The granddaughter of a rich old lady was the only family member who decided to visit her after her death. One day she met her late grandmother’s lawyer at the cemetery, where vital information was revealed to her. It changed her life forever.
Olivia was a wealthy woman who ran a successful business in her town. She had a large family who relied on her for everything.
Over the years, Olivia’s children did not have to work a single day in their lives because she did everything possible to make them comfortable: they all lived with Olivia, experienced cooks cooked their meals and their education was fully paid for by Olivia and her late husband Jacob.
Olivia was close to her family and often accompanied them on luxury trips around the world. She was loved and respected, but she always knew that there was a good chance that this respect was only due to her money.
“Take away all that luxury and wealth and I’m sure none of them will stay here,” Olivia once told her trusted lawyer.
“What do you plan to do?” – he asked her.
Olivia carefully described her wishes and asked her lawyer to put them in writing. Her lawyer thought it was a brilliant plan and did not hesitate to respect his client’s wishes.
A few years later, Olivia fell ill and her days were numbered. While she tried to recover at home, her children and grandchildren were at her bedside making sure she had everything she needed. Even though she knew she was going to die, Olivia was happy to have all her family members by her side.
When Olivia passed away, her children arranged a lavish funeral for her. Hundreds of their friends, colleagues and staff came to the funeral to pay their last respects to Olivia.
After the ceremony, they all went to Olivia’s lawyer to inquire about the contents of her will. They were stunned by her reply: ‘There is nothing for you.
‘ What do you mean, there”s nothing for us? Who else could she have left her property to?” – The eldest daughter asked angrily.
The lawyer explained that she had failed to disclose to them the contents of Olivia’s will in accordance with her client’s wishes, as a result of which Olivia’s children became enraged and told the lawyer that she expected to clash with their legal teams.
Left with nothing and forced to support themselves, Olivia’s family struggled to adjust to a normal lifestyle as they were used to having everything without lifting a finger.
In the first few months after Olivia’s death, they never bothered to visit her grave, except for Lisa, Olivia’s youngest granddaughter. She spent all day with her grandmother, giving her flowers and telling her about her life.
“I miss you, Grandma,” she cried during her visit on the first anniversary of Olivia’s death. “I’m sorry I always come to you alone. I don’t know why everyone else is so angry.”
“Your grandmother knew this would happen,” a woman’s voice suddenly said, interrupting Lisa’s thoughts.
She flinched at the sudden noise and turned to see who was standing behind her.
“Oh, Mrs Stevens,” she said quietly. “Thank you for visiting Granny,” Lisa told him.
“Of course. She was one of my favourite clients,” the lawyer replied. “I’m actually here often, and I’ve seen you visit her a few times alone,” she informed her. “Do you have a few minutes for me? I’d like to talk to you about something.” The 17-year-old nodded.
It was then that the lawyer revealed Olivia’s true plan for her inheritance.
“Not that she wanted to disinherit everyone, but she wanted to see who really deserved her wealth,” she explained to Lisa.
“She knew there were people in your family who only cared about her for her wealth, and sadly, the facts proved her right. You are the only person in your family who truly loves her, Lisa,” Mrs Stevens said.
With these words she handed Lisa a sealed envelope. Surprised, Lisa slowly opened it and discovered that she had become the sole heir to Olivia’s entire wealth.
“This can’t be true,” she says, trembling as she reads the will.
Her lawyer assures her that she will tell her what options to take.
Before Lisa knew it, her family had discovered that she had inherited all of Olivia’s wealth and demanded that she share it with the rest of the family. However, Mrs Stevens had already warned her that this could happen and explained to her how to proceed in such a situation.
She broke off relations with her family and flew to another city to get her diploma.
She visited Olivia’s grave only periodically, but did not tell her family about it.
In the end, Olivia’s inheritance allowed her to live comfortably and travel the world. She had enough money to pass on to the next generation and to donate to charity.
