From Teardrops To Billions

CHAPTER 6

“What are these papers for?” Nathan asked the lawyer who was seated perfectly on the chair on the other side of the desk as he scanned the series of documents in his hand.

“Well, sir, your father. Mr. Daniel Reed, owned many companies. He ranked 4th on the list of world billionaires before he died, though he decided to remain anonymous.”

“These companies included NECA, the art-tech company worth over $190 Billion, LetFod; the automobile company worth over $680 Billion, Brymid; the hospital chain worth over $300 billion, and numerous other ventures spanning various industries," the lawyer explained, his voice carrying the weight of the immense wealth and responsibility being passed on to Nathan.

“Hold on. Did you say NECA?” Nathan asked calmly. He remembered that NECA was the company who sponsored his scholarship examination into Luxton University. He also knew LetFord. In business class, they always used it as an example for top automobile companies in the world, even competing with Tesla.

“Yes sir. Those are but a few! Reed’s name also has shares in other companies. So, yearly revenue exceeds $9 Trillion and above.”

Nathan's head was spinning as he processed the staggering figures and the magnitude of his inheritance. It was as if he had been thrust into a world he had only ever dreamed of, yet now it lay at his feet, waiting for him to claim it.

It just felt unreal. Like he was in a trans.

"And these papers?" Nathan pressed, his voice barely above a whisper as he looked up from the documents to meet the lawyer's gaze.

"These papers are the transfer of ownership documents for each of these companies, sir," the lawyer replied, his tone professional yet tinged with a hint of reverence. "Your father stipulated in his will that when you are finally found, you should officially inherit control of his entire business empire. You are the heir to Reed’s Trillion Dollar Empire!”

Nathan's heart pounded in his chest as he realised the weight of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders. He had always known he was meant for something greater, but he had never imagined it would be like this.

"Are you ready to sign, sir?" the lawyer asked, his pen poised over the documents.

Nathan hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the world bearing down on him. But then he squared his shoulders and nodded resolutely.

"Yes," he said firmly, reaching out to take the pen from the lawyer's hand. "I'm ready."

Nathan signed the documents and just like that, he was automatically a Billionaire and more. It still felt unreal to him.

Papa Sam smiled as he saw Nathan’s hands shaking while he signed the papers. He understood that such figures scared the young man, and he was about to shake that fear away from him! He would show him what true wealth meant.

If Nathan was not used to big figures like these, he would have problems dealing with clients and other top investors.

To solve that problem, he called out to Fredrick. “My son here will have to know every car out there. To begin, take him to the Basement Parking and let him have a look around. Whichever car strikes his interest should be prepared for him immediately. Make sure he knows everything about the car!”

‘Basement parking?’ ‘Whichever car?’ Nathan tried to imagine if what he saw in the movies and read in books were real. Where a person has an underground park filled with over 10 or more cars. It felt like an illusion and just a screenplay.

Yet, Nathan, who was still in his tattered looking dress, got up and knelt down to thank Papa Sam, but his grandfather quickly used his walking stick to strike him on his shoulder.

“Do you know your worth now, son? The house you are standing in belongs to you. You are the heir to the Reed’s Empire. You are no longer an average university student, son. You are now a billionaire. Act like one!” Papa Sam warned lovingly.

Nathan couldn’t just get to see himself owning billions and trillions. It all came as a shock to him. But eventually, he would have to deal with it. He would have to accept that this was not some story or movie. It was real life. Reality!

‘Oh Kamsi! We are now rich! Our story has changed. Our teardrops have turned into billions!’ Nathan cried out in his mind as he gently held the exclusive debit card in his hand.

After a few seconds in the high-tech elevator, Nathan Reed and Fredrick finally got to an opening. As soon as Fredrick stepped foot into the opening, the lights automatically turned on.

“Hey, Alexa. Meet your new boss, Sir Nathan Reed!” Fredrick said immediately.

Nathan didn’t give attention to the welcoming of a tech woman’s voice from nowhere. His attention was quickly drawn in by the tens of cars lined up neatly on every side of the basement. He just stood there, his mouth wide open.

“Alright young master. There are 75 cars here and 55 of them are direct products of LetFord, your automobile company. If you look at this one for example..” Fred pointed to one of the cars. “That right there is Reed's logo! So, which car sparks your interest, sir?”

Nathan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Papa Sam said he was now a billionaire. So, he had to act like one. He shouldn’t act too surprised and amazed. He should see these cars for what they are – cars.

“Okay, Fredrick. I’d like to pick the Lamborghini Huracan. I watch it in movies and always admired its sleek design and powerful performance," Nathan declared, his voice tinged with newfound confidence.

Fredrick nodded approvingly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Excellent choice, sir. The Lamborghini Huracan is indeed a remarkable vehicle. Follow me, I'll show you the customization options available for your new ride."

As they approached the chosen car, Nathan couldn't help but marvel at its stunning appearance. The sleek lines, the roaring engine, and the luxurious interior all spoke of a lifestyle he had only ever dreamed of.

“Damn! This isn’t happening!” He said out loud. He just couldn’t help it. The transition was blade sharp.

“Oh but it is, sir!” Fred chuckled.

"Now, sir, with your permission, let's step inside and I'll walk you through the customization process," Fredrick said, opening the door of the Lamborghini with a flourish.

Nathan nodded eagerly, his heart racing with excitement. As he settled into the driver's seat, he couldn't suppress the grin that spread across his face. This was just the beginning of his journey into the world of wealth and power.

He looked at the passenger’s seat. It was empty. If only Amanda had been with him! He would have spoiled her and made the queen of all queens in Luxton.

But well, bad things do happen for a reason right?

Over the next hour, Fredrick guided Nathan through the myriad options available for customising his new car. From selecting the perfect colour scheme to adding personalised touches like monogrammed seat covers and state-of-the-art technology upgrades, Nathan was in awe of the endless possibilities.

For the first time in his life, Nathan felt truly alive. The wind in his hair, the adrenaline coursing through his veins, and the knowledge that he was now a billionaire filled him with a sense of exhilaration he had never known before.

As soon as Nathan stepped out of the luxurious bathroom in his luxurious room, his old phone rang out.

He quickly went to pick it up. It was Marcus. He had bad news.

“Shit! When?!”

“This ain’t happening! Nooo!”