Testator: Nashville Justice, #11

By Cole Steele

In the heart of Nashville, the sudden death of self-made millionaire Sterling Chalmers sends shockwaves through the city, leaving behind a tangled web of greed, betrayal, and hidden secrets. His vast fortune, earned through years of mining sapphire, becomes the center of a fierce battle among his three estranged children, each with their own dark past and desperate motives.
Attorney Lori Tolliver and her brother Shaun find themselves drawn into the high-stakes legal battle, fighting not just for justice, but for survival. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, the true depths of Sterling's legacy are revealed. With powerful enemies closing in and the truth hanging in the balance, Lori and Shaun must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the real heir to the Chalmers fortune. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cole Steele
• Release date: Jun 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227945914

Cole Steele

Cole Steele is a versatile and talented author residing in the United States. With a vivid imagination and a knack for storytelling, Cole Steele has successfully created two enthralling book stories and a captivating short story series. Cole Steele is deeply grateful to the writers who first ignited his passion for storytelling and provided the inspiration to embark on this creative journey.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Sterling Chalmers stared out into the expanse of his property from the large bedroom window. His estate, a sprawling testament to his hard-earned wealth, stretched as far as the eye could see. The meticulously manicured lawns were dotted with vibrant flower beds, and a winding driveway lined with ancient oaks led up to the grand Georgian-style mansion he called home. The house itself was a masterpiece of architecture, with tall white columns, large, elegant windows, and a stately portico that welcomed visitors with an air of timeless sophistication.

Inside, the rooms were decorated with fine antiques, each piece carefully selected by Chalmers himself. Persian rugs adorned the hardwood floors, and crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the richly furnished spaces. The walls were lined with artwork collected from around the world, reflecting a life of adventure and success. Sterling's favorite room, however, was his bedroom, which offered a panoramic view of the vast property he had spent a lifetime building.

But today, the beauty of his surroundings brought him little comfort. His breathing had become shallower over the past week, and each passing day made it more difficult for him to take in oxygen. He smiled weakly as one of his hired health aides adjusted the pillow behind his back, allowing him to sit up a little straighter. She was a kind and attentive young woman, and had been a comforting presence during his final days.

Chalmers motioned for her to come closer. She leaned in, and he whispered something in her ear, his voice barely audible. She nodded, her eyes filled with concern and compassion. As the aide left the room to fetch his medication, Sterling's heart gave one last, laborious beat.

The world outside continued its serene existence, unaware that Sterling Chalmers, self-made millionaire and owner of White Creek Crystals, a prominent sapphire mining company, had taken his last breath. The man who had built an empire from the ground up, who had weathered the storms of business and life with unwavering determination, was gone.

ONE

The air inside the funeral home was thick with the heady scent of fresh flowers. Lilies, roses, and orchids were arranged in elaborate displays around the room, their sweet fragrances mingling into a potent aroma that was almost overwhelming. The funeral home itself was an opulent establishment, one of the finest in Nashville, chosen by Sterling Chalmers himself long before his passing. Every detail, from the luxurious carpets to the polished wood paneling, spoke of wealth and meticulous planning.

The centerpiece of the room was the casket, an exquisite piece of craftsmanship made from the finest mahogany, its deep, rich hue gleaming under the soft lighting. The casket was adorned with intricate carvings and gold-plated handles, a testament to Sterling's taste and the fortune he had amassed over his lifetime. Inside, the satin lining was a pristine white, cradling Sterling’s body in its final repose. He looked almost peaceful, dressed in a tailored suit that spoke of his former elegance and status.

Mourners filled the room, their voices hushed out of respect, creating a low murmur that reverberated against the high ceilings. Sterling's children stood closest to the casket, each lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

Preston Chalmers, the eldest, stood with his back straight, his face a mask of stoic control. His eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of calculation as he surveyed the opulent surroundings, perhaps already contemplating the share of the estate that might come his way. Preston was impeccably dressed, his suit tailored to perfection, his graying hair slicked back in a style that suggested both power and vanity.

Beside him, Blair Chalmers looked decidedly less composed. Recently released from prison, Blair’s face was lined with the stress of his past mistakes. He kept glancing around nervously, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his jacket. His attire was neat but lacked the polished elegance of his brother’s, hinting at the financial troubles that still plagued him.

Amelia Chalmers stood a little apart from her brothers, her eyes red from crying, though the tears seemed more from frustration than genuine grief. Her designer dress and matching accessories screamed of her materialistic nature, and she kept dabbing at her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief, careful not to smudge her makeup.

As the service began, a soft-spoken minister stepped forward, offering words of comfort and reflections on Sterling’s life. The children barely listened, their minds occupied with the implications of their father’s death. The room was filled with the soft sounds of weeping and the occasional sniffle, as friends and business associates paid their respects.

Deidra Boone, one of Sterling’s trusted aides, stood quietly at the back of the room, holding her newborn close. She felt out of place among the finely dressed mourners but stayed nonetheless, honoring the man who had been more than just an employer.

As the minister concluded his eulogy, the guests were invited to come forward and pay their final respects. The line moved slowly, each person stopping briefly at the casket, some whispering prayers, others simply touching the polished wood in a silent farewell. The scent of flowers seemed to grow stronger, almost suffocating, as more people crowded into the small space.

Preston, Blair, and Amelia approached the casket last, their faces masks of solemnity. Preston placed a hand on the casket, his lips moving in silent prayer, though his eyes flickered with impatience. Blair’s hand trembled as he touched the wood, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and regret. Amelia placed a single red rose on the casket, a gesture that seemed more for show than genuine emotion.

As the service ended, the guests slowly filtered out, leaving the family to their private grief. The room, now quieter, still buzzed with the undercurrent of tension that had permeated the entire event. The opulence of the surroundings, the overwhelming scent of flowers, and the elaborate arrangements all seemed to underscore the complexities of the legacy Sterling had left behind.

TWO

The atmosphere inside the limousine was thick with tension and unspoken words. Preston, Blair, and Amelia Chalmers sat in silence as the vehicle moved slowly through the streets of Nashville, the city passing by in a blur of muted colors. The scent of flowers lingered in their nostrils, a reminder of the service they had just left. Outside, the sky was a somber gray, mirroring their collective mood.

Preston sat stiffly, his gaze fixed out the window. The lines on his face were deeper today, etched with a mix of grief and something more complex—perhaps relief or anticipation. He finally broke the silence, his voice low and controlled. Blair, I... I'm sorry I didn't visit you in prison. Work has been... overwhelming.

Blair turned to his brother, a half-smile playing on his