Beaten by my ex, now I'm a Trillionaire Heir

Ch-3

The air inside the grand estate was thick with tension as Nathan Cole sat across from his father. The weight of the world—or at least the empire he had just inherited—pressed down on his shoulders.

"You agree to my request, then?" his father asked, his piercing golden eyes studying Nathan’s expression.

Nathan inhaled deeply, his grip tightening around the sleek black card in his hand. Fifty billion dollars. The power to move industries. The influence to command the world.

It was overwhelming. But it was also intoxicating.

He met his father’s gaze. "Yes. I’ll do it."

His father’s lips curled into a small, approving smile. "Good. The takeover is set for tomorrow. It coincides with the group’s anniversary celebration—an event that will be attended by every major company in the city."

Nathan’s ears perked up at that. "Who’s invited?"

Harper Valente, standing at his father’s side, spoke up. "Everyone who matters. CEOs, industry titans, politicians. Even Reed’s family group."

Nathan’s interest sharpened. Reed. The family of his ex-wife. The same people who had looked down on him, treated him like garbage, and laughed at his misfortune.

A slow smirk formed on his lips. "Well, that makes things a lot more interesting."

His father chuckled, seeing the fire in Nathan’s eyes. "Then prepare yourself, son. Tomorrow, the city will know who truly holds power."

Hours later, Harper escorted Nathan to a private villa—a sprawling estate that his father had prepared for him.

"You’ll stay here from now on," she explained as they stepped into the luxurious mansion. Every inch of it screamed wealth and dominance. Marble floors, chandeliers, panoramic views of the city skyline.

Nathan barely glanced around. His mind was elsewhere.

The cultivation techniques that had flooded his brain earlier still lingered. He could feel the power humming beneath his skin, waiting to be unleashed.

"I need to start training as soon as possible," he muttered.

Harper tilted her head. "Training?"

Nathan nodded. "There’s a specific herb I need to refine my energy. Do you know where I can get it?"

Harper’s eyes darkened in thought. "If it’s a rare herb, your best bet is the city’s largest herbal store."

Nathan wasted no time. "Let’s go."

The herbal store was an ancient establishment, its shelves lined with countless rare ingredients. The rich scent of dried roots and medicinal plants filled the air as Nathan stepped inside.

His eyes immediately landed on the herb he needed—sitting in a glass case at the counter.

"The last one in stock," the clerk confirmed as Nathan approached.

Before he could purchase it, however, a familiar voice sliced through the air like a knife.

"I’ll take that herb."

Nathan turned, his expression tightening.

Standing there in extravagant designer dresses were two women—his ex-wife’s mother and sister.

Margaret Miller and Jessica Miller.

Margaret’s nose wrinkled in disgust the moment she saw him. "You?" She let out a mocking laugh. "What are you doing here, Nathan? Begging for scraps?"

Jessica giggled. "Oh, I bet he’s here to window shop. There’s no way someone like him could afford anything in a place like this."

Nathan said nothing, merely turning back to the clerk. "I’m buying it."

Margaret’s expression twisted in irritation. "Excuse me? Clerk, do you know who I am? I am Margaret Miller from Reed Group. I’ll pay double what he’s offering."

The clerk hesitated. "But sir already—"

"Triple," she snapped, cutting him off. She then turned to Nathan, smirking. "Face it, you can’t compete with me. Just hand over the herb and leave like the stray dog you are."

Jessica smirked. "Poor thing. Do you miss being part of our family? Oh wait—you never really were."

Nathan clenched his jaw. He wasn’t in the mood for their nonsense. Without another word, he pulled out his black card and placed it on the counter.

The clerk’s eyes widened. "S-Sir, this is…"

Margaret’s laughter boomed through the store. "Are you serious? A black card? You? Hah! Do you really expect us to believe that’s real?"

Jessica sneered. "It’s obviously fake. Look at him. He’s just a pitiful loser trying to act important."

The clerk hesitated. "But, madam, this gentleman—"

Margaret scoffed. "Gentleman? Don’t make me laugh. He’s a stray dog who got kicked out of my daughter’s life. Do you really think he can afford something so expensive?"

Jessica snickered. "Maybe he’s just here to sniff around for leftovers, like a rat in a fancy restaurant."

Nathan’s fingers curled into a fist. He exhaled slowly. Not worth it.

He turned to the clerk. "How much?"

Before the clerk could answer, Margaret clicked her tongue in mock sympathy. "Oh, Nathan, are you still pretending to be something you’re not? It’s pathetic, really. First, you embarrassed yourself by chasing after my daughter, and now you’re embarrassing yourself here."

Jessica giggled. "I heard he was dumped like a garbage bag on collection day. Guess it makes sense—street racoons always end up on the curb."

Nathan ignored them and pulled out his black card, placing it on the counter.

The laughter stopped.

Margaret blinked, then threw her head back in a cackle. "Oh my God, you’re seriously using a black card? You?"

Jessica clutched her stomach, gasping between laughs. "Did you print that at home? Oh no, let me guess—you stole it from the real owner while cleaning tables?"

Margaret wiped fake tears from her eyes. "Clerk, don’t be stupid. This man can’t afford anything in this store. Do not let him fool you. Give the herb to me, and I’ll pay triple."

The clerk hesitated, glancing between them.