Legacy of Love

Prologue

Alexandra stared at the muddy grass as they lowered her father’s casket into the ground. The last time she met Jason Harrington was three years ago. It wasn’t pleasant since they did not part on good terms.

Even the sky was gloomy on the day of her father’s funeral. The clouds were dark and brooding, reflecting how she felt inside. The realization that she was all alone in the world hit her hard.

The priest was saying something, but she couldn’t focus. She never expected a church funeral. Her father wasn’t religious, so it made little sense. But then, she didn’t know him very well, did she?

Alexandra could feel everyone’s eyes on her. She knew people were curious about her. The mysterious Harrington heir was a favorite topic for the sleazy tabloids. They loved to talk about her, factual or otherwise. When her father was alive, it was something Alexandra often instigated herself. But now with Jason Harrington gone, scandalizing her life no longer served any purpose. Now, it was time to hide.

Alexandra tried to attract as little attention as possible. She wore a simple black dress and had her long, dark hair tied in a neat ponytail. As she smoothed her skirt, she wondered if she looked somber enough.

She still couldn’t believe he was dead. It was completely unexpected. He was seventy-five, but had no health issues as far as she knew. Alexandra didn’t want to cry. She didn’t think her father would expect her to. But somehow, the tears flowed. She couldn’t understand why she was sad. He’d never loved her, so why would she care if he was dead?

There were many people at the funeral. Too many. Most of the faces were unfamiliar. The only people she knew were her immediate aunts, uncles, and cousins. But she was not in the mood to engage with them. From where she stood, they looked like vultures, ready to pounce as soon as the funeral was over. She’d never been close to any of them. Her father rarely visited anyone, and her mother was too depressed to socialize.

Aunt Violet nudged her elbow and she realized she was to throw dirt onto the coffin. It was all so surreal, but she did as was expected. A few others did the same.

Very sorry for your loss, Alexandra. You’ve been completely out of touch, whispered Aunt Violet. I only ever hear about you through the tabloids.

Alexandra had a reputation and knew it wouldn’t take long before someone threw it in her face. Not that she didn’t deserve it. She’d had her share of scandals. Drunk driving, altercations with paparazzi, tabloid pictures, and immature relationships. She hated it all. She hated them all.

You know Father sent me off to London to manage the publishing house, Alexandra reminded her.

Being Jason Harrington’s only living child had never been a simple journey. The entire world knew how little he cared for her. He never wanted her around, and she didn’t want to stay either. That is why when he offered her the opportunity to manage his publishing company from London, she agreed. London was great. She loved it there, but now that she was back in Boston, she realized how much she missed her hometown. Something would always connect her to this city. Aside from her family drama, Alexandra had glorious memories with friends.

Alexandra’s life was not as gloomy as it sounded. She studied in one of the best schools in the country, was the head of her own publishing house, and had the financial means to access anything she wanted. Most people would say she had it all. But for her, money was not the key to happiness.

Her messed-up childhood and family put a damper on her life. Everyone was so disconnected. Most of all, her father. No wonder she did so many stupid things. What was she expected to do when no one cared? She stopped caring too. All her actions were attempts to get Jason Harrington’s attention. But it never worked. And now, all that acting-out had damaged her reputation more than his. Nothing ever affected him. Nothing.

The two stopped trying to build a relationship when she was very young. Her mother tried to compensate, but she was not well and succumbed to depression and anxiety. Alexandra’s relationship with her father went from bad to worse after her mother’s death. She couldn’t understand why he didn’t offer any comfort. They never had a single conversation about losing a parent, moving on, or seeking help. It was then she knew he didn’t care about her or her mother.

Alexandra couldn’t forget how he abandoned her when she needed him the most. That’s why she cut all ties. From that point on, she lived her life on her terms. She made herself strong, not needing him just as he didn’t need her.

She tried to focus on Frank Tanner’s homage to Jason Harrington. Frank was her father’s lawyer and his closest friend. Aunt Violet shed a few tears as she recalled the kindness Jason bestowed upon her family. Alexandra wondered why she never saw this so-called love and kindness. She knew people expected her to say something, but she ignored the glances and stayed back.

