather wallet on the table.
“How much are you giving me?”
Jonathan walked toward it.
“Enough for a beginning.”
He placed the wallet before Marcus.
“But understand this clearly.”
May you like
Marcus waited.
“This is the last money you will ever receive from me without earning it.”
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