The Inheritance Contract

AN: We are on to the reading of the will. Yay! For everyone wondering, Elizabeth will be introduced in the next chapter. Also, for story purposes, certain characters won't be making appearances. Hope everyone likes this chapter and please leave those reviews!

I don't own GH or any of its lovely characters.

Chapter 2

1 week later

Everyone who had received a summons for the will reading was gathered in the Quartermaine Living Room. Jason was sitting on the couch next to his sister Emily and his cousin Ned. His parents, Alan and Monica were seated on the opposite couch. His grandmother Lila was in her wheelchair, and sitting in the chair next to her was his Aunt Tracy. His brother AJ was standing by the door, looking out at Lila's rose garden. They were just waiting for Edwards' lawyer to show up. Emily reached out, taking his hand.

"It's good that you're here," Emily said, squeezing his hand. He managed a small smile just for her. He looked across at Lila and she gave him a sad smile. Even though he had hated Edward, he did feel bad that his grandmother was now suffering because of it.

The housekeeper, Alice, came into the room. "Justus is here for the reading," she announced.

"Thank you Alice. Please send him in," Lila told her. Alice nodded and exited the room. A moment later, Justus Ward entered the room. He set his briefcase down on the table.

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I'm sure we all wish this meeting was under better circumstances," Justus told the group. He pulled the chair behind the desk out and sat down. "Now, we are here for the reading of Edward Louis Quartermaines' Last Will and Testament. Edward left very explicit instructions on how he wanted his estate distributed. So, let's begin." He opened his briefcase and withdrew Edwards' will.

After reading through the usual jargon, Justus reached the part everyone was there for. Justus cleared his throat. "To my wife, Lila Morgan Quartermaine, should she outlive me, I bequeath my shares of ELQ, as well as the majority of my assets. To my children, Alan Quartermaine and Tracy Quartermaine, I bequeath to each of you 20% shares in ELQ as well as 25 million dollars each. To my daughter in law Monica, I bequeath to you 15% shares in ELQ. In addition, as a gift to both Alan and Monica, a donation of 10 million dollars will be made to General Hospital in my name."

Alan and Monica both gasped. That generous donation would be extremely appreciated. Tracy just scoffed and rolled her eyes. Ned glared at his mother. AJ fought off a grin.

Justus continued. "To my grandsons, Alan Quartermaine Jr- known as AJ, and Edward Ashton Quartermaine- known as Ned, I bequeath to you each 10 million dollars, as well as 10% shares in ELQ. To my granddaughter, Emily Bowen Quartermaine, I also bequeath to you 10 million dollars, as well as 10% shares in ELQ."

Jason noticed that his name had been omitted and narrowed his eyes. Justus cleared his throat. "Edward also included his grandson Jason Morgan Quartermaine in the will, but 2 years ago, he also added a codicil to his original request." The family all looked confused. Justus cleared his throat again. "I tried to talk Edward out of this, but he was very adamant that his wishes be followed."

"Well, get on with it already! What did Daddy say about Jason?" Tracy voiced what the rest of them wondered. Even Jason was now on edge. What had the old man added?

Justus took a deep breath. "The original bequeathment stated that Jason would receive 10 million dollars as well as 10% shares in ELQ. The codicil that Edward added reads as follows- "In addition to what I have already stated, I am adding an additional 40 million dollars to my grandson Jason's original inheritance." Several loud gasps filled the room. Tracy resembled a fish out of water. Lila had a devilish glint in her eyes. Even Alan and Monica were at a loss for words.

Jason could only stare at the floor. 50 million dollars!? He left me 50 MILLION DOLLARS!?

"There is still more," Justus told the group. They all stared at him. "In order for Jason to get this money, one of two things must occur." Jason scoffed. Of course there are terms. "The first option is that Jason begins an internship at ELQ in an area of his choosing, for at least 1 year's time."

Jason was floored. What about his business? How would he keep it afloat if he had to work at ELQ? Jason sighed and looked at Justus. "What is the other option?" Surely this would be a better choice…

Justus looked him in the eye. "You must marry and produce an heir by this time next year. Understand that if neither of these terms are met, you forfeit your inheritance forever. You also won't have access to your inheritance until one of the two terms are met."

The silence in the room was deafening. Jason himself felt like he was in a vacuum. There was a buzzing sound in his ears that made it hard for him to focus.

Suddenly, chaos ensued as several voices began to overlap.

"Are you kidding me right now?"

"There must be some kind of mistake?"

"Are you sure that is what he actually wanted?"

"Why would he do something like that!?"

"What was he thinking!?"

Jason was floored and didn't know what to think. I either have to work at ELQ or get married and have a baby to claim my inheritance.

A shrill whistle sounded through the room. Startled, everyone stopped talking and looked at Ned. He stood with his hands on his hips. Satisfied he had the room's attention, he spoke up.

"Obviously, this unexpected addition to Grandfather's Will threw everyone for a loop. But, we all have to realize that the person this affects the most is Jason. So, why don't we let Justus finish talking so Jason knows what his options are!"

All the Quartermaines were wide eyed. Finally, they took their seats again.

Justus sighed. "Thank you, Ned. As I was saying, Jason needs to either intern at ELQ for at least 1 year's time, or he needs to be married and produce an heir by this time next year or he will forfeit his entire inheritance. Edward was very strict in these instructions."

Jason felt the eyes of every person in the room on him. He lifted his head, not looking at anyone but Justus. He felt his anger rising. He stood up from the couch. "So, in order to get any money from the old bastard, either I take a job that I don't even want or I get married to some poor girl and make them pop out a damn kid. Oh, and I only have 1 year to do either! Did I sum it up correctly?" He thrust his fingers into his hair. "I'm not even dating anyone!"

"Jason, neither of these things has to happen tomorrow. You have 1 year. That gives you plenty of time to meet someone. Or, if you don't want to go that route, you can intern at ELQ."

Jason shook his head. He couldn't be there anymore. He headed toward the door. "I have to get out of here. I can't do this right now. My head feels like it wants to explode."

Jason ran out the door as several shouts followed in his wake. He jumped on his bike, gunning the engine.

Inside the mansion, the remaining people in the group stared at each other. Finally, Emily spoke up.

"Well, that was unexpected…"