2024-08-30 16:56:02Matthew sat on the black, plush leather seat inside an expensive Jeep that was being driven by a stern chauffeur. In his mind, he was trying to put together the events that had just happened because none of it made sense to him.
Maybe one of the men had hit his head so hard and he was imagining all of this. Beside him was Harold Wellington, the powerful lawyer who for some reason had come to his rescue. Although he felt too overwhelmed to ask them, Matthew needed his questions to be answered. “Why are you helping me?” Matthew finally asked Wellington. “I don’t even know who you are.” Wellington glanced at him briefly, an assuring look on his face. “I understand how confused and overwhelmed you might be after all of this. But I assure you it will be fine, Matthew. My name is Harold Wellington. I'm your family's lawyer—your true family, the Houston family.” Matthew blinked. “Houston family? I've heard that a lot today. I don't know who they are so I don't understand what you're talking about.” Wellington nodded, understanding how difficult it would be for Matthew to grasp the truth. “There are many powerful families that rule the business of this country, Matthew. The Houston family is the most powerful and influential family of them all. They own a vast network of multinational enterprises across industries like energy, finance, technology, and real estate, all under one umbrella called the Houston Empire. And they have been searching for you for over twenty years.” Matthew's eyes widened. “Me? Why would they be searching for me? Didn't you hear them back there, I'm just a car washer.” “Don’t be ridiculous, Matthew,” Wellington said simply. “You are far more greater than that. You are the heir of the Houston Empire, the only living descendant of the direct Houston bloodline. That is why they've been looking for you.” “What?” Disbelief filled Matthew's face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing? Was this one of those TV pranks? “The family patriarch, your grandfather, Gerald Houston, died many years ago, and your grandmother, Amelia Houston, has been holding the family together ever since your parents died in a car accident and you disappeared. Since that day, every single day after has been spent searching for you… the one true heir.” Matthew’s mind spun. It was impossible, unfathomable. All his life, he had struggled to make ends meet, living hand to mouth, taking dead-end jobs just to survive. And now, this lawyer was telling him that he belonged to one of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the world? “This just… it can't be true,” Matthew stammered. “Can it?” “I know it’s hard to believe,” Wellington said softly. “But it’s the truth. We’ve had our eye on you for a while and it has been confirmed. You are Matthew Houston, the long-lost heir to the Houston empire. And it’s time for you to reclaim your place.” — — — After a very long drive, the Jeep finally slowed as they approached a beautiful estate on the outskirts of the city. Wrought iron gates colored with white and designed with flowers and leaves, swung open at their arrival, and the car rolled smoothly up the long, tree-lined driveway. “This is the Roseland Greenery,” Wellington said as Matthew gazed at the surroundings in awe. “It is the most elegant and the most illustrious estate in the entire country. In the middle of this estate is the Houston Manor.” Then, the manor came into view. Matthew’s eyes widened at the size and opulence of the building. It was big enough to fit ten separate families! Grand architectures, gardens that were well manicured, and a beautiful angel fountain in the center of it all. Matthew couldn't believe his eyes. It certainly was an elegant place. The chauffeur pulled the car to a stop in front of the main entrance, and got out, walking around to open the door for Wellington, and then for Matthew, who stepped out, still in a daze. “Welcome to your new home, Matthew,” Wellington said with a smile. “To your real home.” Matthew was barely even listening, he continued to admire the grandeur of the estate. He'd never been to a place like this in his life. It somehow felt like heaven. "This is... unbelievable," he murmured. Wellington seemed entertained by the boy's reaction. “The Houston family spares no expense. But remember, wealth isn’t everything. The power and responsibility that comes with being a Houston are immense.” “I’m still trying to reconcile with the fact that I am a Houston.” Wellington nodded. “You will be fine.” He gestured for Matthew to follow him, and they walked through the large wooden doors that two men opened for them, and they stepped into the magnificent reception hall. “Whoa!” Matthew exclaimed. “So this the mansion of the Houstons?” “Of course it is.” The condescending voice of a man broke through the air instantly. “Are you lost? Mr Wellington, Are you not seeing this lowly person beside you?” Matthew saw a tall man approaching them, dressed impeccably in a fancy suit. He stopped in front of them, a sneer on his face as he folded his hands. “Who is this?” Matthew asked Wellington. “Spencer Delacroix,” the lawyer replied. “He’s the manager of the Delacroix family business.” “That’s right!” Spencer grinned. “And who is this unseasoned hick entering the Houston Manor's reception hall in such ragged clothes. Where did you find such horrible clothes? The lost and found?!” Matthew clenched his fists, and for the second time that day, he felt the anger rising within him.
