Shawney immediately reject his demand. She knew they shouldn't be aware of the truth. Without hesitation, Shawney decided to finalise all her business transactions once and for all in front of the family so Uncle Thomas wouldn't be questioned or implicated unnecessarily. especially how the others were glaring at her.
Not wanting to revealed the truth, she chose to ignore all the glares, with her head still bended. Shawney said in a clear, bold tone. "Uncle Thomas, I am so glad you are concerned and seek my interest. Please be my trustee, and if there's any more expansion in the property, kindly ensure that all profit goes into my account. And another thing, Uncle Thomas, I once heard Dad say the parcel of land is fifty acres?"
About to decline Thomas notices how all heads turns in her direction. All heads turned in her direction. First off he had no idea she was knowledgeable about the property. His intentions were to discuss this matter privately, especially the way the others seems oppressive after hearing about the will. From their actions Thomas was aware they knew of the remaining property. He even thought Shawney wasn't aware. Wanting to smile seeing their displeasure he styfle his laugh and replies. "Yes, that is correct, Shawney."
With her head still bent reading the document, she said, "Uncle Thomas, I would like it if it is not too much trouble for you to survey the property and cut it into two blocks. A twenty-acre block from the back and thirty acres this side of the business."
Sid was about to speak when Shawney raise her hand silencing him immediately. She continue, "From the twenty-acre block, cut out four three-acre blocks and four two-acre blocks."
Sid stood up being the eldest boy and object. "Shawney, who gives you the right?"
Hearing the others agreed in unison Ken said, "Thats enough, its her property she has every right, so sit down."
Lifting her head, she looks at the family, not missing anyone's expression, " I am sorry if I offend anyone of you, but I have a small proposition for the family. If you all are willing to listen without any interuption I will continue."
Glancing around the table to see if anyone will object or retort. With no objection she said clearly, "I will be leaving soon, so I want to settle the business matter. Now this will be entirely up to you all if you agree, no pressure, but it will come with a condition."
The frown never left their faces, "Now listen carefully, so don't go jumping to the wrong conclusion. I will give you all five years to settle yourselves down, if you all decide to take up my offer. During that time, you all will continue to have your twelve-and-a-half per cent shares running. If it's accepted, then after five years, all your shares become mine.
With a smile she said "Here I go, so listen carefully and think before responding."
Standing up not wanting to keep looking down at her she said, "I give Uncle Ken's family three acres of land for him and his family. If he were to accept this offer, then within five years, they would have to vacate this building and the business."
Julien stood up about to reject the offer but Ken said , "Julien sit down or leave now."
Lifting his hand to Shawney, indicating for her to continue after Julien took his seat "Also, to my brothers and sisters, I give two acres each, with the same proposition. Now this is your choice, no one is forcing you, if you agree, you have five years to do what you wish with the portion."
When Sid stood up in rage, looking at Shawney as though she were discussing some sort of business deal. with that thought in mind, he wanted to know if she was aware that she was of a different mother and looking down at them. Without any courtesy, he said, "Uncle Thomas, this is ridiculous; these shares belong to us."
Thomas nodded his head "I agree with you, Sid, but as you heard, your Dad didn't leave any property in his will for you all; this is your sister's decision; you could either accept or reject, your choice."
Curtis thought to himself, 'What Uncle Ken said is true, and this is a good opportunity to protect my family.'
Hearing Uncle Thomas say, 'No one is forcing you, the choice is all yours. You can either accept the property, and after five years, you all return your shares. Or you could keep your shares as the will states and reject Shawney's proposal. Shawney has taken this decision of her own free will; no one forced her."
Curtis stood up, "Uncle Thomas, I accept Sis's offer. And if she doesn't mind, I would like to say where I would like my piece to be cut out. After the surveying of the twenty acres."
Seeing the nod from Shawney. "Okay, Curtis, you get to make your choice first. So I will start the ball rolling from this week."
Following suit Meg said, "Uncle Thomas, I will also accept Shawney's offer and get to do as Curtis asks."
"Excellent! Then by Friday, I should have things in place when I return to visit Shawney."
"Uncle Thomas, another thing, I need you to pull a fence around the thirty acres. If after five years I don't return. I would like you to get a manager to handle my portion of the business. By then, I should be owning fifty per cent in shares."
Setting down the coffee cup, Thomas said, "Shawney, this is the best coffee I have tasted in years."