The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 124

Lavinia was so stunned she accidentally spilled a drop of her drink. "All of it to me?"

Maeve smiled. "Yes. The Harpers think they've already drained her dry. They have no idea the Gilmore family still has these assets tucked away."

She spoke slowly and deliberately. "It might not be billions, but Judith wants you—and only you—to have it."

Lavinia knew this wasn't about the amount of money. It was about the crushing weight of the sentiment behind it.

"Maeve, this is too much. I can't accept it." Lavinia looked up. "And to be perfectly honest with you, I don't know how much longer my marriage to Garnett is going to last."

Maeve looked back at her. Her eyes held sympathy, resignation, and an undeniable fondness.

"That is exactly why you must have this money," Maeve said firmly.

Lavinia looked at her in surprise. "Why?"

"Ma'am, Judith was the one who arranged your marriage to Mr. Harper. She believes she is responsible for you. Since the Harpers only care about saving face rather than what's in a person's heart, she's entrusting the last of the Gilmore assets to you."

Maeve paused, emphasizing her next words. "This way, the Harpers won't dare disrespect you, and Mr. Harper will be forced to give you the respect you deserve."

Lavinia's fingers curled tightly against her knees. She had no idea Judith had thought so far ahead.

"But what if... what if Garnett and I separate?" Lavinia asked quietly.

Maeve held her gaze for a long time.

"Judith stated explicitly that this trust comes with no conditions. It is yours. Even if you remarry, you will still receive the dividends. You can pass it down to your future children."

Lavinia was utterly paralyzed. She couldn't believe her ears.

Maeve stood up and reached out, gently patting Lavinia's cheek. It was a tender, comforting gesture, like an elder soothing a child. Then, she turned and left.

The documents remained sitting on the table.

Charley sent her a photo. At the rental house, the bed and main pieces of furniture were already set up. They were all in the warm, natural wood tones she loved.

Lavinia smiled softly. "I'm heading back to pack my things right now. Can you come pick me up at the Arden Estate? I don't have much, but it'll still be two suitcases."

He replied instantly: "Sure. I'll swing by my place and grab Nemo first."

Nemo had been at the pet hotel this whole time, and the poor dog was probably going crazy missing him.

Lavinia typed back: "Okay, see you soon."