The Trial of the Wilkinson Family Chapter 2
Lois stormed into the superintendent's office, her heart racing with a mix of anger and desperation. She had hoped to intervene before Reese could finalize anything, but as she stepped inside, she found the room empty except for Mr. Hargrove, who looked up from his desk with an infuriatingly smug expression.
"Your son has quite the mouth on him," Mr. Hargrove remarked, leaning back in his chair with an air of satisfaction. "I see where he got it from."
Lois's eyes narrowed, her frustration boiling over. "What do you mean? Where is he?"
"He's already signed the paperwork, Ms. Wilkinson," Mr. Hargrove replied, his tone dismissive. "As he is now an adult, we can't stop him. He brought that girl with him, and it seems she already likes him. I hope she doesn't grow up to be as much trouble as him."
Lois felt her blood pressure rise at his words. "What did he say?" she demanded; her voice sharp.
Mr. Hargrove shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "I asked him whether she would be going to this school. He told me he wouldn't swear in front of the girl, but he said he'd rather jump off a bridge than allow her to attend a school district run by me."
"Unbelievable!" Lois exclaimed, her anger flaring. "He has no right to make those decisions! He's still my son, and I won't let him ruin his life or Liz's!"
"Ms. Wilkinson," Mr. Hargrove said, his tone condescending, "you need to understand that Reese is no longer under your control. He's made his choice, and it seems he's quite determined to take on this responsibility."
Lois clenched her fists, her resentment growing. "This is all your fault! You encouraged this behaviour during the assembly, and now you're letting him think he can just walk away from everything!"
"Reese is taking a stand for what he believes in," Mr. Hargrove replied coolly. "Whether you like it or not, he's stepping into a role that requires maturity. Perhaps it's time you recognize that he's not the child you once knew."
Lois's anger boiled over, and she took a step closer to the superintendent, her voice low and fierce. "You don't know anything about my son or what he's capable of. I refuse to let you or anyone else undermine him."
Mr. Hargrove leaned forward; his expression serious. "Then perhaps you should have thought about that before allowing him to become a guardian. The decisions he makes now will have consequences, and it's time you face that reality."
Lois turned on her heel, her mind racing with thoughts of how to regain control over the situation. She couldn't let Reese take Liz away from her, not when she felt it was all spiralling out of her grasp.
Reese knelt down to Liz's level; his expression serious yet gentle. "Liz, do you mind if I homeschool you?" he asked, his voice steady. "I have the resources to do it, and I think it would be the best choice for both of us. That man you met in the office is not a good man."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "What you saw with me and him in that office should serve as a lesson to you: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Do you understand, Liz?"
Liz nodded slowly; her brow furrowed as she processed his words. "Yeah, I think so," she replied quietly.
Reese continued, feeling the weight of the moment. "Also, he made me reveal my secrets to everyone and violated my privacy in front of a thousand people. I had to put him in his place. Let that also be a lesson: you have the right to privacy, and you have the right to feel safe and have your own life."
He looked deeply into her eyes, searching for understanding. "Do you get that, Liz? I hope it wasn't too stressful for you."
Liz bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "It was a little scary," she admitted, her voice small. "But I understand. I don't want anyone to hurt me or know things about me that I don't want them to know."
Reese felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. "Exactly. And that's why I want to keep you safe. Homeschooling will give us the chance to learn together, without the pressure of a school that doesn't care about us."
Liz smiled faintly, her apprehension beginning to fade. "That sounds nice, Reese. I'd like that."
"Good," he said, relief flooding through him. "We'll make it work; I promise. I'll be here for you, and we'll figure this out together."
As they stood in the grand foyer of the manor, surrounded by the echoes of their new reality, Reese felt a sense of purpose solidify within him. He was ready to take on the challenges ahead, not just for himself, but for Liz, too.
Reese took a deep breath, his heart swelling with determination as he spoke to Liz. "I'm still 16, so I won't be knowledgeable enough to teach you everything myself," he explained. "You'll have tutors, and you can socialize with kids your own age through sports and hobbies. If you had friends at your old school, you could still see them. You should be allowed to live a normal life."
Liz's eyes sparkled with hope at the mention of friends and activities. "Really? I can still see my friends?" she asked, a smile breaking through her earlier tension.
