The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 165

"Lavinia, you really can't put off this family trust any longer."

Sitting in the cafe, Maeve frowned with concern. "If you don't sign these papers, the money will almost certainly end up back in the hands of your heartless in-laws. And that is absolutely not what Ms. Judith wants to see happen."

Hearing that Zenia was actively trying to monopolize her grandmother's jewelry sent a chill down Lavinia's spine.

Judith was still perfectly healthy and sharp, yet they were already disregarding her authority. When she eventually grew older and weaker, wouldn't they just seize all the assets and throw her out on the street?

"Maeve, I've pretty much made up my mind about this," Lavinia said, choosing her words carefully. "I'm willing to help Grandmother manage the family trust."

She specifically emphasized, "I said manage, not inherit."

"But, Lavinia, this..."

"Maeve, please let me finish."

"Alright, go ahead."

"I want to use the majority of the trust to set up a charitable foundation in Grandmother's name, to help those in need."

Maeve's eyes flickered with emotion.

Lavinia continued, "The rest of the funds will be allocated exclusively for her retirement care. I'll be the one providing for her in her old age."

Maeve's eyes welled with tears. Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but no words came out. She simply gave a firm, profound nod.

"Lavinia, Ms. Judith certainly chose the right person." Maeve stood up. "I'll go back and report this to her. I know she will be incredibly moved."

Lavinia walked Maeve to the door and watched as she got into her car.

Returning to her seat, Lavinia had just picked up her coffee when a familiar voice sneered from behind.

"Oh, did Maeve leave already? Making all these big decisions behind our backs, are we?"

Lavinia didn't look up.

She remembered clearly. She had signed a prenuptial agreement before the wedding, and another postnuptial agreement two months into the marriage.

Both documents essentially boiled down to one brutal reality: none of the Harper family's wealth belonged to her.

But this new supplementary agreement added a specific clause: [Any gifts acquired by the female party during the marriage, including unexercised equity or trusts, must be divided with the male party, who is entitled to 90% of the distribution.]

Her finger stopped on that exact line. She finally looked up. "Stepmother, what is the meaning of this?"

Zenia set her coffee cup down, speaking with a lazy drawl. "I'm here today to make one thing perfectly clear. The old lady's assets belong to the Harpers. Don't even dream of taking them with you."

"Grandmother is only holding onto her final retirement funds." Lavinia glared at her. "You're really going to scheme for her absolute last life savings?"

Zenia's expression darkened. "Drop the self-righteous act. You married into the Harper family by clinging to the old lady. That alone was the luckiest break your pathetic bloodline will ever see. And now you're greedy for the assets too? What do you even need all that money for? Do you really think someone of your standing can stomach that much wealth?"