Invisible String - The Inheritance Games

one

...

"Hello?" I ask picking up the phone.
"Hey, I'm on my way back." Grayson.
"Everything go okay?"
"Yeah I guess, her and her sister are boarding a plane soon."
"What's she like?"
"Shes alright, but has a quick mouth and a lot of attitude."
"She sounds great," I grin.
"Why do you think she's in the will?"
"He probably owes the family something. Or at least that's what I'm assuming."
"She said she had no idea who he was."
"What?" I mutter. "Maybe she's lying."
"Seemed genuine."
"Maybe something with her parents."
"That's what I'm thinking."
"When are you landing?"
"Soon, an hour or so. What are you doing?"
"I was shopping with Zara earlier but I got back right before you called."
"Jamie and Xander go to school?"
"Nash was home, so," I say making Grayson laugh.
"Alright, I'm hanging up now."
"Can I borrow your car?"
"You have your own cars. Why?"
"I'm bored and want a new experience."
"Have Oren drive you."
"No Gray. That's not even a new experience. Please."
"You're so annoying."
"Is that a yes?"
"Where are you going."
"Out?"
"No shit genius. Where out?"
"Ben's house."
"No."
"What?"
"You can't take my car. I can't stop you from dating the dick but I'm not giving you transportation to go see him."
"I hate you."
"Love you too. Bye," he quickly says before hanging up.
"Dick head," I mumble, walking through a corridor. I pause in front of my grandfather's wing. A shiver runs down my spine and I turn away, continuing through the house.
I walk downstairs and into the garage. I walk towards my custom McLaren 420s, unlocking it. After I open the garage, I drive down the long driveway. Stopping at the gate, I roll down my window and smile at the security. As soon as I drive onto the freeway, I speed up.

...

"I'll just come with you."
"Ben, you know my brothers are protective. They're not gonna like you coming."
"They're not protective, they just don't like me. And quite frankly, I don't like them either."
"Okay," I sigh, closing my eyes. "It's just the will reading, you'll be bored."
"We can hang out after."
"And by hanging out do you mean having sex or actually doing something?"
"You know I wanted to take you out today. I just have had a really hard week. I thought out of everyone you'd understand," my boyfriend of 2 years says, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry Ben. I understand you have a lot going on right now."
"So I can come with you?"
"Yeah, of course," I smile, guilt lacing my words.
"That's my girl," he grins. "Let's go, I'll drive yeah," he says, grabbing my keys from me. I follow behind him, my smile immediately falling.

...

