Chapter 25 - WESTBRIDGE WITHOUT DIANE
Diane died at eighty-four.
Peacefully.
Heart failure after several declining months.
No mystery.
Her estate was modest compared with the properties she once controlled.
Personal savings.
Jewelry.
Car.
Furniture.
No hidden millions.
Westbridge interests followed the genuine operating agreement.
Not her will.
Important.
The family residence was appraised.
Ben and Karen had options:
Sell.
One buy out the other.
Keep as rental.
Neither wanted to live there.
They sold.
Market sale.
No sentimental discount.
Proceeds allocated correctly.
Diane left Ella a small velvet box.
Inside:
No medal.
A handwritten note.
I spent too much of my life deciding what other people’s things meant.
These are yours if you want them.
Pearl earrings.
Ella wore them once to Diane’s funeral.
Then stored them.
No grand symbolism.
Objects can be complicated without being cursed.
At the funeral, Tyler stood beside Ella.
A distant relative said:
“You two are the future of Westbridge.”
Ella answered:
“Westbridge has a property manager.”
May you like
Tyler nearly choked laughing.
Perfect.
