Exposed Truth: Truth Trilogy, #3

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY!!!

Chapter 1

Addison sat dumbfounded at the thought she was now a millionaire. Changes to the will didn’t even begin to describe the way her life had changed over the half an hour. Almost an hour ago the family had arrived to the awe struck knowledge in the final days of Grandfather’s life he changed his will.

Three days ago as Addison and Greyson drove home the word resonated in her head over and over again. What the hell did the old man do? From the moment they had been introduced all those months ago, Grandfather had been constantly asking her for information about her life. At the time she didn’t find it strange or weird. She figured it was an old man just asking questions getting to know his grandson’s wife a little better, but now she wasn’t so sure.

One particular conversation late one night, when Greyson had flown out, she was sitting in the living room watching some reality T.V. show, Grandpa came in and sat down with her. For the longest time he didn’t speak. Then out of the blue he just started speaking non- sense. At the very end the cancer had spread taking over basically his whole body.  So some days he would make sense and other days, towards the end, it would be a jumbled mess of words. So she didn’t think much about his rambling until he started talking about her parents.

When he said her parents, it brought her quickly out of the groggy state she had been in.

I remember your parents. Actually, I remember you as a child. Grandfather spoke in a monotone voice. I hated how they were killed, but some things have to happen.

Grandfather what are you talking about? Addison asked sitting up pulling her knees to her chest. What do you mean things had to happen? They had an accident in a car on a snowy night.

Nothing dear. I am just sorry. They shouldn’t have had to die. He looked straight ahead without moving.  Motionless.

Addison wasn’t sure what was going on with the old man. She didn’t want to pry but something about his words rang home to her. Now that she had time to reflect on the night her parents were killed, she realized things didn’t add up. She wasn’t given any choice that night. She didn’t know the wealth of her parents, but she did know they had life insurance policies. She had seen bank statements and knew they had a nice bank account, but at the time she couldn’t do anything about it. Now she had all sorts of questions. She had for years, but now only had the ability to start looking into the night her parents died.

She started to ask him more questions, but he got up and left the room leaving her with more questions than answers. She had planned on talking to Greyson about his ramblings, but shit started happening and she totally forgot to ask him. Now with Grandfather gone would the answers she seeked ever be answered?

Now here she sat with the entire Reid family looking at her like she had grown a set of horns. As M r. Paxton began the whole room was deathly quiet. Their last meeting at the funeral had peeked everyone’s interest and now he had their full attention.

"So I shall begin. First and foremost, Mr. Paul Greyson Reid was of sound mind and body when these changes were made. I can attest to this and two of my PA’s were there when this document was notarized. I know what I am about to read will probably upset everyone in this room. Not to mention change a few people. But first I will read the letter directly written from Mr. Reid.

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Dear Family,

I want you to know that I am of sound mind when I write this letter. I changed the will for several reasons. One, this family has become what I hate most in the world. A family all about money and greed. I have never seen more greed from one family in my entire existence. I have never seen a family who wanted more handouts with the exception of Greyson Paul Reid. I have been ashamed at times to call everyone else family. Yes, son, including you.

Anyway I am sure you are all sitting around the room shaking your heads at not only this letter, but the contents of the will. When I started my small company all those years ago, I didn’t plan on having to pass it down to a family that was unworthy of it. Greyson did wonders with it and has taken the company to a level I never thought possible. With that said, over the past few months I have had a great deal of time to sit and think about my life and how I want my legacy to live on. I can tell you it is not with this family.

Yes over the years I have done things to protect this family and I am not proud of them. If I could go back and erase some of the things that I did or participated in I would. I didn’t think about consequences at the time and that has now come full circle. I hurt many people throughout my life and that stops with me. I will never get to apologize for the damage I had done to those around me and I will forever carry that burden with me. I lived the last few years of my life in grief and if my Molly knew of the shit I pulled she would have divorced me. That woman had the biggest heart I had ever seen. She gave of her time and money and never saw a stranger. She would help anyone; it didn’t matter if they had money or not. She didn’t see the world as most of you see it.

Now that I am near the end of my life, I will have to face the decisions that I had made head on. When this is being read I will be in the ground and there is nothing that you can do to change what will happen. I don’t have to deal with the ramifications of the actions I once took, because I was too blind to see the truth of how it would hurt those around me directly and very indirectly.

When I had put in my will that Greyson had to marry within thirty days of my death, I didn’t realize he would meet the one person I never expected. I knew Greyson had women in his life so I wasn’t afraid he would fall for someone that didn’t deserve to be a part of this family. Addison deserves so much more than this hateful family. I would give anything to have known her longer. She out of all you find the good in life despite her happy life being taken from her.

I hope now her life will come full circle. She deserves so much more than Greyson or I could ever give her in life. I hope she enjoys her new life and keeps her morals and her wits about her. I hope she continues to be the humble, sweet caring person I had the privilege of knowing for the past few months. I hope Greyson and her child grow up in a house of love and she teaches them the real meaning in life - love, faith, and family. Not money, greed, control, and power.

