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THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 64
Ethan's heart pounds as he processes the situation. His father lies comatose in a hospital bed, and now Lisa’s life hangs in the balance. Every instinct screams for him to act swiftly, but he knows he can’t afford to be reckless. One wrong move could cost him everything.He turns to Mike, who is staring at him with wide eyes. “Call the finance team,” Ethan orders, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. “Get them to prepare the cash. Fifty million. I’ll need it in unmarked bills within the hour.”Mike hesitates, his expression uneasy. “Mr. Elliot, are you sure? This could be a trap. Shouldn’t we—”“No police,” Ethan cuts him off, his gaze hard and unyielding. “Not yet. Whoever this is, they’re watching. We can’t risk tipping them off until Lisa is safe.”Mike nods reluctantly and rushes out of the room. Ethan sits down at his desk, his hands gripping the edge tightly. His mind races, analyzing the situation. Who would do this? Is this about the company? A rival? Or something el
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 65
Ethan stood in the grand foyer, his nerves on edge.He had just received the ransom call, and every second that ticked by felt like a lifetime.Turning to Mike, he said sharply, “Gather four of our best guards. Tell them to be ready to move. And not a word about this to anyone. Understand?”Mike nodded, concern etched on his face.“Yes, sir. Should I inform the family that we’re stepping out?”“Tell them we’ll be back before the wedding starts,” Ethan replied curtly.“But keep it vague. No one can know about Lisa. Not yet.”Within minutes, Mike and the guards were assembled in the driveway. Ethan gave them a quick rundown of the situation, omitting no details.“Lisa’s been kidnapped. The bastards want fifty million, and they’re moving us around like pawns. I’ll follow their instructions, but stay sharp. Something feels off about this.”One of the guards, Jaxon, spoke up.“We’ve got your back, Mr. Elliot. Whatever it takes.”Ethan nodded appreciatively, then slid into the driver’s seat
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 66
Ethan stares at his phone, fury and helplessness twisting in his chest. The cold morning air bites against his skin as he turns to Mike and his guards.“They want me to call off the wedding,” Ethan says through clenched teeth, his voice barely masking the storm brewing inside him.Mike’s face pales. “Call off the wedding? What does that even mean? Why would they—”“I don’t know,” Ethan interrupts, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “But they’re playing games, leading us in circles all night. And now, they’re making demands they know I can’t meet.”One of the guards, a tall man named Javier, steps forward. “Sir, this doesn’t sound like a ransom anymore. It feels… personal.”Ethan exhales sharply. “Of course it’s personal. Someone wants to destroy me, and they’re using Lisa to do it.”Mike frowns. “But why involve Lisa? She has nothing to do with your business or your enemies.”“Exactly,” Ethan says bitterly. “Which means this isn’t just about me. It’s about us. Whoever’s behin
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 67
Ethan paces the length of the mansion’s study, his hand clenching and unclenching the phone.His thoughts are a chaotic swirl of anger, fear, and strategy.He dials Lisa’s friend, Alyssa, who had previously helped them track down the blackmailer.“Alyssa,” he says sharply as soon as she answers, “it’s an emergency. Lisa’s been kidnapped. I need you to trace the number they’re calling from.”Alyssa’s gasp is audible.“What? Oh my God, Ethan! Are you okay? What happened?”“I don’t have time to explain,” Ethan snaps, though he softens slightly.“I’ll send you the details of the calls. Just tell me if you can do it.”“I’ll try,” Alyssa says firmly.“Send me everything you’ve got. I’ll call you as soon as I have something.”“Thanks,” Ethan says, his voice clipped. He ends the call and turns to Mike, who is coordinating with the guards in the corner of the study.“Mike, I want every available guard on standby near the mansion and another team ready to move out with me,” Ethan orders.“Yes,
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 68
The afternoon sun was unforgiving as it streamed through the broken windows of the abandoned factory, casting long shadows on the rusted machinery scattered throughout the room.Ethan’s boots echoed against the concrete floor as he walked into the cavernous space, his jaw clenched and his eyes scanning every corner with precision.The factory was a ghost of its former self—neglected and decaying, much like the storm brewing inside him.His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts.With a steadying breath, he pulled it out and answered.The voice on the other end was cold and detached.“Mr. Elliot,” the kidnapper began, each word calculated, “you’ve come as instructed. Good. Now, listen carefully. You’ll find a chair in the center of the factory. Sit down.”Ethan’s grip tightened around the phone, his voice low and controlled.“I came as you asked. But before I do anything, I want proof that Lisa’s alive. Let me see her.”The kidnapper chuckled, a sound that made Ethan
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 69
