A FORTUNE IN FURY: THE SECRET TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter 2

Adrian wasn't sure he had heard right. He decided to find a way to enter the living room himself.

Carrying a jug of freshly pressed juice, he walked dutifully into the living room and crossed over to where the family all sat on sofas. 

Their faces all pulled into a sneer as they saw him. 

“Who called this unfortunate soul here?!” Lady Barbara demanded in a furious tone.

Linda spoke up, saving Adrian's skin. “I did, Lady Barbara.”

“Well, now that father has passed, I believe you're supposed to read his will? Tell us, who has he left the company to?" This came from Ada, the first daughter. 

Brooks Castle and Castle, a multi billion dollar company that had chains of hotels and bars and even supermarkets was incredibly sought after by each one of the Brooks children. 

“We all know I have a degree in tourism and hotel management, I'm the one most suited for the position of President.” Ada continued.

Raymond snorted an incredulous laugh. “Don't be stupid. I am the first born son of Dad.” Raymond said this as if it practically meant he owned everything.

Adrian walked around, quietly pouring them glasses of juice. 

“I'm not sure you heard Dad when he was on the sick bed, Raymond,” Savanna piped up. “Anyone can become the heir to the conglomerate. Even me.”

Everyone burst into laughter so loud they drowned out the man who had broken the news of Sir Brooks death as he started talking. 

“Everyone?! Everyone, can we please calm down and listen?” The man in his expensive black suit demanded in a strong voice.

Adrian could see he was not a person easily bullied. And thank God for that, because Lady Barbara and her brood were definitely bullies and masters of manipulation. 

They all calmed down. Lady Barbara, who seemed to have been crying before, was now pinning the man, who was Sir Brooks' lawyer, with a pointed stare. 

She thought he should do as she commanded and be fast about it. 

“What did my husband say to you, Anthony?”

“That his will is not to be read until after his burial.”

“But that is so far away.” Savanna grumbled. The way she acted, you would think she had a secret that said she was going to be made the President of Brooks Castle and Castle.

“I am not sure if that's how it's supposed to work, Anthony. The family demands that you read the will now. That way,we know who the head of the family is and fast.” Ada’s husband, Paschal said in his rough, grating voice. 

They all turned to Anthony expectantly again, giving him hopeful looks.

“Not one day before the burial. The burial has been set for the next week. You will all have to follow the dictates of your mother until then.”

Lady Barbara looked happy with the announcement. She always looked smug though, so maybe she expected that naturally, she became the matriarch once her husband passed.

“I will be taking my leave now—”

“Urghh!” Ada shrieked, and then poured her glass of juice in Adrian's face. “How dare you spill juice on my shoe?”

Anthony paused, already he had gotten to his feet. 

“Do you know how much this shoes cost? It's 34,000$. In your whole miserable life, you would never be able to get that!” Ada still yelled. 

Her husband glared at Adrian. “You and your mother have leeched off of this family for years now. I can't wait for us to kick you out now that father is dead.”

Adrian gasped. “I'm sorry, Mrs Ada. I'm really sorry. I was not looking and I dared to spill juice on your expensive shoes. Please forgive me.” The juice dripped down his face, some had gotten into his nose, but he held back the sneeze that threatened. 

If he just sneezed in front of Ada she would scream and say he had sneezed on her. His nose burned but he held it. 

“Why can't we just tell them to leave now?”  A still annoyed Ada glanced at the rest of the family members. 

Anthony's strong, firm voice rang out. “Are you Adrian Richards?” he asked Adrian. 

Adrian nodded and turned to Anthony. Only then daring to raise his hand and wipe the juice from his eyes so he could see. 

Anthony addressed the rest of the family. “Until after the burial, and the will is read, nothing is to change in how the house is run, or who and who stays in the house.”

He pointed towards Adrian. “That includes him and his mother.” With that Anthony straightened his tie and walked out of the room. Raymond followed him, and so did Lady Barbara and her second skin, Linda. 

Ada stood up and pushed Adrian from the back. “Get out of my way, maggot. You stink!” And then she walked off, with her husband following her like a meek puppet. 

“Are you alright?” Savanna walked up to him and placed a hand on his back. 

Adrian jumped, shifting out of the way. Savanna's familiarity always made him nervous, even though they had grown up together, but he was older. 

“You're not the only one they are planning on throwing out. You know I am not truly my father's daughter.” Savanna said. Her eyes flashed and her voice hardened. “But I won't let them.”

She left the now empty living room as well and Adrian watched her. It didn't surprise him they were already bickering for the throne of President. 

He knew Savanna was every inch as ambitious and cunning as the rest of the Brooks. She had the wiles and something else was backing her, Adrian concluded.

Sighing, Adrian carried the jug of juice and exited the living room. He entered the large kitchen, washed out everything and kept them, then returned to the tiny apartment that had been home for him and his mother since he was born. 

His mother had gone to visit his aunt who had been sick for a while now and he was the only one here. She would be heartbroken to hear about Sir Brooks. Adrian decided not to tell her.

But he picked up his phone to call her and hear how she was doing. 

Instead, a message entered his phone. A credit alert —1,000,000,000$