Inside were legal documents.
My breath caught as I read them. They confirmed the complete transfer of ownership of Coleman Industries—his $250-million manufacturing company—into my name.
“Grandpa… is this real?” I whispered.
He squeezed my hand gently. “You’ve always been responsible, Emily. This company will be safer with you than with anyone else.”
Before I could fully process what I was holding, my mother stood abruptly. Her expression shifted from shock to calculation, then settled into a forced smile.
“Well,” she said loudly, “this makes things much easier. Mark will take over running the company starting Monday.”
I stared at her. “What? No. I’m the owner.”
Mark stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Emily, corporate leadership is complex. Someone your age can’t handle it.”
