Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Against the Billionaire's Will (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Love Against Odds Book 3) by Mandy Harbin Page A

emotion.
    Mr. Henry lifted the top page from his desk and read, “Article Forty-Three. I, Winthrop, hereby give my entire interest in the real property located at One Buckley Ranch Drive, Buckly, Washington, hereinafter referred to as Buckley Breeding Ranch, to Brindle Attree of Buckley, Washington.”
    “Oh my god,” she whispered.
    “Provided the following conditions are met. One,—”
    “Spoke too soon,” Dawson said with a chuckle, though he was pretty surprised at his grandfather’s generosity. That ranch contained over two thousand acres and had produced at least three mares that won the Kentucky Oaks.
    Mr. Henry’s mouth twitched as if he were fighting a smile at Dawson’s rare display of humor before he continued. “One, Buckley Breeding Ranch must realize a gain in profits of at least three percent over the same fiscal quarter from the preceding year. Two, my grandson, Dawson Winthrop, is to personally oversee the financial stability of Buckley Breeding Ranch, including but not limited to reviewing the day-to-day operations, assisting in the transfer of ownership and all that it entails, and providing one-on-one guidance to Brindle Attree for no less than thirty days, which shall commence twenty-four hours following the reading of this will.”
    “What?” Dawson roared. This was ridiculous. “I don’t have time to babysit someone for thirty days.” He glanced at the shell-shocked blonde. “No offense.”
    Mr. Henry continued reading, “Brindle Attree is not to reveal to the workers, contractors, or associates of Buckley Breeding Ranch that a member of the Winthrop family is on the premises and assisting with the transition. Nor is she to reveal the details of her inheritance to anyone until transfer of ownership is complete.”
    “I have not been on a ranch in years,” Dawson, said as soon as the attorney took a breath. “It’ll be more beneficial if I hire someone who’s experienced managing a ranch—”
    “I am experienced,” Brindle snapped, her cheeks turning red.
    He raised a placating hand. “That’s not what I meant.” Then he focused on Mr. Henry. “I do not have time in my schedule to do this. I’m sorry. You’re going to have to find someone else or allow me to hire an experienced business —he stressed as his gaze darted to her and back—person to help.”
    The attorney cleared his throat and continued as if no words had been spoken other than those of his deceased grandfather. “Once Dawson Winthrop provides thirty days of personal assistance regarding financial, managerial, and all other necessary business expertise to Brindle Attree, as appreciation for this very personal wish of mine his stake in Winthrop Holdings shall increase from fifteen percent to thirty percent.”
    That knocked the argument wind from Dawson’s sails. His grandfather had already left him fifteen percent of his company. Now he was willing to double it? The increase alone would amount to billions of dollars.
    For thirty days of his time. Before he could even begin to process the latest development, Mr. Henry said, “If Buckley Breeding Ranch does not see the specified profit in the aforementioned timeframe, Buckley Breeding Ranch, including all real property and assets shall be sold with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to Brindle Attree, and Dawson Winthrop’s increased interest in Winthrop Holdings will still increase to thirty percent.”
    Mr. Henry glanced up. The details of this provision in Dawson’s grandfather’s will was still churning in his head. If the attorney expected a comment, Dawson wasn’t ready to supply one.
    “The Devices and bequests of this Article Forty-Three are intended to be specific. In the event that this property for any reason is not part of my Estate at the time of my death, such devices and bequests shall lapse.” Mr. Henry placed the paper on his desk. “Questions?”
    “What if I don’t agree with what he suggests?” Brindle asked and flicked