THE HEIR'S AGONY TRIAL BY FIRE

Williams world

The night Aidan spent outside Cross Enterprises was sleepless and cold, but his determination burned brighter than ever. The name “Cross” loomed over the entrance in bold, unmissable letters, a testament to the wealth and power it represented. Aidan’s jaw tightened as he watched people in tailored suits pass through the revolving doors, their badges gleaming under the building’s harsh lights.

This wasn’t just any corporate building. It was an empire. His father’s empire.

---

The next morning, Aidan stood in front of a café near the building, sipping a coffee he didn’t want, his mind churning with questions. He couldn’t shake the image of William—or Victor—standing on that grand staircase in the hotel, his presence commanding, his voice calm but detached.

“How does someone just walk away from their own family?” Aidan muttered to himself.

The door to the café jingled as an elderly man stepped inside. Aidan’s attention snapped back to the present.

“Excuse me,” he said, catching the man before he could take a seat. “Do you know anything about the people who work at Cross Enterprises?”

The man raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m... researching a story,” Aidan lied quickly. “And they seem important.”

The man chuckled, shaking his head. “Important doesn’t even begin to cover it. The Cross family practically owns half the city.”

Aidan leaned in. “What about Victor Langley?”

The man’s expression darkened. “You mean William Cross?”

Aidan’s pulse quickened. “Yeah. What do you know about him?”

The man glanced around nervously. “Not much, and I don’t want to. People who dig too deep into the Cross family usually regret it.”

---

Aidan spent the rest of the day lingering near the building, piecing together fragments of conversations he overheard from employees.

“He’s flying out tomorrow for that gala.”

“Did you see the new security protocols? No one gets near him without clearance.”

Aidan filed the information away, his mind racing. He needed to get closer, to find out the truth.

---

Back at home, Clara was waiting for him. The moment he stepped inside, her anxious eyes searched his face.

“Where were you?” she demanded.

“Out,” Aidan said curtly, brushing past her.

Clara grabbed his arm, her grip surprisingly firm. “Don’t lie to me, Aidan. I know you were near Cross Enterprises.”

“So what if I was?” he snapped, pulling away. “I’m trying to get answers, Mom. Don’t I deserve that?”

Clara’s face crumpled, tears welling in her eyes. “Aidan, please. You don’t understand how dangerous this is.”

“Dangerous?” Aidan scoffed. “What are they going to do? Kill me for asking questions?”

“Yes!” Clara’s voice broke. “That’s exactly what they’ll do. You don’t know the kind of people you’re dealing with.”

---

The weight of her words hung in the air, but Aidan refused to back down.

“You keep saying that,” he said quietly. “But you’re not stopping me. Why, Mom? Is it because part of you wants me to know the truth too?”

Clara’s lips trembled. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” Aidan promised. “But I can’t stop now.”

---

That night, Aidan hacked together a plan. If Victor—or William—was attending a public gala, it was his best chance to confront him. No bodyguards, no corporate walls to hide behind.

---

The gala was a spectacle of wealth and influence. Glittering chandeliers lit up the massive hall, and the scent of expensive perfumes filled the air. Aidan slipped through the crowd, his heart pounding. He’d borrowed a suit from a friend, hoping he looked like he belonged.

He spotted William almost immediately. The man stood near the center of the room, surrounded by a sea of admirers. His every gesture was confident, every smile carefully measured.

Aidan clenched his fists, anger bubbling to the surface. How could this man live so lavishly while his mother had struggled to make ends meet?

---

As he moved closer, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

“You don’t belong here,” a deep voice growled.

Aidan turned to see a security guard glaring at him.

“I’m a guest,” Aidan lied smoothly.

“Let me see your invite.”

Aidan hesitated, his mind racing. Just as the guard’s grip tightened, a voice interrupted.

“It’s fine. He’s with me.”

Aidan looked up to see a woman in a stunning red gown smiling at the guard.

“He’s my guest,” she said firmly, slipping her arm through Aidan’s.

The guard hesitated before nodding. “Apologies, ma’am.”

As the guard walked away, the woman turned to Aidan, her smile fading.

“You’re lucky I felt generous tonight,” she said. “Now, who are you and why are you here?”

“I’m looking for William Cross,” Aidan admitted.

The woman’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing. “You’re either brave or stupid. Probably both.”

---

Before Aidan could respond, William turned, his eyes locking onto Aidan. For a moment, time seemed to freeze.

William’s expression was unreadable as he approached, his bodyguards flanking him.

“Do I know you?” William asked, his voice calm but curious.

Aidan’s throat went dry. “You should.”

William tilted his head, studying him. “And why is that?”

“Because I’m your son,” Aidan said, his voice trembling.

The room seemed to go silent. William’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes flickered with something Aidan couldn’t place—recognition? Shock?

“I think you’ve made a mistake,” William said, his voice steady.

“No,” Aidan said firmly. “I haven’t.”

---

William glanced around, his composure cracking ever so slightly. “Come with me,” he said quietly, leading Aidan toward a private room.

The door closed behind them, and William turned to face Aidan, his mask of calm slipping.

“Who are you?” he demanded.

“I told you,” Aidan said. “I’m your son.”

“That’s impossible,” William said, shaking his head.

“No, it’s not,” Aidan shot back. “My mother is Clara. Ring any bells?”

William froze, his face going pale.

“What do you want from me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I want the truth,” Aidan said. “Why did you leave us?”