Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 246

When Ethan and Ines arrived at the Galeana Group, Shirley sat in Hunter's seat with a smug grin and a suited-up gentleman standing by her side. Emma was on the couch, looking a bit down in the dumps, seemingly not quite over the news from the funeral.

As soon as they walked in, Shirley gestured to the man beside her. "Counsel, would you mind explaining the matter I've entrusted you to them?" The lawyer nodded and addressed Ethan and Ines, "Mr Meyer, Ms Galeana. I’m Mrs Galeana's attorney, handling the division of Mr Galeana’s assets. Per my client’s request, I have a few things to tell you. Since Mr Galeana didn't leave a will, according to our inheritance law, his spouse, parents, and children are the first to inherit, followed by his siblings and grandparents. After the inheritance process begins, it's the first in line who inherits. Mr Galeana and my client both own half of the joint property. The other half of the estate will be divided among the first in line."

Ethan asked, "Can you specify which assets under Mr Galeana's name are considered joint property?"

Ines couldn't help but clench her fists. Shirley was pushing her luck, wanting half the assets and a piece of the remaining half. Ethan's gaze made the lawyer break into a cold sweat. "Mr Meyer, I have prepared a detailed inventory, which I will provide shortly."

Ethan scoffed, and Shirley turned to the lawyer, "Sir, please get my message across fully."

The lawyer continued, "As Ms Ines has been absent from Mr Galeana's side for many years and has not fulfilled her duty of care, Shirley requests that her inheritance rights be stripped and she not be allocated any part of the estate."

Ines immediately retaliated, "Shirley, who gives you the right to make such a decision?"

Shirley responded, "Because I'm Mr Galeana's lawful wife, that's enough." She was utterly smug. Ethan then turned to the lawyer. "You're a professional lawyer, you should know how unreasonable this request is. Ines, Hunter's daughter, that can't be changed, and she wouldn't lose even if this went to court." He reminded the lawyer that even a public disowning would be invalid. Let alone the fact that Hunter had left behind a letter of clarification. NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Shirley smiled, "Well then, I guess we'll see you in court, let's see how the judge rules."

Ethan gave a cold laugh, quickly understanding Shirley's intentions. She just wanted to use the Galeana Group's predicament to pressure Ines into giving up her inheritance. A lawsuit could take months, and the Galeana Group was already in a bad state. If delayed for a few more months, the Galeana Group would be hit first. It was a clever strategy.

But too bad, she was too confident and failed to see the truth.

If the Meyer Group wanted to take over the Galeana Group, it would be a piece of cake. All he needed was a good plan, and he could make the Galeana Group's stock price plummet and then buy it outright.

Ethan looked at Shirley and said, "I don't really care about the Galeana Group. If you want to go to court, I'll go with you. But don't expect to gain anything. All you'll get is a worthless piece of paper. If you don't believe me, just wait and see."

Shirley was a bit uneasy. She hadn't expected Ethan to be so tough, "What do you plan to do?"

"Make the Galeana Group part of the Meyer Group."

"You can't do that! The Galeana Group was Hunter's most cherished accomplishment. Ines, if you dare to do this, you'll pay for it." Ines understood Ethan's intention from his words. She was an expert in this field and instantly got it. She wasn't willing to be threatened by Shirley or let the

Galeana Group fall into Shirley's hands and go down the drain. She would rather have the Galeana Group become part of the Meyer Group. Even though it was a different form, at least it could save Hunter's hard work.

"Ethan, no matter what you want to do, I'll support you all the way," Ines said firmly to Ethan.

"Ines, how could you?" Shirley pointed at Ines angrily.

"What can't I do? Hunter is gone. He won't see what I do. Everything is up to me."

"You..." Shirley was so angry that she was at a loss for words. She didn't quite understand what was going on, but her intuition told her that things seemed to be deviating from her original plan.

But the real kicker was yet to come.

Suddenly, Silas barged in and announced loudly, "You guys don't need to worry. Shirley can't inherit the chairman's estate."

Hearing Silas's words, Shirley went pale, "Silas, what the hell are you talking about? I'm his lawful wife. Why can't I inherit everything?"

"I'm not talking nonsense. You're not the chairman's wife at all. Everything you're planning is just a pipe dream, totally meaningless," Silas said word for word.

Hearing this, Ines and Ethan looked at Silas curiously, not understanding what he was talking about.

"How come I'm not his wife? We're legally married!" Shirley held her head high, still looking all high and mighty. Silas gave a contemptuous smirk, "You think the chairman is a fool? He saw right through you a long time ago. Why would he let a single penny of his fortune fall into your hands? He knew this day would come, so he prepared in advance."

"The marriage certificate you hold is worthless. It's a shame I had specially made. The stamps are all fake. There's only one Mrs Chairman, and that's Ms Ines's mother."

Ines mouth dropped open in shock, unable to believe what she had just heard. What did it mean the marriage certificate was invalid?

"This can't be. You're lying to me." Shirley was shaking all over, hit hard by this unexpected bombshell.

"Did the chairman ever take you to the civil affairs bureau? Did you personally see the official seal on the marriage certificate?" Silas shot back.

"I signed the marriage application and received the marriage certificate. How could it possibly be fake?" Shirley went pale, her lips quivering, refusing to believe Silas's words.