"Of course," Reese replied, his expression softening. "But I also want you to know that Sasha left me with a lot of money—about 10 billion dollars. I want you to be taught in matters I was denied and have the education I wished I could have. I have the resources to give you the best future I can, and I will use all of them."
Liz's eyes widened, the enormity of his words sinking in. "That's a lot of money, Reese. What do you mean by matters you were denied?"
Reese leaned back against the wall, contemplating his response. "I didn't get the chance to learn everything I wanted to. There were subjects and skills that could have helped me, things that would have made my life easier. I want to ensure you have those opportunities. I inherited a great legacy, and I want you to be a part of that."
He could see the wheels turning in Liz's mind, her expression shifting from surprise to determination. "I want to learn everything I can," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I want to be smart and do things that matter."
Reese smiled, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. "That's the spirit. We'll work together to make sure you have every chance to succeed. You deserve it, Liz."
As they stood in the grand foyer of the manor, surrounded by the promise of a new beginning, Reese felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, not just for himself, but for Liz, too.
Lois stormed into the house, her emotions boiling over as she slammed the door behind her. The weight of the assembly and the shocking revelations about Reese crashed down on her like a tidal wave. She paced the living room, her mind racing as she tried to process everything she had just heard.
"Hal!" she shouted; her voice laced with frustration. "You need to hear what's going on with Reese!"
Hal, who had been lounging on the couch, looked up from the television, confusion etched on his face. "What's wrong, Lois?" he asked, sensing the tension in the air.
"It's Reese!" Lois exclaimed, her voice rising. "He just signed paperwork to withdraw from school and is homeschooling that girl, Liz. He's now her legal guardian! And get this—he's a billionaire! Sasha left him about 10 billion dollars, and he's a homeowner now!"
Hal's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind struggling to catch up with her words. "Wait, what? Reese? My idiot son is a billionaire. And a homeowner?" The shock washed over him, and he felt as if the ground had shifted beneath his feet.
"Yes!" Lois continued, her voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. "He's emancipated, Hal! He's legally responsible for that girl, and I can't even believe this is happening! This morning, I thought he was going to get suspended for another stupid prank, and now this!"
Hal's face went pale as he processed the information. He blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of it all. "I—uh… I need to sit down," he stammered, feeling the weight of the news crash down on him. He stumbled to the couch, his mind racing as he tried to reconcile the image of his reckless son with the reality of him being a guardian and a billionaire.
Unable to handle the overwhelming news, Hal fell silent, slipping into a state of catatonic shock. He leaned back against the couch, staring blankly at the wall, his thoughts spiralling into chaos. "I can't… I just can't," he murmured, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, Malcolm, who had been listening from the hallway, couldn't help but overhear the commotion. He stepped into the living room, a smirk on his face. "What's the matter, Mom? Did Reese finally pull off the ultimate prank?" he teased; his sarcastic tone evident.
Lois shot him a glare, her frustration boiling over. "This is not a joke, Malcolm! Your brother is a parent now, and he's a billionaire! You should be supporting him, not mocking him!"
Malcolm chuckled, shaking his head. "A parent? Seriously? That idiot? I can't believe it! Reese, a billionaire and a guardian? What's next, him running for president?" He laughed, the sound echoing through the room, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air.
Lois crossed her arms, her anger directed at Malcolm now. "This isn't funny! He's trying to do something good for that girl, and you should be proud of him!"
"Proud?" Malcolm scoffed; his amusement unrelenting. "I'm just glad I'm not the one stuck with him. Can you imagine? 'Hey, I'm Reese, your new dad!' That's a nightmare waiting to happen!"
As Hal sat in stunned silence, Lois's frustration reached its peak. She felt trapped between her anger at Reese and the overwhelming reality of what he had accomplished. The house felt heavy with the weight of their family's dysfunction, and she knew that this was just the beginning of a turbulent new chapter.
Reese turned to Liz; determination etched on his face. "Let's go, Liz. I'm going back to my parents' house to get my stuff. I can't leave you here alone, and you should meet your great aunt Lois and great uncle Hal. My brother Malcolm and Dewey are there too. Dewey is closer to your age, so hopefully, you and he can get along."
Liz looked up at him, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her eyes. "What if they don't like me?" she asked softly.
