All Chapters of Trust Funds and Bloodlines: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

"Lily, I'm thinking of setting up a trust fund with 2.1 billion dollars for your siblings. What's your take on that?" Dad's voice, so familiar, snapped me awake. I opened my eyes to see the three half-siblings, buzzing with excitement.I was disoriented for a moment before Dad's icy voice cut through again."You've lived it up as an only child, basking in luxury. However, Ethan and the others can't even call me 'Dad' in front of others. This money is their due."It was only after hearing those words that I realized I had been reborn.I had returned to the very day my father planned to set up trusts for his three illegitimate sons.In my previous life, he had dropped the bomb at a family dinner, ready to lock in that 2.1 billion for them.Back then, I fought tooth and nail, pleading with him to wait, thinking about the company's financial needs. I even promised the half-siblings we would revisit the trust once we were on solid ground with the project.I never expected that my thr

The very next day, as I officially took the reins of the company, Dad, worried I might back out, immediately poured all the funds into the trust.Dad had to sell off all his properties because we were running low on cash. Even after that, the trust fund was sitting at a meager 1.5 billion dollars, a good chunk away from the 2.1 billion we needed.While Dad was scrambling to scrape together more money, I was shaking things up at the company, kicking off new ventures left and right. Then, on a day I had just nailed down a major deal, Dad called and told me to come home.I did not want to, but he already sent the driver for me, so I had no choice but to head back.The moment I stepped up to the villa, the place was buzzing with joy and laughter. However, as soon as I showed up, silence fell, and all eyes were on me.Yvonne could not resist a dig. "Look who it is, Ms. Smith. Now that you're running the show, we have to beg you to drop by, huh?"I did not bite, just turned to Dad.

Everyone was floored by Paul's announcement.Even my dad looked utterly taken aback.Ethan, incredulous, protested, "Lily is the last person who should inherit the trust. What gives her the right?"Rebecca chimed in, backing her brother, "Yeah, Mr. Yates. What's in it for you to support her like this?"The room's attention ping-ponged between Paul and me.Paul's brow furrowed as he prepared to clear the air."Our trust company always plays by the book. Mr. Smith's investment fell short of the 2.1 billion dollar mark, so by the letter of the law, that 1.8 billion isn't trust money–it's part of Smith Beverage Group's assets. "The rules are clear: only the Smith Group's heir can touch that cash, and that heir is Ms. Smith. She's the one and only rightful owner of the 1.8 billion."Ethan was floored, barely able to whisper, "No way! How on earth could Lily have access to that money?"He was not alone in his disbelief; everyone else was just as stunned.Rebecca stepped up, defian

Ethan and his buddies could not hide their smugness.Nelson sauntered over, his paunch leading the way, feigning concern for my well-being."Lily, just do as I say and get the money to Ethan and the rest, will you?"Yvonne's face was etched with thanks. "Thanks for standing up for Ethan and the gang," she said, casting a glance at Ethan and his entourage."Ethan, you've got to remember how much Uncle has done for you and make sure to pay him back," she added.Ethan and his companions nodded vigorously, their faces full of admiration.I had to stop myself from bursting into laughter and shot back, "Hold on, Uncle. I'm your niece by blood here, and these guys are nothing but kids from the side. You're backing them instead of me? Is there some kind of secret going on between you all?"I had thrown that out there to stir the pot, but I did not expect Nelson and Yvonne's faces to go pale the moment the words left my mouth.Nelson forced a laugh. "Illegitimate kids? Come on, Ethan an