Hidden Legacy

Chanced Encounter

When Hunter returned home, his entire gait screamed happiness. His step was lighter, his shoulders less burdened, and an unmistakable smile played on his lips. Charlotte, his mother, couldn’t be happier to see her son in such high spirits. The worry lines that had etched themselves on her face over the past Months began to fade, replaced by a hopeful glow.

“Mom, I got a job!” Hunter exclaimed as soon as he stepped through the door.

Charlotte’s eyes widened in joy. “That’s wonderful, Hunter! Tell me everything.”

In her excitement, she immediately set about preparing a small but filling feast for them. The aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread soon filled the modest kitchen, mingling with the warm light of the evening sun that streamed through the windows.

As they sat down to their celebratory dinner, Charlotte couldn’t help but beam at her son. “So, where will you be working?”

Hunter took a bite of his meal before answering. “It’s at Lee Corporations.”

Charlotte’s hand paused mid-air, her fork hovering over her plate. “Lee Corporations? That’s... impressive, Hunter.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t believe it myself. I met the CEO, James Lee, yesterday. He was the one who offered me the job.”

Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat. She forced a smile, trying to hide her shock. “James Lee, you say? The CEO?”

Hunter nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, can you believe my luck? He was so kind to me. I can’t wait to start.”

Charlotte managed to maintain her composure throughout the rest of the dinner, but her mind was racing. After they finished eating and cleaned up, she excused herself and went to her room. She sat on her bed, deep in thought, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

She couldn’t let Hunter know that the James Lee he talked about was also his grandfather. She had kept Hunter’s father’s identity hidden all these years to prevent any clash between him and the Lee family. But now, fate had brought them together in the most unexpected way.

Charlotte sighed, rubbing her temples. She had tried so hard to keep this secret to protect Hunter. His father, she had left his father, Michael Lee, before Hunter was born, and James had never acknowledged her or her son. She had moved away and built a new life for them, far from the shadows of the Lee family.

But now, with Hunter working at Lee Corporations, the risk of the truth coming out was high. She couldn’t tell him to forfeit his job because of her fears. Hunter needed this opportunity, and she wouldn’t stand in the way of his success.

Charlotte decided to let him work there and let life play out. She could only hope that the past would stay buried, at least for a little while longer.

The next few days were a whirlwind for Hunter. He spent his time preparing for his new job, researching the company, and buying new clothes. Charlotte watched him with a mix of pride and apprehension, her heart heavy with secrets.

On his first day at Lee Corporations, Hunter felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The building loomed large and imposing as he approached, but he squared his shoulders and walked in with determination.

Inside, he was greeted by a sleek, modern interior filled with bustling employees. He was directed to the HR department, where he was given a brief orientation and then shown to his workspace.

Hunter’s first task was to assist in a project for a new client. He threw himself into the work, eager to prove himself. His colleagues were welcoming, and he quickly found himself adapting to the fast-paced environment.

During lunch, he couldn’t help but think about his encounter with James Lee. The man had been so kind and approachable, not at all what he had expected from a CEO. Hunter wondered if he would see him again.

As if in answer to his thoughts, James Lee appeared in the office later that afternoon. He was there for a meeting with some of the senior staff, but he took a moment to greet Hunter.

“How’s your first day going, Hunter?” James asked, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest.

“It’s going great, Mr. Lee. I’m really enjoying it here,” Hunter replied, standing a little straighter.

James nodded approvingly. “I’m glad to hear that. Keep up the good work.”

After James left, Hunter couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something familiar about him. He shrugged it off, chalking it up to the man’s charismatic presence.

Back at home, Charlotte waited anxiously for Hunter’s return. When he finally walked through the door, she could see the excitement in his eyes.

“How was your first day?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“It was amazing, Mom. I even saw Mr. Lee again. He asked how my day was going,” Hunter said, a note of awe in his voice.

Charlotte forced a smile. “That’s great, Hunter. I’m so proud of you.”

As the days turned into weeks, Hunter settled into his new role at Lee Corporations. He worked hard, determined to make the most of the opportunity. Meanwhile, Charlotte continued to wrestle with her internal conflict, praying that the past would remain hidden.

One evening, Hunter came home with exciting news. “Mom, I’ve been assigned to a special project. I’ll be working directly with Mr. Lee and some of the senior staff.”

Charlotte’s heart sank, but she kept her expression neutral. “That’s wonderful, Hunter. I’m sure you’ll do great. Be careful though. they are rich people after all and they could turn their backs on you whenever.”

That night, after Hunter had gone to bed, Charlotte sat in her room, her thoughts swirling. She couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change. The secret she had guarded so fiercely was now at the brink of being exposed.

She knew she couldn’t protect Hunter forever. The truth had a way of surfacing, no matter how deep it was buried. Charlotte decided that she would have to trust in her son’s strength and resilience. He deserved to know the truth, even if it meant facing the complexities of his heritage.

As she turned off the light and lay down to sleep, Charlotte whispered a silent prayer. She hoped that when the time came, Hunter would understand her choices and find it in his heart to forgive her.