In truth, Annabelle had never been involved with the Linton Group in her past life, so she hadn't known Lawyer Ford. She had only found out he was the Linton Group's dedicated lawyer by a coincidence back then. She had called him earlier to arrange this meeting.
Ryan didn't know Lawyer Ford either.
But Lawyer Ford had always known the siblings.
Ryan was a bit confused, and he frowned as he looked at the lawyer.
"This is the Linton Group's private lawyer," Annabelle introduced. "Quick, say hello to Mr. Ford."
"Hello," Ryan said politely.
Lawyer Ford returned the greeting politely before turning to Annabelle. "Miss Linton, shall we get down to business now?"
"Of course. Please, sit."
Annabelle's expression turned serious as she adopted a business-like posture to face Lawyer Ford. Ryan glanced at her and instinctively sat up straighter.
"Mr. Ford, did my mother or my grandfather leave any assets for Ryan and me?"
"They did."
Lawyer Ford took some documents from his briefcase. "Before Master Linton passed away, he left instructions and a will concerning the assets with the law firm. The will states that all succession rights for the Linton Group belong solely to Young Master Ryan. However, he can only exercise those rights after his twenty-third birthday."
Annabelle and Ryan exchanged a look, and they could both see the shock in each other's eyes.
Annabelle's eyes darkened slightly, and she asked in a formal tone, "Can Ryan exercise his rights early?"
"I'm afraid not."
Just as they were both feeling a sense of loss, Lawyer Ford added, "But there's no need to worry, Miss Linton. The will specifies that should any unusual circumstances arise, you may act as the Young Master's guardian and take over the Linton inheritance first. The prerequisites are that you must be at least twenty years old, and you must unconditionally surrender the inheritance rights to Young Master Ryan when he turns twenty-three."
Annabelle asked in surprise, "Is that true?"
Lawyer Ford gave a slight smile. "It is. Master Linton's reasoning was that he wanted the Young Master to gain sufficient experience before inheriting the family estate. He also made arrangements for you, Miss Linton."
"Me?"
"Yes. Master Linton left you the villa in Eastvale and two Linton subsidiary companies as your dowry."
Annabelle felt her eyes sting with unshed tears.
'My grandfather never married, and Mom was his only child. And even she passed away so young.'
'And as he was leaving this world, he still made sure to arrange their finances, afraid that with no one left to protect them, they would be mistreated.'
'And yet William Chapman, their own biological father, treated them like dirt.'
A look of sorrow crossed Lawyer Ford's face. "The Linton Group is a vast enterprise, and life is full of uncertainties. Ms. Linton was his only daughter, and she passed on too soon. When Master Linton was leaving this world, his only remaining concern was you and the Young Master. That's why he made arrangements for you both—to ensure you would have some security in your lives after they were gone."
The atmosphere at the table instantly grew heavy.
Annabelle felt a jolt in her heart, followed by a wave of unease.
After a long moment of silence, she finally asked, "Does William Chapman know about these documents?"
Lawyer Ford seemed ashamed. He pursed his lips before speaking. "Master Linton instructed that he was not to be told, and at first, he didn't know. But... he found out a year ago."
Annabelle frowned. 'I knew it. I knew William Chapman found out. Otherwise, how could a perfectly healthy company have been bought out by someone else?'
"After he found out, did he do anything to you?" Annabelle asked worriedly.
'Knowing William Chapman, there was no way he would just let Lawyer Ford ruin his plans.'
Lawyer Ford was touched.
'He hadn't expected it. At a critical time like this, Annabelle's first thought was for his well-being.'