THE RETURN HEIR

Chapter 06

Max sat in the plush leather seat of the Rolls-Royce, the hum of the engine barely audible as they glided along the highway. He stole glances around the car’s interior, marveling at the intricate details, the polished wood panels, and the soft ambient lighting. This was wealth beyond anything he’d ever imagined, beyond even the flashiness of David’s Porsche. Still, his mind was a swirl of questions and disbelief. Who was this “master” Kevin kept mentioning, and why did they want to meet him?

Kevin, seated across from Max, maintained a respectful silence, sensing Max’s hesitation. After the initial few questions, Max had stopped asking anything altogether, still half-convinced he was part of some elaborate joke or, worse, a setup. But Kevin’s sincerity and unwavering politeness had left him curious enough to follow through.

After what felt like an eternity, the car slowed, pulling through massive, ornate golden gates with the word “Reid” crafted in elegant letters across the top. Max stared, wide-eyed, as they passed into the estate. Trees lined the driveway, leading to sprawling lawns and gardens that seemed to glow under the moonlight. A fountain in the center of the drive sparkled with lights reflecting off the water, and the entire scene felt like something out of a dream—or perhaps a fairy tale.

Kevin glanced over and, noticing Max’s awestruck expression, gave a slight smile. “Young Master Reid,” he said gently, “I assure you, this estate is far from the pinnacle of your family’s wealth. This is simply one of many residences.”

The comment only heightened Max’s disbelief. He had grown up with nothing, scraping together what he could to get by. And now he was being told this entire estate, with its endless luxury, was just a minor piece of his supposed family’s assets?

Kevin parked the car in front of the mansion’s towering entrance, where two grand doors opened automatically. Inside, the halls were filled with priceless art and sculptures, each piece glowing softly under carefully placed lighting. Max’s gaze wandered over the paintings lining the walls, each telling a story of history, power, and elegance. His footsteps felt out of place on the polished marble floors.

As they walked down the corridor, Max’s eyes landed on a painting that stopped him in his tracks. It was a portrait of a couple, regal and composed, with familiar features that struck him deeply. The woman’s eyes held a gentleness, while the man’s gaze was intense and steady, almost challenging the viewer. There was something hauntingly familiar in their faces, an echo he couldn’t quite place, but he felt drawn to them, as if some part of him recognized these people.

Kevin waited respectfully as Max lingered before the painting. “Those are your parents,” he said softly, sensing Max’s question.

A pang of loss gripped Max, even though he couldn’t explain why. He’d grown up an orphan, resigned to never knowing his family, but seeing them here, painted and framed as part of this grand legacy, stirred something raw inside him.

“Why did I never know about them?” he whispered, more to himself than to Kevin.

Kevin’s face softened, a hint of sympathy breaking through his formal demeanor. “All will be explained soon, Young Master. I promise.”

Max tore his gaze from the portrait, nodding slightly, and continued down the hall, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread. They stopped before a tall door, and Kevin knocked twice.

A tired voice came from within. “Enter.”

Kevin bowed slightly to Max, gesturing for him to go first. “He’s waiting for you, sir.”

Max took a deep breath, steadying himself, and pushed open the door. The room was warm, lit by a crackling fire in the stone fireplace. Shelves lined with old leather-bound books filled the walls, and in the center sat a grand desk with a single man behind it.

The man looked up, his gaze piercing yet softened with a touch of sorrow. He was older, with silver hair and a weary expression, his face lined with the traces of years and experiences that Max couldn’t begin to fathom.

“Come in, Max,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. “I’ve waited a long time to meet you.”

Max stepped forward, his heart racing as he searched the man’s face, looking for some resemblance, some hint of familiarity. “Who… who are you?” he managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.

The man studied him for a moment before responding, his voice thick with emotion. “I am Reginald Reid, your grandfather.”

The words hit Max like a thunderbolt. “Grandfather?” he echoed, his mind racing. He had never imagined he had a family, much less one of such prominence.

Reginald nodded, his gaze filled with a mixture of pride and regret. “Yes, Max. You are my grandson, and the last direct heir of the Reid family.”

Max’s mind swirled with confusion. “But… why didn’t I know? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

A flicker of pain crossed Reginald’s face. “There were… complicated reasons. When your parents passed away under tragic circumstances, it was decided that you should be raised away from the family, for your own safety. It was not an easy choice, but it was necessary.”

Max’s heart twisted at the mention of his parents. He’d spent his entire life thinking he was alone, an orphan with no ties, and now he was being told that his isolation had been a decision—a decision made without him, for reasons he couldn’t understand.

“But why now?” he asked, struggling to keep his voice steady. “Why bring me here after all this time?”

Reginald leaned forward, his expression serious. “Because the Reid legacy needs you, Max. You are the only remaining heir, and there are responsibilities that come with that. I know it may be overwhelming, but you were meant to inherit this life.”

Max looked down, grappling with the weight of his words. “I don’t know anything about… wealth, about power. I’m just… me.”

Reginald’s gaze softened. “I understand. But you are far more capable than you realize. I’ve followed your progress, seen your determination and resilience. You’ve achieved so much with so little. Imagine what you could do with the resources of the Reid family at your disposal.”

Max felt a surge of uncertainty and disbelief. He had always relied on himself, fought for everything he’d ever had. The idea of suddenly having a family, an inheritance, and a legacy felt impossible, like stepping into someone else’s life.

Reginald’s voice lowered, turning more compassionate. “I know this is a lot, Max. But you are not alone anymore. You have a family, a place to belong, and a purpose beyond what you’ve known.”

Max looked up, meeting his grandfather’s gaze. For the first time, he allowed himself to feel a sliver of hope, of possibility. “I don’t know if I’m ready,” he admitted, his voice soft.

Reginald nodded, his expression understanding. “You don’t have to be ready all at once. We’ll take it one step at a time. All I ask is that you give this a chance. Let us show you the life you were meant to have.”

Max swallowed, his mind racing. He had spent years believing he was destined for a life of struggle, and here was someone offering him a world of opportunity he’d never dreamed of.

After a long silence, he nodded. “Alright. I’ll try.”

A look of relief crossed Reginald’s face, and he extended his hand across the desk. Max took it, feeling a surge of warmth as his grandfather’s grip closed over his. It was a gesture of acceptance, of family—a concept he was only beginning to understand.

“Welcome home, Max,” Reginald said, his voice filled with pride.