Reese knelt down, meeting her gaze. "I want you to understand something important: don't hide from your fears. Take them head-on. They might not be as nice as you think, especially since they thought I was just a kid until yesterday. But we'll face it together."
With that, they set off for Reese's old house, a whirlwind of emotions swirling in his chest. As they approached, he felt a strange mix of nostalgia and anxiety. This was the place where he had grown up, but it felt so different now that he was stepping into a new role.
When they arrived, Reese opened the door, and the familiar scent of home washed over him. But before he could take another step, he heard Lois's voice call out from the living room.
"Reese! Is that you?" Her tone was sharp, and he could sense the tension in the air.
He stepped inside, Liz hesitating behind him. "Yeah, Mum, it's me," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
As Lois entered the room, her eyes widened in shock at the sight of Liz standing beside him. "What is she doing here?" Lois snapped, her anger flaring. "You can't just bring her into this house!"
"Liz, get behind me," Reese said quickly, instinctively stepping in front of her. He could feel the heat radiating from Lois, her frustration palpable.
"Reese, this isn't a game! You're not a parent, and you don't get to decide who comes into this house!" Lois shouted, her voice echoing through the living room.
"I know what I'm doing, Mum!" Reese shot back, his voice rising. "I'm her guardian now, and I'm not going to let you treat her like she doesn't belong here."
Lois glared at him, her expression a mix of disbelief and anger. "You think you can just waltz back in here and make demands? You're still a child yourself!"
Reese felt a surge of defiance. "I'm not a child anymore. I'm responsible for Liz, and I want you to meet her. This is important."
Liz stood behind him, her small frame trembling slightly as she took in the heated exchange. Reese glanced back at her, trying to project calmness. "It's okay, Liz. I've got this."
Lois crossed her arms, her jaw clenched. "You don't understand the consequences of your actions, Reese. This isn't just about you anymore."
Reese took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him. "I know it's not just about me, Mum. It's about Liz too, and I'm going to make sure she's safe and happy."
"Mom, I have the legal right to get my things," Reese asserted, standing firm in the doorway. "This isn't just some random girl; this is your grandniece. Don't you want to say hello? She is family after all, and you knew her parents a little bit, so you should meet her."
Lois's eyes narrowed, her frustration boiling over. "Stay away from me, you little brat!" she snapped, her voice laced with hostility.
Liz, trembling, instinctively hugged Reese tightly, seeking comfort in his presence. "Why are you so mean to him?" she asked, her voice small and shaky. "He's your son!"
Reese felt a surge of protectiveness as he glared at Lois. "How dare you! How dare you talk to her like that? She just lost her parents! Are you so heartless, Mother? So heartless that you would treat an innocent little girl like this?"
Lois's expression twisted in anger; her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "You don't get to lecture me about heartlessness, Reese! You're the one who decided to bring this child into my house without any consideration for what it means!"
Reese stepped closer, his voice rising. "You don't understand! Liz needs support right now. She's been through so much, and all you can do is push her away. What kind of family does that?"
Lois's face flushed with rage, her eyes blazing. "You think I'm going to just accept this? You think I'm going to let you bring your problems into my home? You're still a child, and you've made nothing but poor choices!"
"Maybe I wouldn't have to make these choices if you had been a better mother!" Reese shot back, his frustration boiling over. "You've never understood me, and now you can't even extend a little kindness to Liz? This isn't just about me anymore; it's about her!"
Liz clung to Reese; her eyes wide with fear as she watched the confrontation unfold. "Please, don't fight," she whispered, looking up at him with concern.
Reese softened slightly at her words, turning his attention back to her. "I'm sorry, Liz. I'm just trying to protect you," he said gently, but his gaze remained locked on Lois, unwilling to back down.
Lois took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "You think this is easy for me? You think I want to deal with this chaos? You're bringing a child into a situation I didn't ask for!"
Reese shook his head, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "You didn't ask for this, but it's happening. We're family, and family should support each other, not tear each other apart."
The tension in the room hung thick, and Reese knew they were at a crossroads. He had to stand firm for Liz, no matter the cost.
"Where the hell have you been, young man?" Lois demanded, her voice sharp and filled with frustration. "What's this about billionaires and inheritance and property? You being emancipated? You now having things and demanding privacy? You are grounded, mister! You will march inside and go to your room. I will drive this girl to an orphanage where she belongs!"