With all my love,

Grandfather Paul Greyson Reid

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Addison sat in her chair silent.  What had this man done? What did this man know that he wasn’t spelling out? Addison felt Greyson’s arm go around her shoulders.

Are you okay? He whispered softy against her ear.

She didn’t know how to respond to him. Was she all right? Hell no she wasn’t all right. Greyson’s grandfather just called out his whole family and said she didn’t deserve to be a part of this family. How do you answer that?

Greyson’s dad glared at her from across the table. The rest of the family quietly spoke amongst themselves. When Mr. Paxton cleared his throat the room once again got deathly quiet.

Don’t want to interrupt this wonderful happy family gathering, but I do need to proceed with the reading of the will. I have copies for you all. All signed and dated over three months ago. Mr. Paxton started to pass out the envelopes.

Addison took a packet into her hands and tried to open the end, but her hands shook too badly. Greyson reached up and pulled the contents from her hand. He popped the seal on the end dumping the contents consisting of the will on the table. Picking up the papers, Greyson looked around the table before glancing down at the legal document. 

His eyes widened as he read down through the document. Addison looked over his arm and tried to comprehend what she was reading. But none of the words were sinking in. After a few minutes of pure silence, soft audible gasps could be heard around the room. Addison knew what they had read, just like Greyson and her.

Mr. Paxton pushed back his chair and stood.  "I know this is all a shock to many of you. It was a rather huge shock to me as well. But like I said before Mr. Reid was of sound mind and body when he one wrote the letter and two when he signed these documents. So with that said I will begin. This is the last will and testament of Paul Greyson Reid. Upon my death, Greyson Paul Reid will inherit the last of my shares making him full and sole owner of RHCI. The rest of my properties both foreign and in the U.S., all my bank accounts, trust, CD’s and belongings will go directly to Addison Marie Reid.

Addison didn’t hear anything after that. The words Mr. Paxton spoke became a blur. She didn’t even look around the room, as she knew all eyes were on her. She just inherited a shit ton of money. More money than she had ever seen. Yes she married Greyson and had some sort of wealth, but this was hers to do with what she wanted. She had only one question......Why? The man really had lost his mind. Why would this man who barely knew her leave her everything? She tried to rack her brain over every conversation she had had with Grandfather over the past few months, but nothing sounded out of place. He never gave a hint or clue as to what he was going to do.

Shit! When she looked up everyone was looking at her. She didn’t know what to say.

What? She snarled. She had nothing to do with his decisions. Don’t look at me. I knew nothing.

Of course you didn’t. Greyson piped up.

Addison whipped around looking at him. She glared at him because she wasn’t sure if he believed her or not.

Do you really? For the first time in her life she started questioning everything. What really happened to her parents?

Shocked and a little taken back, What? Of course I know you had nothing to do with this will. I can attest to the fact that my grandfather did whatever the hell he wanted and no one would change his mind otherwise.

Addison shoved back from her seat. She didn’t know what else to say as she dropped her hands into her lap. The table erupted into loud talk and most of it hate aimed at Addison.

She finally got to the point where she was fed up. She stood and cleared her throat making everyone in the room focus directly on her. I am going to say this once and only once. I have no clue why Paul did what he did. If any one of you know, I would be more than happy to listen. I guess he felt sorry for me. Hell I don’t know. I wish I could tell you. Never once in the past few months of Greyson and I staying with him did I ask him for anything. So you all can kiss my ass. Thank you Mr. Paxton for your time, but I am done here. Do you have anything else for me? Do I need to sign something? She gave a sideway glance to Greyson who was beaming with great pride that his wife had just told a very angry Reid family basically to fuck off.

Mrs. Reid. The only thing I have for you is this other packet with all the legal documents inside that gives you sole rights to everything. My suggestion is to get an attorney to help you decide what to do with your newfound wealth. He winked before handing her the two inch thick folder.

Nodding, I will do that. I will be in touch.

Addison didn’t even look over her shoulder as she left the family sitting at the table and Greyson in her wake.