The kidnapper’s voice was slow, deliberate.“Start with your name and say you’re here to make an important announcement about your wedding to Lisa Barrett. Then announce that due to irreconcilable differences, the wedding has been called off.”Ethan’s stomach churned. He looked around as the background looked familiar to her.He glanced at Lisa’s face on the screen, her wide eyes pleading with him.Every fiber of his being screamed to defy this monster, but he couldn’t risk her life.“I’ll do it,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm inside.“But I need to hear her voice. Let her speak—just for a moment. That’s all I ask.”The kidnapper laughed.“A sentimental man, I see. Fine, but only for a second.” The camera angle shifted slightly, and the gag was pulled from Lisa’s mouth. She gasped for air, coughing as tears streamed down her face.“Ethan…” she whispered, her voice raw and broken.“Don’t—”The gag was shoved back in place before she could finish, and the camera returned t
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 70
Ethan's guards, dressed as ordinary laborers, move in perfect synchrony.With weapons drawn, they break from their hidden positions, storming the factory.Chaos erupts as the air fills with shouts and the sharp echo of gunfire.“Secure the exits!” Mike orders, his voice cutting through the cacophony.Lisa, despite her feet still bound, starts to hobble toward Ethan.“Lisa!” he shouts, running to her.His strong arms envelop her as he pulls her close, holding her trembling body protectively.“Ethan,” Lisa whispers, her voice hoarse from the gag.Tears stream down her face as he gently works to untie her hands and feet, his movements deliberate and calm despite the chaos around them.“You’re okay,” he murmurs, removing the gag and cupping her tear-streaked face.His thumb brushes against her cheek.“It’s over. I’ve got you now. No one’s going to hurt you.”She clings to him desperately, her sobs muffled against his chest.Her hands, though free now, grip his shirt like a lifeline.“Lisa
THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR CHAPTER 71
Ethan paced the length of his study, his brows furrowed as fragments of the past day replayed in his mind. The demands to call off the wedding, the cryptic threats—none of it felt random.He glanced at Lisa, seated on the couch, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress.“This wasn’t just about money,” Ethan muttered, breaking the silence.“The way they kept insisting we call off the wedding... it’s personal. Someone wanted to stop us for a reason beyond ransom.”Lisa looked up, her voice shaky but determined.“But who? Who would go to such lengths to ruin our lives?”Ethan stopped pacing and turned to face her.“Think, Lisa. Who benefits the most if our wedding doesn’t happen? Someone who stands to lose something if we’re married.”Lisa hesitated, her mind racing. “The inheritance,” she whispered.“It has to be about that clause in your family trust. If you don’t marry by the deadline, the estate could—”“—default to someone else,” Ethan finished grimly.He rubbed his temp
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CHAPTER 168
The Elliot mansion was a hive of activity as Ethan and his team worked tirelessly to prepare their next move.The witness they had rescued was in a secure location, his testimony meticulously documented.Harper combed through the files retrieved from Lawrence’s operations, piecing together the story that would expose him to the world.Ethan stood at the head of the command room, his focus unyielding.“We go public,” he said, his voice firm.“We’ve got the evidence. It’s time to show the world who Lawrence really is.”Lisa, seated beside him, nodded.“It’s the right move, Ethan. His alliances rely on the perception that he’s untouchable. If we shatter that, he loses his power base.”Harris leaned against the table, his arms crossed.“And if he retaliates?”Ethan’s jaw tightened. “He will. But we’ll be ready.”Harper glanced up from her screen.“I’ve compiled everything we have—financial records, shell companies, his ties to The Black Hawk. It’s airtight.”Ethan nodded.“Good. Schedule
CHAPTER 167
The SUV sped through the city streets, Ethan and Harris in the front seats while a small team of guards followed close behind.The protective custody safe house was located on the outskirts of town, a modest building surrounded by unmarked police vehicles.Harris checked his weapon.“If Lawrence’s people know about this guy, they’ll hit hard. We need to be ready.”Ethan nodded, his thoughts racing.This witness could be the key to unraveling Lawrence’s entire operation. I can’t let him slip through my fingers.As they approached the safe house, the first signs of trouble appeared.One of the police vehicles was parked at an odd angle, its driver-side door open.Harris’s voice was tense. “Something’s wrong.”Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “Stay sharp.”The team entered the safe house cautiously, weapons drawn.The interior was eerily quiet, the faint hum of a television the only sound.“Clear the rooms,” Harris ordered.Ethan moved toward the back of the house, his instincts on high alert.He
CHAPTER 166
The soft glow of the mansion’s command room monitors reflected in Ethan’s eyes as he sifted through the mountain of information Harper had compiled.The more he learned about Lawrence’s activities, the tighter the knot in his stomach grew.“Shell companies,” Harper explained, pointing to a series of interconnected entities on the screen.“Dozens of them, all siphoning resources from Elliot Enterprises’ subsidiaries over the past decade.”Ethan’s jaw tightened.“How did this go unnoticed for so long?”“They were careful,” Harper replied.“Each transaction was small, spread out over multiple accounts. But when you piece it all together…”Harris leaned over the table, his expression grim.“It’s a fortune. Enough to bankroll The Black Hawk’s resurgence—and then some.”Ethan’s mind raced.Lawrence wasn’t just feeding The Black Hawk information—he was using the company to fund their operations. He’s been bleeding us dry from the inside.Lisa, seated beside him, shook her head in disbelief.
