My uncle dropped by and claimed he also has a rightful share in the inheritance.

Half a year ago, our family was struck by tragedy: my father passed away. Six months later, my fathers brother, Uncle Edward, showed up unexpectedly at our doorstep. Uncle Edward rarely visited us; in fact, hed barely spoken to my father over the years. They hadnt argued, but there was never any warmth between them. Both kept their distance and led separate lives.

How was your journey? I asked, trying to sound polite. He chuckled, Why are you so formal? Im your favourite uncle, arent I? His smile was forced, strained, as though he believed it himself.

Uncle Edward hadnt warned us he was coming, and wed made no preparations for his arrival. Since my fathers funeral, we hadnt heard a word from himnot a phone call, nothing. And now, all of a sudden, he was sitting at our table.

As we gathered for afternoon tea, Uncle Edward leaned forward and asked, So, how shall we settle the inheritance? Will it be just the three of us? No one else involved?

What inheritance? Mum stammered, startled out of her thoughts.

There was, in fact, an inheritance. We owned a spacious flat, a lovely country home outside London, and two fairly new cars. Mum had been urging me to consider selling the house so we could buy a flat closer to my university, but so far, wed decided not to rush into anything.

What inheritance, indeed? The property your brother left behind! Uncle Edward replied. He shrugged, If not for Mary and myself, youd inherit everything. So youre not entitled to the lot! he continued.

But Im his brother. Surely I have a claim? he insisted.

No, you dont, Mum replied calmly. The laws on our side.

What about whats fair, whats right? Uncle Edward pressed.

Uncle Edward was cleverhe knew the law was clear, and he had no claim. Still, he tried to appeal to our sense of fairness, but his argument fell flat. My father and Uncle Edward had never been close; hed never been a part of our life or my fathers. Why would he have a share of his estate?

When Dad first became ill, he made it clear: everything should go to Mum and me, and no one else. There was never any intention to divide our home or assets outside the immediate family.

No, Edward, not even by conscience. You know full wellyou and your brother were never close! Mum said, voice trembling slightly.

Thats just it! Uncle Edward protested. Its like a dreary soap opera A man marries, leaves everything to his wife, while the rest of the family is cut outparents, siblings, nephews, all forgotten!

He pressed on, laying guilt at our feet, determined we should split the estate three ways. Thats enough, Mum said sharply. Were not discussing this any more!

When Uncle Edward finally left, Mum and I locked up the country house and returned to our city flat. We knew what kind of man he was; he wouldnt take no for an answer. We braced ourselveshad the uncomfortable feeling hed pursue this through the law.

There was a significant sum at stake: a third of a luxurious country home near Surrey, a third of a beautiful flat in central London, and two modern carsworth a small fortune.

Uncle Edward thought so too, and within weeks, papers arrived from court. He genuinely believed he could win. But the law supports us. Why does he cling to hope?