“I know this is hard. I love you both.” It was Irwin, not Sharon, who broke when they saw what she’d written. Sharon shot him a cold look. He composed himself immediately.

“As you are familiar with the contents of the original document,” Stephanie continued, “I’m comfortable telling you that nothing has changed except the estate’s legal representation and its assigned executors.”

“If that’s the case, there’s no reason for us to stay,” Sharon announced as she rose from her seat and left with Irwin and the suit in tow. Stephanie and Bennett exchanged DVD cases as he passed her.

The room was silent except for the sound of Stephanie Tate flipping some pages in Dana’s will. No one fully understood what they’d just seen.

“As you are no doubt aware, the estate is fairly substantial. I’ll move to the bequests,” the lawyer was all business. She had no way of knowing that every word she was about to say was to be a total surprise to everyone in the room.

“Ms. Fairbanks’ brother, Howard, will receive 20% of her share of the family trust fund to supplement his existing share. The remaining balance of her trust, some six and half million dollars, is to be converted into two funds, with two million seeding an educational trust for Angelica Porter Kennard, as well as any and all children of the women in this room, save for Helena Peabody.  She made a note that says you’ll understand.” Stephanie glanced in Helena’s direction.

“And I do,” Helena said quickly. She still wasn’t quite sure why Dana wanted her here.

“Four and a half million shall serve as the initial endowment for the tentatively named WeHo Family Foundation, which is to be dedicated to furthering education, art and sports programs for young students and athletes. You are each asked to serve as Trustees in perpetuity of this fund, while Mss. Pieszecki, Bette Porter, Kennard and Peabody are asked to direct the foundation’s business development, board recruitment, staffing and activities for no less than the first three years. If she’s willing, Mrs. Fairbanks is invited to join you in these endeavors. And if he is willing, Mr. Fairbanks is asked to offer counsel on the investment and management strategies for the trust funds. Does anyone have any questions?”