A tall, handsome man came forward. He spoke about Jason’s incredible support and guidance. She assumed this was Anthony Gould. Her colleagues often mentioned him whenever something significant happened at the company. He exuded immense confidence and had a deep voice. He glanced at her a few times as he talked about her father’s dedication to Harrington Enterprises. The priest concluded the service with a brief prayer.

Alexandra couldn’t wait to get out of there. More people came to offer their condolences — relatives she hadn’t seen in years and colleagues she didn’t know. She knew she was probably being paranoid, but it seemed they all wanted an eyeful of Jason Harrington’s sole heir.

She wondered what would happen next. Would they expect her to take over her father’s legacy? Jason had never encouraged her to take part in any major decisions or activities. He’d relieved himself of his obligation by giving her the reins of his publishing company. Since then, he hardly spoke to her. It was as if he’d given her a toy and cast her aside.

My condolences, Alexandra, said Frank.

Gould, who was with him, looked at her and nodded.

She nodded back; their eyes locked for several seconds.

Thank you. How have you been, Uncle Frank?

Gould walked on without a word.

They exchanged the usual pleasantries. Frank requested for her to visit his office in order to settle her fathers’ affairs and discuss the will. She agreed because she was interested to know how her exclusion from her father’s fortune would be executed. They decided to meet the following day.

Frank spoke to a few other people then drove off with Gould. Alexandra could see the two were quite comfortable with each other. This confirmed the rumors that Gould had a vital role to play at Harrington.

Oh well. It was too late to understand her father or his relationships with others. It was time to close this unpleasant chapter of her life and bid adieu to a toxic relationship that had caused her nothing but pain. He was dead. And that was that.

Chapter One

Anthony Gould walked into the law offices of Tanner & Tanner. He wasn’t in a good mood. His day was booked solid, and he had absolutely no interest in the reading of Jason Harrington’s will. It was only out of respect for Jason that he agreed to the meeting.

Anthony didn’t so much as glance at the pretty receptionist as she informed him that Mr. Tanner was waiting. He quickly replied to another text message from his assistant and promised to be back in the office within the hour.

I’m here now, Frank. Let’s get on with it. I don’t have much time.

His grey-green eyes met a pair of haughty, aggressive, black ones.

Good morning, Alexandra, he said as he took the seat next to her.

She looked quite charming in a navy blue dress. Her long, silky hair flowed freely over her shoulders. She wore a pair of small pearl earrings that somehow enhanced the beauty of her expressive eyes. Anthony wasn’t the type who focused on such minor details, but there was something about her that captivated him.

I thought this meeting was confidential, Alexandra said.

I requested Anthony to join us since your father’s will concerns both of you, said Frank.

Both of us? How come?

Everything will be clear once I outline the specifics.

Anthony also wondered why he was asked to join Alexandra. He worked for Harrington and was close to Jason, but that still didn’t justify his presence here. Frank’s reference to the specifics made him uncomfortable.

Jason prepared his will two years ago, but just so we’re all clear, he did not make any sudden changes during the last days of his life.

Anthony didn’t like the sound of that statement. He was aware of the tense father-daughter relationship. The last thing he needed was to become involved in some messy family drama. He peeked at her face. She seemed aloof. He could also see Frank was stalling.

Can we get on with it, please? I am in no mood to drag this out any longer than it needs to, Alexandra said.

Anthony nodded. The faster this was taken care of, the better. His cell phone beeped again.

You will both receive a copy of the documents to review. Alexandra, you’ll receive a one time lump-sum payment of $2 million.

Anthony wasn’t that impressed. He could see from Alexandra’s face that she wasn’t either. $2 million? Big deal. Jason Harrington was worth much more.

You will keep ownership of your current home, the Woodlands estate. At today’s market value, it’s worth approximately $4 million. Anthony will control Harrington Enterprises and all its associated companies and ventures. He will also take over your father’s position as CEO.

Anthony, who was engrossed in his cellphone, looked up sharply at this news.

You’re joking, right? Alexandra said.

Not at all, Frank said.

Alexandra turned to Anthony and glared at him.

Anthony got distracted by the intensity of her gaze.