Ben parks in the driveway, quickly getting out of the car. I sigh, mentally preparing myself for how my brothers will react to me bringing him.
"Hurry up, you'll waste the whole day sitting in the car," he says, standing next to the stairs leading up to the house. He takes his hands out of his pockets when I approach him, slipping him hand into mine.
"I think she's already here," I whisper.
"Nervous?" he smiles, turning to me.
"A bit. More about meeting her than the will honestly."
"Really?"
"I don't really care what the old man gives me. I just hope my brothers are happy."
"You should care about yourself too."
"I do, but they're my brothers Ben."
"Oh trust me, I'm aware," he mumbles as we reach the front door. I reach forward, opening it. As soon as the door opens, everyone in the foyer turns to us.
"Little sister, how nice of you to join us," Grayson says, staring at Ben. We walk into the foyer and I look at Xander, nervously smiling. I turn to the other people in the room. Next to him is a girl -who looks not much older than us- with bright blue hair. I look past her and see a brunette. Avery.
"Grayson, Xander, how rude of you to not introduce me to our guests." I walk up to the girls, smiling. "I'm Hudson, pleasure to meet you two," I hold out my hand.
"I'm Libby, it's nice to meet you," the older girl grins at me. I turn towards Avery and Libby nudges her.
"Avery," she says, hesitantly. "It's nice to meet you too," she shakes my hand, suddenly gaining confidence. She looks behind me towards Ben.
"This is Bennett, my sisters boyfriend. Though, I'm not sure why he's here now," Grayson says, narrowing his eyes at Ben.
"Don't be rude in front of guests Gracie," Ben says though his teeth, smiling.
"Don't call me that," Grayson glares at him.
"Don't call me Bennett," he counters.
"Mademoiselle..." Xander interrupts, stoping the boys from starting a fight. "May I ask: What are your feelings on roller coasters?"
"This place has a roller coaster?" Libby asks, her eyes widening.
"Not exactly," Xander grins, before pulling her down a corridor.
Next to me, Grayson snorts, catching my attention.
"What?" Avery asks, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing," Grayson says, with a slight smirk. "It's just... you have a very expressive face." Avery doesn't reply, getting lost in thought instead.
"I apologize for Xander," I speak up.
"He tends not to buy into such antiquated notions as thinking before one speaks and sitting still for more than three consecutive seconds," Grayson looks down.
"He's the best of us, even on his worst days," I smile.
"Ms. Ortega said there were five of you."
"I have three brothers and one sister," Grayson says, gesturing towards me.
"Same mom, different fathers. Our aunt Zara doesn't have any children," I say looking past her, as I see my mom approaching.
"And on the topic of our relations, I feel as though I should issue a second apology, in advance," Grayson quickly mutters, making me snort.
"Gray, Hudson, darlings!" She says, being a bit extra for our guest. "They're ready for us in the Great Room. Or they will be shortly. Where's your brother?"
"Specificity, Mother."
"Don't you 'Mother' me, Grayson Hawthorne." She rolls her eyes, turning to Avery. "You'd think he was born wearing that suit," she says quietly, like she's telling a secret, "but Gray was my little streaker. A real free spirit. We couldn't keep clothes on him at all, really, until he was four. Frankly, I didn't even try." She pauses before addressing her. "You must be Ava."
"Avery," Grayson corrects."Her name is Avery, Mother." My mom sighs and I immediately know what she's going to say next.
"I always swore my children would call me by my first name," she says to Avery. "I'd raise them as my equals, you know? But then, I always imagined having girls. Four boys later..." She shrugs. "Even Hudson here refuses. She's unfortunately very similar to her father," she mumbles.
"Mother," Grayson says, warningly.
"Oh relax, she's a big girl," she glances at me before looking past me. "Ben, oh hello sweetheart."
"Hey Skye," Ben walks up to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
"I wasn't aware you'd be here."
"Hudson really wanted me to come and you know how she doesn't take no for an answer," he grins.
"Completely her father I swear. It's just the-." I quickly leave the room, before my mom can even finish her sentence. I walk past Zara, just as she walks into the foyer.
I walk past the Great Room, going up to my room. As I enter, I sit down at my vanity, re-curling my eyelashes and touching up on powder. I straighten out my outfit.
Before I had gone out with Zara, I changed into white jean skirt with a plain blue baby tee.
I sit down on my bed and scroll through my phone. I wait for a couple of minutes to pass before I get up and walk downstairs. I'm about to enter the Great Room, but shift direction as the door bell rings.
"Mathew," I say after opening up the door.
"Hudson," he grins. "Am I late?"
"You know we plan everything around you," I say, sarcastically. "Nothing starts until you arrive."
"Oh you're too sweet."
"I don't think they started yet," I turn around, walking to the Great Room.
"Where's Gray?"
"You're making it seem like you're only here for him," I place a hand on my heart, pouting.
"Never," he laughs. "You know you're my favorite lady in the house. After Skye of course," he winks right as we reach the Great Room. Seeing my brothers Matthew walks towards them. I stay frozen in the entrance, skimming the room for my boyfriend.
"He left," Jameson says walking past me into the room.
"Huh?" I ask confused, walking after Jamie. "What do you mean he left."
"He had to walk his fish," Grayson says making Xander, Mathew, and Jamie giggle like little schoolgirls.
"Funny," I roll my eyes. "What did you guys do?"
"Nothing, we just told him the truth."
"Which is?"
"How non of us want him here."
"Grayson! Tell me you're kidding."
"Relax, his dad needed him."
"Or he was lying and he's hanging out with his other girlfriend."
"Shut up Jameson. This is why you're still single."
"Not for long," he looks at Matthew.
"You're not dating my mom dude," he rolls his eyes. I sigh leaning my forehead against Grayson's shoulder.