Reese's expression shifted to one of disbelief as he processed her words. "Grounded? Seriously? You think grounding me is going to change anything?" he laughed, a mix of incredulity and defiance in his tone.
Lois stepped closer; her anger palpable. "You're even more grounded now! Are you wearing clean underwear? Why is your shirt wrinkled? Now march in there and face the wall!"
Reese's laughter faded, replaced by a glare that could cut through steel. "No, Mother," he said firmly, his voice low. "Liz is with me."
Lois's eyes widened in shock, and in a moment of frustration, she reached out to grab his ear, intending to drag him inside. But Reese was quick, slapping her hand away with a fierce determination. "Don't touch me!" he snapped, his heart racing.
"Reese, you will not talk to me like that!" Lois shouted; her face flushed with anger. "You think you can just waltz back in here and make demands? You're still my son, and I will not let you treat me with disrespect!"
Reese took a step back, putting himself between Lois and Liz, who was watching the confrontation with wide eyes. "I'm not a child anymore, Mum. I'm responsible for Liz now, and I'm not going to let you bully us."
Lois's expression shifted from anger to disbelief. "You think you can just take on this responsibility? You're not ready for this! You're still a kid!"
"I'm doing my best!" Reese shot back, his voice rising. "I'm trying to protect her, something you seem completely unwilling to do. She just lost her parents, and all you can think about is punishing me?"
Liz looked up at Reese, her eyes filled with concern. "Please, Mrs. Wilkinson, I just want to be safe," she said softly, her voice trembling.
Lois's demeanour softened slightly at Liz's words, but her anger was still simmering just beneath the surface. "You don't belong here, Liz. You should be in a proper home, not with my son," she said, her tone sharp.
Reese felt a surge of protectiveness. "No! Liz is my responsibility now. She's family, and I won't let you treat her like she's nothing."
The tension in the room was palpable, and Reese knew that this confrontation was far from over. He had to stand his ground, not just for himself, but for Liz as well.
"Mom, grow up!" Reese shouted, his voice echoing through the tense atmosphere. "You have a grandniece, someone you knew! Her parents entrusted her to me because they knew I wouldn't just cut and run. You dare try to dump her at an orphanage? No wonder they chose me! You would just drop her on someone else's doorstep to be someone else's problem. What the hell is wrong with you?"
He glared at Lois, hugging Liz protectively against him. The little girl's trembling form only fuelled his anger. "You're a mother of four kids! You would treat your grandniece like this? We don't do this to family! This isn't how we treat each other, Mother! Family is not supposed to act like this!"
Lois's face flushed with anger, her eyes narrowing as she took in Reese's words. "You think you can just lecture me? You're the one who has made a mess of your life, and now you want to drag this girl into it?"
Reese shook his head, his resolve unwavering. "You can't do this! You're a monster if you think it's okay to treat children this way. Liz is innocent! She just lost her parents, and all you can think about is how this affects you!"
The tension in the room crackled, and Liz looked up at Reese, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. "I don't want to be a problem," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Lois's expression shifted, her anger mixing with something else—maybe guilt or regret. "You don't understand what you're asking, Reese! This is a lot for me to handle! I'm not ready to take on another child!"
Reese stepped closer, his voice softening slightly. "You don't have to take her on. I will take care of her. I just need you to be supportive. She's family, and family helps each other. You have to remember that."
Lois crossed her arms, her expression hardening again. "You think you can just waltz back in here and demand that I accept this? You're still a child yourself, and you're not capable of making these decisions!"
"I'm capable of more than you think!" Reese retorted; his voice filled with determination. "I'm not asking for your permission; I'm telling you how it's going to be. Liz is staying with me, and I will make sure she's taken care of."
The confrontation hung in the air, a tense standoff between mother and son. Reese could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, but he knew he couldn't back down. Not now.
"Mom, I have the legal right to get my things," Reese reiterated, his voice steady but laced with tension. Just then, Malcolm sauntered into the room, a smirk plastered across his face as he took in the scene.
"Well, well, well," Malcolm said, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he glanced at Liz. "What do we have here? Another little charity case? You're lucky to be with my brother. He's like a real-life superhero—if superheroes were also delinquents."