CHAPTER 165
Harper tapped on her tablet, bringing up historical records.“I did some digging on Lawrence. He disappeared from public view about twenty years ago. Before that, he worked in the financial sector, hopping between companies. Nothing criminal on record, but a lot of shady deals.”“Fits the profile,” Harris said.“He’s been operating in the shadows, feeding The Black Hawk intel to weaken us.”Lisa crossed her arms, her tone sharp.“And we didn’t see it until now because he’s been a ghost. A phantom moving just out of sight.”Ethan stared at the photograph of Lawrence included in the will—a younger man with sharp features and piercing eyes.You’ve been watching us this entire time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But now, it’s my turn.“What else do we know about him?” Ethan asked.Harper swiped through her tablet.“Not much. He has no fixed address, no known associates. But if he’s working with The Black Hawk remnants, they might be hiding him.”Harris frowned.“We need to flu
CHAPTER 164
Ethan’s eyes scanned the pages, each word deepening the knot in his stomach.“I, Robert Elliot,” the will began, “leave this record to reveal truths I could not in life. To my family, I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me.”The document went on to detail Robert’s secret dealings with The Black Hawk, admitting that he had maintained ties with the organization long after their supposed betrayal.Lisa’s voice was soft but urgent.“He never severed ties? Why?”Ethan’s jaw tightened.“He claimed it was for the good of the family. He thought he could control them, keep them in check.”But as Ethan read further, his hands trembled. The will revealed something even more shocking—a mention of an undisclosed heir.“To my heirs,” the document read, “there is one among you who may not bear the Elliot name but is nonetheless tied to our bloodline. I leave it to you to protect them, for their connection to The Black Hawk is not of their choosing.”Lisa gasped.“An undisclosed heir? Someon
CHAPTER 163
The black SUV rolled to a halt outside an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city.The structure was weathered, its metal siding rusted and its windows shattered, but the faint signal from the bug traced back to this very spot.Ethan stepped out, flanked by Harris and Lisa.The cold night air carried a heavy sense of foreboding as Ethan adjusted his earpiece.“Harper,” Ethan said quietly, scanning the darkened surroundings, “we’re at the location. Anything I should know?”“Signal’s strong,” Harper replied.“It’s definitely coming from inside. Be careful—this place hasn’t been on the grid for years, but someone’s been using it recently.”Ethan nodded and turned to Harris.“Take point. Lisa, stay close to me.”Lisa gave him a determined look.“I’m not going anywhere.”The interior of the warehouse was a stark contrast to its dilapidated exterior. Dust-covered crates and machinery were scattered throughout, but a makeshift desk at the center of the space caught Ethan’s attention
CHAPTER 162
Harris entered the room, his posture stiff. His usual air of quiet professionalism was tinged with something sharper—discontent.“Sir,” Harris began, “we need to talk.”Ethan gestured for him to speak, though his expression made it clear he wasn’t in the mood for debate.“Your recent decisions,” Harris said carefully, “have put the family’s safety at risk. Prioritizing Lisa’s protection during critical operations has diverted resources we couldn’t afford to lose.”Lisa’s eyes widened in disbelief.“You’re saying this is my fault?”Harris shook his head.“I’m not assigning blame, ma’am. I’m pointing out the facts. The Black Hawk exploited those gaps to get closer than they ever should have.”Ethan stood, his voice icy.“Harris, you’ve been with this family for years. I trust you with our security. But don’t mistake that trust for a license to question my priorities.”“With all due respect, sir,” Harris said, his tone measured but firm, “your priorities could cost us everything.”Ethan’
CHAPTER 161
The maintenance tunnel was cramped and dark, but it bypassed the barricade.The team emerged into the control center, where the backup system hummed ominously.Rows of monitors displayed lines of code, indicating the system was minutes away from full activation.Ethan moved swiftly, plugging in Harper’s decryption device.“Harper, I’m in. Start the shutdown sequence.”“On it,” Harper replied.“But it’ll take a few minutes. You’ll need to hold them off.”As if on cue, the lieutenant and a group of operatives burst into the room.“Ethan Elliot,” the lieutenant sneered.“Even now, you think you can win?”Ethan stepped between the system and the operatives, his weapon raised.“You’ve already lost. This is your last chance to walk away.”The lieutenant smirked. “You’re a fool.”The room erupted into chaos as the operatives charged.Ethan and his team fought fiercely, each second feeling like an eternity.Lisa covered Ethan, taking down an operative who got too close.“Keep working! We’ve g
CHAPTER 160
The sun dipped below the horizon as Ethan’s convoy approached the subsidiary’s hidden headquarters, a nondescript facility nestled within a dense forest.The building was unassuming, but Ethan knew it housed the backup system Holt had smugly warned about.Lisa sat beside him, her face set with determination.“If we don’t shut this down, everything we’ve fought for will be meaningless.”Ethan glanced at her, his voice calm despite the tension.“We will. This ends tonight.”In the back of the convoy, Harris and a team of elite guards checked their weapons and gear.Harper’s voice came through the comms.“Satellite imagery shows increased activity around the building. The Black Hawk remnants are dug in. Expect heavy resistance.”Ethan’s jaw tightened.“They’re desperate. That makes them dangerous.”Lisa placed a hand on his arm.“You’re ready for this. We all are.”He nodded, his resolve hardening.This is our last chance to stop them. Failure isn’t an option.The convoy came to a halt a