Chapter 2

~~~Addison POV~~~

I had to get out of there. I did nothing wrong and the entire family including Greyson looked at me like I was a money hungry bitch. Yes, I included Greyson. I mean yes he seemed to be as dumb struck as me, and seemed to support me, but it was the tone of voice he used.

I pushed open the door into the late April mid-afternoon sun. I had to leave and at the moment I didn’t know where I wanted to go. Part of me wanted to cry and part of me wanted to scream in frustration. I didn’t understand why Grandfather did the things he did.

Greyson was right on my heels as I approached the car. I didn’t want to deal with all the questions I know he had. I pivoted and stopped him in his tracks.

Please Greyson. I need to leave and I don’t want anyone with me.

What the fuck are you talking about? Are you going to run?

Fuck you Greyson Paul! You should know me better than that. If I wanted to fucking run I would!  If I remember correctly you gave me a lump sum of $5000.00?  Bastard. Maybe I should have taken it and left. Then I wouldn’t be here is this position. But no, I was stupid and stayed. I screamed at him, madder at myself than him.

I didn’t mean it like that. Greyson's eyes changed. He looked almost lost and helpless for a moment.

Greyson you say a lot of shit you don’t mean. I started across the parking lot. The sun glaring from the street hurt my eyes making my already throbbing head hurt worse. What sucked even more was I couldn’t take anything for it. Don’t follow me. Find your own way home. I will see you later.

Trevor stood at the car waiting for the instructions from Greyson. I glared at him. Son of a bitch. He wasn’t going to move. He finally stepped aside after a few minutes. Greyson opened the passenger door.

I can’t leave you alone. Sorry. He slid inside the passenger door along with Trevor and Rae stepping into the back.

Fuck this shit. Am I ever going to be able to have five minutes without a man up my ass? I smarted off. Maybe I was being a bitch, but it seemed that I couldn’t breathe without someone asking me if I needed more air. Greyson has already said he was hiring a female bodyguard to be with me at all times.

You know that can’t happen. I don’t think the threats against you or I will stop and now that you are pregnant there is no way in hell. Sorry. I can’t and I won’t take that chance with your life or our child’s. Greyson forced the seat belt into place.

I didn’t give a shit if he was mad or not. I was beyond pissed off at his attitude. The idea of being followed twenty-four hours a day was beginning to piss me off. Yes, I had been living in hell with Stephen, but seriously how do people live like this? I mean this is beyond hell. This is not living. This is being a prisoner. I love Greyson don’t get me wrong, I really do and I am thankful for everything he has done, but all I want is just a few minutes to take a deep breath in and not have to worry if someone is going to question if I am okay or if I need Greyson. FUCK! Fuck this life right now. Fuck Greyson! Maybe I am being hateful, but no I needed out even if it's just for a few days.

Fine. I spoke through clenched teeth. This was not the end of this argument. I was tired of not having a say in shit. Maybe it was the hormones or the rush of the fact that two hours ago I had nothing and now I could honestly walk away from Greyson and I would be okay. Not that I would do that, because I love Greyson and yes I was pregnant with our child.

Look I don’t know why you are so pissed off at me? Greyson grabbed my hand as I started to turn the car on.

Greyson, not once did you say anything really in my defense in there. I didn’t know what happened with the will. As far as I am concerned I wish he wouldn’t have left me a dime. Your family thinks I did something to make him change the will.

I didn’t know what to say. I know you didn’t.

As I started the car, I slowly backed out of the parking space. I listened to Trevor and Rae whisper between them. Fed up with the bullshit, You guys can speak up. It’s not something I won’t hear about later.

Nothing Mrs. Reid, We were just discussing something that needed to be done at the house. Trevor piped up. 

I shook my head because I knew it was a lie. I never answered Greyson because I honestly didn’t know what to say to the man. Six months ago my life was normal and now it was all screwed up. Some positive things, but hell I never know when I leave my house what may happen.

Addison, let’s just go home and spend the day together. The snow has been melting so let’s go on a hike or do something, let's take a trip somewhere.

No Greyson. He wasn’t going to let this go.  I really had to figure out a way to get away from here even if it was just for a few days. For six months I have been followed, shot at, been in car accidents, and seen people killed. Yes, while a trip away with Greyson sounded great, I just a need a few days to regroup and figure out what the hell just happened.

Addison, I am sorry. I know this is not what you or I expected, but please don’t shut me out. Greyson pleaded with me.

Right now I don’t know how to feel. I was just thrust into a position I didn’t even want. I would prefer to stay poor for the rest of my damn life if it means that our child and I are safe. I didn’t sign up for this kind of life. Now that I have money God only knows who is going to come out of the woodwork.

Addison, I told you I will protect you at all costs.

I watched as he ran his hand through his unruly hair. I know he was as frustrated as I was, but he wasn’t just thrust into a life that he didn't want! I am tired of being protected at all costs. Look what it has cost us already.  I tried to stay focused on the road to the house. I was tired of having the same argument. I just wanted five minutes and he couldn't even give me that. Now that I was pregnant he wanted to increase security even more.

Don’t you think I don’t know it? I mean really. I have come close to losing everything! He all but screamed at me. I knew he was pissed, but enough.

Greyson I will give all of it away if it means I don’t have to live like this daily, looking over my damn shoulder.  I only paused long enough at the gate to allow it to open. I pulled into the circle drive and jumped from the car not even being a good girl and waiting for Trevor or Rae to come and open my door. As I circled around the car, I glared at Rae who stepped out of my way. Greyson was hot on my trail. Angie opened the door nodding, but quickly understood I was