“Sit down,” Lucien said as he gestured for both of us to take a seat opposite from where he was seated.
Although this mansion wasn’t his house, Lucien still eluded a clear aura of authority. I sat down while Reiner held my hand supportively. I got so nervous as the silence between us stretched on that I started playing around with Reiner’s thick and long fingers.
“I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. I’m sorry that we have to do this today but I’m flying back tomorrow so this is probably the only chance that we’ve got to talk,” Lucien said before he came to a pause.
“You’re leaving so soon…” I whispered sadly.
He just got here…
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back to visit you sooner or later,” Lucien said reassuringly.
“Really?” I asked in pure surprise.
“Yup. I got King’s permission and all that already,” Lucien said with a small laugh.
I guess Reiner was right. King and Lucien must be on very good terms with each other.
“What did you want to talk to us about?” Reiner asked, cutting right to the point.
“Natalia, after much thought I have decided to create a trust fund to manage your inheritance,” Lucien stated.
“A trust fund?” I repeated in shock.
“It’s just as I said during the wedding. Although I’m sure that Reiner and his family can take care and support you, I am not comfortable leaving you to live off of them,” Lucien said with a disapproving shake of his head.
“Lucien…” Reiner said with a clear edge in his voice.
“Calm down. I know exactly what you’re going to say. You’re going to tell me that you love her, and you’ll take care of her and provide for her. She would be well taken care of and all that. I get it, I really do. But as her father, I also have the right to transfer to her whatever wealth I deem necessary,” Lucien said firmly without backing down.
I bit my lower lip as tension seem to rise in the room. Honestly, I could understand both sides. Lucien was overly protective and worried just like he had always been since I knew him, and he was right. He’s my father by law and he has the right to give me as much money and assets as he wants. However, the way that he was saying it definitely made it sound like he clearly doubts that Reiner will be able to take care of me.
“Let’s hear him out first,” I said to Reiner as I gave his hand a little squeeze.
Reiner sighed but he didn’t say anymore. Thankfully he was willing to listen to what Lucien had to say.
“I’m going to explain in simple terms how the trust fund is going to work. Firstly, starting as of next month, you will receive a monthly sum. You will keep on receiving this monthly sum adjusted for inflation until the day that you die. Don’t worry, there is more than enough money for that. Secondly, when you turn 30, I will transfer over to you 30% of my entire wealth. Finally, when I die, you will inherit the rest of my wealth,” Lucien explained slowly as he watched me to make sure that I understood.
The concept wasn’t difficult for me to understand but there was one very big issue with all of this.
“I don’t need that much money. I don’t have any use for that much money…” I raised my concern passionately.
Lucien giving me all of his wealth at his death is just crazy. Even the 30% was crazy.
“My wealth is mine alone and it won’t involve you with the other Rosenhalls, which I know is something that you don’t want. I also don’t wish that for you. As for what you want to use the money for, that is up for you to decide. You can use it, you can save it, you can pass it on to your children or you can give it all to charity. It is all up to you. You can decide when your time comes, as for me, I’ve already decided,” Lucien said resolutely.
I was dumbstruck and I just didn’t know what to say. Reiner clearly found Lucien’s idea surprising, and I didn’t blame him and the reaction that he had at all.
“Oh, let me just say this in case you’re wondering. I don’t plan to have children and even if I happen to have one by accident, he or she will not inherit anything from me. The trust fund and its conditions stand. If you’re fine with it, then all you have to do is sign some documents and it will be settled,” Lucien said with a casual shrub of his shoulders.
Although he seemed calm about this, I could tell that Lucien had already put a lot of thinking behind this. Having money wasn’t a bad thing but I had no idea what to do with that much money. I also felt guilty for inheriting his wealth. Just what is Lucien thinking? Why can’t he just donate it to charity in his lifetime?
I glanced over at Reiner and his expressionless face. We’re married now so I guess I should consult my husband about this, right? That was probably the reason why Lucien had chosen to talk to both of us instead of just me alone as well.
“Reiner, what do you think?” I asked in a small voice.
“Up to you. I’m completely neutral. It doesn’t matter how much money you’ll have; I don’t have any plans to touch it and I’m sure that I can provide for a lavish lifestyle for you even after the day that you die,” Reiner stated emotionlessly.
Great. He’s probably a little pissed.
Well, Reiner is much wealthier now than when he was living simply off of his butler’s salary for sure. Although that wasn’t the main issue right now.
“Since your husband isn’t against it, then there shouldn’t be any issues, right?” Lucien asked.
“Right…” I was forced to admit.
–To be continued…