Reese shot Malcolm a glare, feeling his temper flare. "Grow up, Malcolm. You're still clearly acting like a child. It's funny how you were placed in the gifted class, yet I'm the one who's an adult before you. So, stop talking."
Malcolm shrugged, unfazed by Reese's words. "Oh, come on! I'm just having a bit of fun. You're the one who's suddenly a guardian now. That's rich!" He laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos unfolding.
"Go back to your room, Malcolm," Reese snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Let the adults talk. Now, Mom, for the last time, we're here to get my things. I'm here with Liz to introduce you to her. Clearly, you don't care for her, but I'm still here for my things. Now, can I get them, or do I have to get a lawyer involved?"
Lois's expression hardened, her anger bubbling to the surface. "You think you can just waltz in here and demand things? You're still my son, and I won't let you dictate how this family operates!"
Reese took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "This isn't just about you, Mom. Liz is part of this family now, whether you like it or not. I'm not asking for your approval; I'm telling you how it's going to be. I need my things so we can start fresh."
Malcolm chuckled, leaning against the doorframe, clearly amused by the tension. "What a lovely family reunion this is! I can't wait to see how this turns out. You're really going to fight for her, aren't you, Reese?"
"Shut up, Malcolm!" Reese shot back, his frustration boiling over. "This isn't a joke! Liz needs a stable environment, and I'm trying to create that for her."
Lois crossed her arms, her expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "You're making a mistake, Reese. You don't know what you're getting into. You think you can just take on this responsibility without any consequences?"
"I'm willing to face those consequences!" Reese replied, his voice rising. "But I can't do it without my things. I'm asking nicely, but if you won't cooperate, I'll have no choice but to involve a lawyer."
The tension in the room was palpable, and Reese could feel the weight of his words hanging in the air. He was ready to stand his ground, no matter the cost.
"Mom, make your choice," Reese said, his voice steady but firm. "Can I get my things, or do I have to get a lawyer involved? And please, think about how you treat me. Do you really want to lose a son? Think of Liz, for God's sake." He hugged Liz tightly, feeling her small frame cling to his leg for support.
Malcolm, standing nearby, couldn't resist the urge to mock. "Aw, look at the little family moment! How sweet! What's next, a group hug?" He laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos.
Reese shot him a glare, his patience wearing thin. "Shut up, Malcolm! You can bully me all you like, but you will not talk to her like that." He turned back to Lois, desperation creeping into his voice. "Now, Mother, decide. Can I get my things or not?"
In a sudden burst of anger, Lois slapped Reese across the face. The sting of her hand lingered, and he put his hand to his cheek, shocked by her reaction. "So be it," he said, his voice low and filled with disappointment. "You have made your choice. Prepare for a legal battle, Mum. I have the right to my things, and you're being despicable."
He turned to Liz, who looked up at him with wide eyes, clearly shaken by the confrontation. "Let's go, Liz. I'll buy you some ice cream," he said softly, trying to reassure her.
Lois's anger flared again, her voice rising as she watched them. "You think you can just walk out of here and threaten me? You have no idea what you're doing, Reese!"
Reese shook his head, feeling a mix of sadness and anger. "I know exactly what I'm doing, and I'm not going to let you treat Liz like this. She deserves better."
As he led Liz towards the door, he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to protect Liz and create a better life for both of them.
Reese took Liz to the local ice cream shop, the sweet scent of waffle cones and sugary treats filling the air. He ordered them both generous scoops of their Favorites, hoping to lift her spirits after the tumultuous encounter with Lois. As they sat on a bench outside, Liz's eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her small shoulders.
"Hey," Reese said gently, noticing her distress. "Do you want my ice cream?" He offered her his cone, and her eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?" she asked, a small smile breaking through her sadness.
"Absolutely," he replied, grinning. "I think you need it more than I do right now."
Liz took the cone, her face lighting up as she took a big bite. "Thank you, Reese!" she exclaimed, her spirits visibly lifting. She leaned over and hugged him tightly, and for a moment, the world felt a little brighter.
After they finished their ice cream, Reese took her to the nearby park, where the swings beckoned invitingly. He let her play, watching closely to ensure she was safe as she giggled and swung higher and higher, the laughter ringing in the air like music.