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The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 6• We Will See Whose Face Will Be Laughed At
“So because you are the manager of some family business then you think you can mock me?” Matthew asked with a voice that even though was calm, carried his frustration of everything he had been through today.“Ah, so the hick can talk, hm?” Spencer Delacroix mocked, a shark-like grin on his face. “You should learn to watch your mouth. My family is very powerful. We even have deep ties with the Houston family, which is even why I'm here; to discuss business and cooperation. But instead, I have to endure the presence of a beggar like you, sullying this reception hall with your rags.”“You are the one who should learn to watch his mouth,” Wellington said with a stern voice. “The Delacroix family is a small enterprise, your family is barely worth half of the Houston family’s wealth. The matriarch of the family hasn’t even granted you an audience, and yet you dare to humiliate the young master of the Houston family?”Spencer's eyes widened with amusement and he glanced at Matthew, who was s
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 7• The Matriarch's Wrath
The presence of the matriarch commanded the utmost respect. She hadn't even said a word, and yet an aura oozed out of her as she walked into the reception hall. She was dressed in an elegant but understated suit, and she walked royally as though she was twenty years younger. Her hair was silver and had been impeccably styled and packed behind her head. The bodyguards that had opened the door for her walked dauntlessly by her sides and scanned the room with their military eyes. Spencer Delacroix gulped. But realizing that this was the woman he needed to impress, he did not waste any time, he rushed forward eagerly, walking past Wellington and Matthew, desperate to make a good impression despite the earlier fiasco. “Mrs Houston!” he said with a big smile. “It’s an honor to see you! I am Spenc—” But the old lady didn’t so much as glance in his direction. It was almost like he wasn't even there, like his presence was meaningless compared to the grandness of the matriarch. Her shar
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 8• Billionaire Card
Inside the Delacroix family’s corporate office, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Spencer Delacroix stood in front of his father in his office, heart pounding, knowing how strict his father was and how much he'd fucked up.Across the large mahogany desk, Edgar Delacroix was glaring at his son with disappointment and anger. A slim, shrewd man in a suit was standing beside him, he was John Lockhart, their family lawyer, and in his hand was a file.“Father, I’m so sorry,” Spencer begged. “I did not realize wh—”“Shut up, Spencer!” Edgar roared. “Shut up and listen to Mr. Lockhart and what he has to say. You must realize the consequences of what you have done. He will list all the names of the powerful families that have severed their ties with the Delacroix business — our business!”Spencer's heart dropped.“Go ahead, Mr. Lockhart.”The shrewd lawyer turned over a page on the file. “The Valences, the Turners, the Maronis, the Carters, the Davidsons, and the Wests,” the lawyer announ
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 9• CEO
“Mrs Houston, I can't… I can't accept this amount of money. It's too much,” Matthew stuttered, too dumbfounded to take the card. The old lady chuckled softly, but her face still held seriousness in it. “Listen to me, Matthew. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. But as the heir to the Houston Empire, you have taken over a burden of responsibility. It’s important that you learn to spend your wealth, but spend it wisely. Money is a tool—a powerful one—and as a Houson, it’s essential that you use it. Secure not only your future but also the future of our family and our Empire.” She gave him the card and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “This money represents the hard work and sacrifices of our family, even more than that, it represents the struggle we went through in our search for you. It’s your responsibility to honor that legacy, and with time, you’ll learn how to spend, invest, and grow this fortune. But for now, take it one step at a time. Accept this gift with peace
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 10 • Look Her In The Eyes
Matthew was surprised to see them standing behind him, he looked at Darrell, anger bubbling within his chest, and then at Ashley. He never thought the day would come when he would look her in the eyes and feel nothing but disgust.The look on Darrell’s face mirrored that of Ashley's, they were both wondering what a common car washer like Matthew would be doing in a fine establishment like this. Darrell quickly concluded that perhaps he was here to apply for a new job as a cleaner or maybe even a carwasher and so he stuck his hand in his pocket and scoffed, shaking his head lightly.Matthew stepped forward. “What are you two doing here?” he asked.Darrell scrunched his face in disgust as he glared at Matthew, looking him head to toe like he was a church rat. “I should be the one asking you, last I checked, they don’t hire low lives like you around here.”Ashley held on to Darrell tighter with a sense of pride and she adjusted. “If you must know, my boyfriend is so influential, he’s her
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 11 • Do As He Says!
