But Constance soon learned what most lawyers do: they enable rich people to get richer. It sickened her. So rather than follow the power path, she chose to become a public defender. The perfect way for a lawyer to help people.
Of course, her parents were thoroughly annoyed with this decision. They expected her to do "loftier" things, not public defense. Such a career was unthinkable. Spending time with those people. Poor people. Homeless people. Drug dealers and gang members. Her career choice was clearly a disappointment.
Standing on the street corner, Constance called her brother. He answered quickly. "Hey, Sis. Been a long time." He paused. "What can I do for you?"
Smooth as ever. Over the years, Robert had matured from a teasing big brother into the up-and-coming CEO of Westerley International, while Constance had matured into the spiritual public defender who stayed as far away from the Westerley limelight as she could. At least Robert wasn't an aggressive bulldog like her father.
Constance deflected his question. "You don't need to do anything for me, Bob. I just felt like calling you. The idea just popped into my head so I did it. Not sure why."
He chuckled. "I get it. Another one of your woo-woo ideas. Well, I'm just sitting here watching the news. More of that ridiculous story about the school principal and his porn. Why do they think we care about such stuff? Honestly!"
The background drone of the news announcer cut out and Robert's voice got serious. "So are you calling about the big event next month? We'll finally be free of those trusts."
The trust funds that their parents had set up decades ago were about to expire. These funds had millions of dollars in them, which Constance had mostly given away. She didn't need it-she had a good job as a public defender.
But when the trusts expired, another round of her father's financial shell game would be played out. And that barely-legal dalliance was not something she liked to think about. Of course she would do what her father wanted. She would show up and sign whatever papers they put in front of her. But she didn't want to talk about that now. "Sorry, Bob. I don't care about those things."
"You might not care, but I do. I finally get to be CEO."
That's what he loves the most. Another change that would be triggered by the trust dissolution was a managerial one. Her father would retire as CEO of Westerley International and hand the reins over to Robert.
"Yes, congratulations." She took a breath before going on. "Be a good CEO, please. Dad was a tyrant."