Heir Of The Blackwood Legacy

Chapter 4

Mark nodded resolutely, agreeing to his younger brother's proposal. "Alright, Alexander, I'll do it. But we need to be careful. As the last surviving heir of the Blackwood family, it might not be safe for me to come back into the public eye."

Butler Thompson nodded in understanding. "Indeed, Master Mark. We'll need to keep your identity secret for the time being. We can't risk alerting anyone who might still be seeking to harm the Blackwood family."

Mark turned to Butler Thompson. "Now, tell me about the family's assets. What's left of our fortune?"

Butler Thompson's eyes gleamed with pride. "Ah, Master Mark, the Blackwood family's wealth is still vast, despite the betrayal. We have numerous companies, properties, and investments around the world. And, of course, there's the family's legendary treasure, hidden away for safekeeping."

Mark's eyes narrowed. "I want you to transfer a few of our larger companies – just a small fraction of our original holdings – and a few million dollars into a secret account under my name. Can you do that for me, Butler Thompson?"

Butler Thompson nodded. "Of course, Master Mark. I'll see to it immediately. But remember, your identity must remain secret for now. We can't risk anyone discovering your true identity."

Mark nodded, a plan forming in his mind. He would reclaim his family's legacy, but he would do it on his own terms, and in secret.

Mark bid farewell to Butler Thompson, his mind racing with the secrets he now kept. He returned home, a sense of determination in his step. He couldn't reveal his true identity to Felicia Feathering just yet, but he had to tell her something.

Even though she was his wife, he had to keep some secrets from her, until the time was right for him to do so.

When he entered the sitting room of their apartment, he rushed to meet his wife.

"Felicia, I have some news," he said, trying to sound casual, as he entered the room. "I've found a job. It's a great opportunity, and I'll be able to provide for us and our baby."

“Really!!” Felicia Feathering’s eyes lit up. "That's wonderful, Mark! I'm so proud of you!"

“I am too.”

“How did you get a job anyway? What company? I hope they will treat you well. How’s the pay? Sustainable?” Felicia could not help but still worry for her husband's sake. Even when her family was on his neck, she didn’t want to be much of a burden on him.

“Just one small firm around the corner. They deal with real estate. But not to worry. Now I can have enough money to take care of you properly.”

He assured and Felicia asked no further questions.

The next day, Felicia Feathering was on a group call with her family when Mark arrived at the doorstep. He could sense the tension in the air as he entered the room.

"Felicia, dear, we're in trouble," her mother said, her voice laced with desperation. "We need to secure a big contract soon or risk losing everything. And, Felicia, we would need your help in gaining this deal.”

“Me?” Felicia was not liking where the discussion was headed. Still, her mother continued through the live meeting.

“We need to think about our future... and that baby you have in your womb."

Mark's instincts prickled as he sensed the direction of the conversation. What were they plotting this time around?

"Abort the baby and leave Mark," her mother continued. "He's not capable of providing for you or our family. But Mr. X, he's a rich and resourceful man who can help us pull through with this deal. He needs a wife to help us out. You should marry him instead."

Mark's eyes narrowed, his grip on the doorframe tightening. He knew he had to keep his true identity hidden for now, but he couldn't let them threaten his family's well-being and worse take his wife and unborn child away.

“What?!” Felicia scoffed. “I can’t do that. I can’t kill a soul and at the same time leave my husband.”

“Shut up and listen to me!” Her mother voiced out. “It’s for yours and our good. Mark can’t give you a better life. He’s just useless.”

Mrs. Feathering kept calling Mark names.

“This is my husband you are talking about.”

“So?” Mrs. Feathering replied in haste. “Your blood or your husband, which would you choose? Don’t tell me you love him because I would just puke.”

Felicia was taken aback that she refused to speak further. She could feel Mark’s presence already in the room.

Felicia Feathering's family was in an uproar as they discovered that Company A, now secretly under Mark's name, had placed a lucrative contract up for grabs. The news spread like wildfire, and Mark's mother-in-law saw an opportunity.

"Whoever can secure this contract for our family will be appointed as the CEO," she declared, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We can't let this chance slip away. We need someone with the right connections and influence to bring it home."

Felicia Feathering's eyes met Mark's, and he could sense her uncertainty. She knew he was hiding something, but she didn't know what. Still, she couldn’t just leave him for her mother's demise.

“What? Is Mark there?” Her mother asked when she saw Felicia's eyes look away from the screen.

"Mark, dear, you have to help us," her mother urged, sitting forward to the camera. "You have to use your... connections to get us this contract. It's our only hope. You said you wanted to live up to my reputation and gain my trust. Do this for me then. If you can get that, you’ll be able to restore your reputation in our family."

Mark smiled to himself, knowing that he held the key to the contract. He could reveal his true identity and secure the contract for his wife's family, but at what cost?

He was determined to protect his family and his legacy, but he couldn't let his wife's family continue to manipulate and use him.

“Why should I help you?” His voice was stained with disdain. “Why must I keep living up to your reputation? Who are you to even give me orders?”

Felicia was shocked. Even her mother from the other end found it hard to speak or reply to Mark. Was he ready to go against his wife’s mother?