"Can this be over already?"
"We'd start, but the Avery girl disappeared," Grayson mumbles.
"I like her, she's interesting."
"You are not sleeping with Avery, Jameson."
"Who said anything about sex? Must you make everything sexual dear sister?"
"I mean it's all her and Ben do," Matt mutters, Grayson immediately stiffening.
"Shut up Matthew," I say under my breath.
"God I totally could have lived without hearing that," Xander groans.
"I honestly don't get why you're dating him," Jameson looks at me knowingly.
"Because I love him," I say making the boys snicker. "God, I hate you guys."
"There's your girl Jamie," Matt says making us turn around to find Avery walk in. Jameson salutes at her, making Grayson once more stiffen beside me.
"Now that everyone is here," Mr. Ortega says, gaining our attention, "let's get started."
"You are here," Mr. Ortega starts, projecting his voice all throughout the room, "to hear the last will and testament of Tobias Tattersall Hawthorne. Per Mr. Hawthorne's instructions, my colleagues will now distribute letters he has left for each of you."
Mr. Jones and  Mr. McNamara began to pass out the letters one by one.
"You may open these letters when the reading is concluded," Mr. Ortega spoke as I was handed my letter. My first name was written on the front in fancy handwriting.
"Mr. Hawthorne stipulated that all of the following individuals must be physically present for the reading of this will: Skye Hawthorne, Zara Hawthorne-Calligaris, Nash Hawthorne, Grayson Hawthorne, Hudson Hawthorne, Jameson Hawthorne, Alexander Hawthorne, and Ms. Avery Kylie Grambs of New Castle, Connecticut."  "Since you are all here," Mr. Ortega continued, "we may begin." I glance at Grayson. He looks composed, but I can tell he's nervous.
"I, Tobias Tattersall Hawthorne," Mr. Ortega starts to read, "being of sound body and mind, decree that my worldly possessions, including all monetary and physical assets, be disposed of as follows: To Andrew and Lottie Laughlin, for years of loyal service, I bequeath a sum of one hundred thousand dollars apiece, with lifelong, rent-free tenancy granted in Wayback Cottage, located on the western border of my Texas estate." I turn to Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin to find them leaning on each other.
"To John Oren, head of my security detail, who has saved my life more times and in more ways than I can count, I leave the contents of my toolbox, held currently in the offices of McNamara, Ortega, and Jones, as well as a sum of three hundred thousand dollars." I grin, immediately looking around for Oren. I wink at him after making eye contact.
"To my mother-in-law, Pearl O'Day, I leave an annuity of one hundred thousand dollars a year, plus a trust for medical expenses as set forth in the appendix. All jewelry belonging to my late wife, Alice O'Day Hawthorne -excluding her wedding ring- shall pass to her mother upon my death, to be distributed as she sees fit upon hers."
"Don't you go getting any ideas," I hear Nan say from behind me. "I'm going to outlive you all."
I turn back to Mr. Ortega, he smiles, but then it quickly flatens. "To..." Mr. Ortega pauses. "To my daughters, Zara Hawthorne-Calligaris and Skye Hawthorne, I leave the funds necessary to pay off all debts accrued as of the date and time of my death," he pauses again, his lips pushing themselves together. "Additionally, I leave to Skye my compass, may she always know true north, and to Zara, I leave my wedding ring, may she love as wholly and steadfastly as I loved her mother." He pauses agian making my uncle speak up.
"Go on."
"To each of my daughters," Mr. Ortega reads hesitantly, "beyond that already stated, I leave a one-time inheritance of fifty thousand dollars." Holy shit. My eyes widen and I turn to Zara and my mom.
"You did this." My aunt says in a calm voice, turning to my mother.
Me?" My mother asks, raising her voice.
"Daddy was never the same after Toby died," Zara glares. "Disappeared."
"God, listen to you!" Zara says, losing the calm tone she previously was using. "You got in his head, didn't you, Skye? Batted your eyelashes and convinced him to bypass us and leave everything to your—"
"Children." My mom's voice was crisp. "The word you're looking for is children."
"The word she's looking for is bastards." Nash spoke up biside me. I hadn't even noticed him come in. "Not like we haven't heard it before."
"If I'd had a son..." Zara's starts.
"But you didn't." My mom pauses. "Did you, Zara?"
"Enough." My uncle steps in. "We will sort this out."
"I'm afraid there's nothing to be sorted." Mr. Ortega interrupts, "you will find the will is ironclad, with significant disincentives to any who might be tempted to challenge it."
"Now, if I may continue..." Mr. Ortega looks back down at the will in his hands. "To my grandsons, Nash Westbrook Hawthorne, Grayson Davenport Hawthorne, Jameson Winchester Hawthorne, and Alexander Blackwood Hawthorne, I leave..." My breath gets caught in my throat, as the realization that he hadn't mentioned my name sets in.
"Everything," my aunt mutters.
"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars apiece, payable on their twenty-fifth birthdays, until such time to be managed by Alisa Ortega, trustee."
"What?" Alisa says, shocked. "I mean... what?"
"The hell," Nash spoke. "The phrase you're looking for, darlin', is what the hell?" My heart stops as I processes what Mr. Ortega had said. He had left my brothers nothing.
"To my granddaughter, Hudson Hawthorne, I leave a one-time inheritance of three hundred thousand dollars payable on her twenty-second birthday. As well as my late wife's, Alice O'Day Hawthorne's, wedding ring." He didn't leave Grayson the foundation. I haven't even processed what I had received. All I could think about was Grayson.
"What is going on here?" Grayson asks, snapping me out of my trance.
"Please, everyone," Mr. Ortega held up a hand. "Allow me to finish." "The remainder of my estate," Mr. Ortega read, "including all properties, monetary assets, and worldly possessions not otherwise specified, I leave to Avery Kylie Grambs."
Holy. Shit.