Chapter 2

James tried to process the shock as he faced Victor in the grand, opulent office.

“So… you’re telling me my father, the man who couldn’t afford hospital bills, was secretly a billionaire?” James’s voice was thick with disbelief.

Victor nodded, his gaze steady. “Not just a billionaire, James. He built Maple Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. And as of today, it’s all yours.”

James laughed bitterly. “This feels like some kind of joke. Why would he keep this hidden from us?”

Victor’s expression softened. “David was a man of many secrets, but he wanted you to inherit everything once you were ready. Today is that day.”

James shook his head, struggling to understand. “So… my sister? Her medical expenses?”

Victor leaned forward. “Taken care of. A private team is with her as we speak.”

James exhaled slowly, relief flooding him. “Thank you… I mean, thank you for everything. But I just… I don’t understand why my father would let us live like that.”

Victor studied him for a moment. “Maybe he wanted you to grow strong without relying on wealth. Whatever the reason, he trusted you with this.”

James blinked, still trying to absorb the news. “And the money… you said there was an account?”

Victor handed him a sleek tablet. “Check it yourself.”

James entered his details, his breath catching as the balance popped up. “$160 million…”

“Consider it a start,” Victor said calmly.

“A start?” James’s voice was barely a whisper. He shook his head, forcing himself back to the present. “Thank you, Victor. I mean it. This changes… everything.”

Victor gave a slight smile. “It’s your legacy, James. Make the most of it.”

At the hospital, James sat beside Emily’s bed, watching her as she lay asleep, a peaceful contrast to the pain that had haunted her.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more before,” he murmured, gently squeezing her hand. “But from now on, everything will be different. I’ll protect you, Emily. I swear.”

He thought back to the accident, his chest tightening with anger. He now knew who was behind it—Tom Mason, the wealthy playboy who’d walked away scot-free.

James clenched his fists. “I won’t let him get away with it,” he muttered. “He’s going to pay for what he did to you.”

The memory of Victor’s words echoed in his mind: Tom Mason might be powerful, but he’s not invincible.

“Not anymore,” James vowed under his breath. He knew what he had to do.

Just then, his phone buzzed. He frowned, surprised to see a voice message from Pamela.

“Hey… I transferred fifty thousand to your account. Don’t ask why. Just… use it for whatever you need,” she said, her tone unexpectedly gentle.

James couldn’t help but smile. Pamela, who always seemed distant, had gone out of her way to help. Maybe there was still some kindness in her after all.

An idea formed. “Time to show some appreciation.”

He found himself at the city’s most luxurious jewelry store, eyes fixed on a dazzling necklace in the display case.

The sales assistant beamed. “This is ‘Eternal Love.’ One of a kind. $800,000.”

Without a second thought, James nodded. “I’ll take it.”

As he arrived home, a black Mercedes parked out front caught his eye. His stomach twisted when he recognized it.

“Tom,” he muttered, a surge of anger rising within him.

Taking a steadying breath, he clenched his fists. It’s time to settle things, once and for all.