Ashley was the first to react, she gasped, covering her mouth with her hands as her eyes grew wide, the last thing she expected was for Matthew to talk to Darrell like that. Darrell tightened his teeth, visibly angered, his face was turning red.He balled his fists by his sides, ready to walk over to Matthew and beat him to a pulp but as he proceeded to move forward, Ashley grabbed him by the arm, holding him back. If he caused a scene here, it might just give him a bad name in front of his potential business partners.What would they think of him if he was fighting outside with a pauper? Surely that would be bad for his reputation. Plus, he had heard tales of the powerful no-nonsense matriarch, if he did anything to cross her, he would be done for,He cleared his throat. “Matthew or whatever your name is, I will surely deal with you later.”“I’d like to see you try,” Matthew spat and then turned around, walking away from them. Ashley stood there in shock, wondering what had gotten in
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 12 • Chased Away
“He wants to see me?” Elena asked.The secretary nodded.“Well I’m busy now, tell him to wait for me a bit.”The secretary nodded politely and backed away from the door, shutting it gently behind her.That name rang a bell in Matthew’s head and he raised his head, a crease forming between his brows. “Ferguson…” he said the words out loud, testing the name on his lips.Elena nodded. “Yes, we’ve had dealings with them in the past, and I’m sure he’s here to discuss business,” she said, mindlessly sorting through the documents before her.“Discuss business? What kind of business?” he pressed on.Sensing the seriousness in his tone, Elena paused and straightened her back. “Well, we have been running business deals with the Ferguson’s for a while. Truth is, they offer us little to nothing, they’re more or less dependent on us, the only thing we gain is the publicity that comes from our projects together, big names get people talking you know.”“So you’re saying we don’t need to do business
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 13 • The Club
Ashley got on her feet, swatting the dust off her skirt. In all her years of dating Matthew, she had never been embarrassed to this point. They were practically picked up and thrown on the streets like garbage.There was a low buzzing sound, and it was Darrell's phone ringing. He reached into his pocket and slipped it out, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the caller ID. It was his father.“Hello, dad? You're just the person I wanted to call, something crazy just happened right now.”“Yes I know, my secretary just told me that the Houston's don't want to ever work with us again and have canceled all affiliations.”Darrell nodded even though he was on a call and his father couldn't physically see him. “I don't know what happened-”He was interjected by his father who sounded visibly pissed. “If you don't do something to fix it, You're going to regret the day you were born! Do you know how important the Houstons are to our company?!”The call ended before he could even say anything
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175 • What the Houstons Want
Ashley's heart dropped when she noticed the determination in Richard's eyes, by all means he was willing to keep her there.“Please you have to let me go, I need to go home.”He patted the spot beside him on the bed as he smiled widely. “C’mon don't be stubborn, come and sit here with me,” he said. From inside the car Charles knew that they still had to find a way to manage the situation while they waited for the police. “Ask him how long he wants you to stay,” Charles said. Ashley swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “H– how long do you want me to stay here with you?”The way she looked into her eyes made a shiver run down her spine. “Honey, what is giving you this illusion that you're going to leave?” She slowly backed away from him as her mind started to race with multiple options. If she attacked him now maybe she would still be able to run for it. But then the guards outside would probably see her, they certainly wouldn't let her leave this place alive if they were to f
174 • No for an Answer