Eventually, they settled on a blanket under a shady tree, and Reese pulled out a book he had brought along. He began to read to her, his voice soft and soothing. Liz listened intently, her eyes growing heavy as the story unfolded. Before long, she had drifted off to sleep, her head resting peacefully on his chest.
With Liz asleep, Reese took a moment to check his phone for the news, scrolling through the headlines while absentmindedly patting her head. He was grateful for this quiet moment, but it was soon interrupted by the sound of laughter.
A group of popular girls from school strolled past, their voices dripping with condescension. "Look at that," one of them sneered, pointing at Reese and Liz. "Isn't that adorable? The loser and the charity case."
"Seriously, what's he doing with her?" another girl chimed in, her tone mocking. "Does he think he's some kind of hero now? What a joke!"
Reese's grip on his phone tightened, irritation bubbling within him. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks as he listened to their cruel comments. They had no idea what he was doing or the bond he was forming with Liz.
"Why don't you just leave us alone?" he said, his voice low but firm.
The girls paused, surprised by his response. "Aw, look at him trying to defend his little friend," one of them said mockingly. "As if anyone cares about what he thinks."
Reese felt a surge of protectiveness for Liz, who was blissfully unaware of their presence. "You don't know anything about us," he shot back, his voice rising slightly. "She's family, and I'm taking care of her. So why don't you just walk away?"
The girls exchanged glances, their amusement fading as they realized he wasn't going to back down. With a huff, they turned and continued their way, leaving Reese to focus on the peaceful moment he had with Liz.
He looked down at her sleeping form, a sense of warmth flooding through him. He was determined to protect her, no matter what anyone else thought.
Reese walked into the law office with Liz by his side, her small hand gripping his tightly. The sleek, modern decor of the office felt intimidating, but he pushed through the nerves, determined to get the help they needed. He was dressed in a sharp black tie and suit, a stark contrast to the reputation that preceded him.
As they approached the reception desk, the arrogant lawyer, Mr. Thompson, looked up from his paperwork, his expression shifting from mild interest to outright disbelief. He had been expecting a punk kid, a hoodlum in trouble for some prank, not this well-dressed young man accompanied by a child.
"Hello," Reese said, his voice steady. "I booked an appointment about two days ago. I'm here to talk about allowing me to get my possessions from my parents, as they've refused me entry. This is my niece, whom I am the guardian of." He held out the wills, the papers crisp and official.
Mr. Thompson raised an eyebrow, taking in the sight of Reese in his suit and the child at his side. "You're telling me that you, of all people, are now a guardian?" he scoffed, glancing at Liz with an air of condescension. "And a billionaire at that? This is quite the turnaround for you, isn't it?"
Reese felt a surge of irritation at the lawyer's tone, but he kept his composure. "I'm not here to discuss my past, Mr. Thompson. I'm here to get legal advice on how to retrieve my belongings and ensure that Liz is taken care of."
"Right," Mr. Thompson replied, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. "And what makes you think I should take you seriously? You've got quite the reputation, you know. A troublemaker, a delinquent—"
"Enough," Reese interrupted, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not asking for your approval or judgment. I'm asking for your help. I have legal documents that prove my guardianship of Liz, and I need to ensure that my rights are upheld."
The lawyer studied him for a moment, the arrogance in his expression faltering slightly as he glanced at the wills. "Well, this is certainly unexpected. I suppose you've come into quite a bit of money, haven't you?"
Reese nodded, feeling the weight of the situation. "Yes, and I intend to use it to provide a stable environment for Liz. That starts with retrieving my belongings from my parents' house."
Mr. Thompson leaned forward, his demeanour shifting as he realized the implications of what Reese was saying. "All right, I'll take your case. But you need to understand that this won't be easy. Your parents will fight you on this, and you'll need to be prepared for a legal battle."
"I'm ready for whatever it takes," Reese replied, determination etched on his face. "I won't let them dictate my life or Liz's future."
"Very well," Mr. Thompson said, his tone now more professional. "Let's discuss the next steps."
As they began to talk through the legalities, Reese felt a sense of empowerment wash over him. He was no longer the hoodlum everyone expected; he was a guardian now, and he would do whatever it took to protect his niece.
