Chapter 9 - Victor’s original instruction
Victor actually had written a succession note five years earlier.
But it said almost the opposite.
His original memorandum:
Future family candidates should be evaluated without preference based on sex, branch, or surname. Qualification and stewardship come first.
And:
No minor descendant should be designated as an active successor before adulthood.
Betsy’s name did not appear.
Julian’s did not either.
Victor did not want a granddaughter over a grandson.
He wanted neither child pre-crowned.
Smart.
Then two years ago, as Julian neared graduation, Victor updated the planning file.
He listed potential future candidates for development purposes.
Not appointment.
Names included:
Julian Crane.
My younger cousin Matthew.
And eventually:
Any qualified descendant of Silvio, including Betsy upon adulthood if interested.
Again:
Not inheritance.
Not guaranteed control.
An eligibility list.
Octavia transformed that neutral succession framework into:
May you like
Your father only ever wanted a grandson.
Why?