Ashley had kept the camera at a high vantage point in the room, and when she started to undress Matthew and Charles had to look away. To some extent Matthew felt sorry for her, the fact that she had to do things like this just to make money and keep face was sad. But then it was her choice to make, Ashley had always been overly ambitious but not even half as hardworking. She wanted things to be handed to her easily and wouldn't mind doing anything just to get quick money. As usual Richard had used her to relieve his sexual frustrations, and they went on for several minutes. Finally Richard was knocked out after he had climax and he was lying down on the bed with Ashley against his chest.She didn't move an inch and she simply waited for him to sleep off. “Ashley what's up? Is Richard still awake?” Charles asked as he tapped his earpiece so his sound could get transmitted. The tiny sound receiver in her ear screeched to life. “Yes.” She quietly inched away from him, careful not t
173 • In Due Time
Xander's hands gripped the steering tightly as he drove home, eyes fixed on the road ahead. He still didn't know what to make of the conversation that he had just had with Lola. His phone started to ring, disrupting the silence in the car. He raised an eyebrow and looked towards the passenger seat to see who it was, but it was an unknown caller. He wondered who could be trying to contact him so he slowly reached out with his other hand, while he kept one hand on the wheel. He swiped up to accept the call. “Hello, who is this?” He asked, raising one eyebrow. An awkward silence stretched out and it seemed like the person on the other side didn't want to say anything, however he could hear their breathing. “Hello,” he asked again. “Xander,” the masculine voice sounded. His eyes grew wide as his pulse quickened. He knew far too well whose voice it was. “Dad.” He brought his car to a slow stop by the sidewalk. “Where are you?” he asked, the urgency evident in his voice.“Son, I can
172 • Back Against the Wall
Xander was by the balcony when he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see that it was his mother Martha. “How are you doing son?” She asked in a soft tone.His body tensed up and he couldn't bear to look her in the eyes. “How do you think I'm doing? After finding out everything that I just did, I'm not okay.”“I know that growing up your father never really allowed us to bond, but I hope you know that I love you, I always have.”At that moment it was like a heart broke into a million pieces. He stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug.”They had never shared this kind of vulnerability before. The moment was perfect and they remained like that for a long time.“All those years of enduring torture with him, you should have just left.”“Yes I should have, and you know, I considered it at some point, but the only thing that kept me was you. I knew that if I ever left you Raymond would make sure that I never saw you again.”Now he was beginning to understand his mother more; she e
171 • Money for the Birkin
Back in the hotel room Edward and Vito had just finished making love to each other and they were resting on the bed. Obviously none of them had seen Vanessa in the lobby. “You are so beautiful Vito,” Edward said to her, stroking her lips. She blushed a little at the compliment. “Thank you,” she said in response. “You should check your phone. I have sent you some of the money for the things that you asked for.”Her eyes grew wide. “You sent me money for the Birkin and the car?” He nodded. She kissed him again multiple times. “Thank you so much.”He got up from the bed and started to dress up, “I need to return home now, they might start to wonder just where I have been.”Vito smiled, “I’ll also return to the condo now.” When Edward was done getting ready he left the room and exited the hotel. He didn't want to leave at the same time with her because he knew that it could easily get people talking. She was on the bed smiling excitedly when she pulled out her phone and called Ashl
170• Anderson Cabrera
He didn't even bother to wait for Vanessa to wake up before he left the hotel room. He got into the cab outside and left. While the driver was still moving towards the hospital where he was supposed to meet with Amelia, since that was where he was told to come meet her, he blocked Vanessa's number immediately.He was hired by Amelia for a mission which he had just completed so now he had no reason to pretend that he was even into Vanessa.The whole time Amelia had hired him as a part of her revenge plan against Vanessa. His real name wasn't even Anderson Cabrera it was just a name he had made up so he could be with Vanessa.When he got to the hospital he had it straight to Amelia's room and she was alone in the room thankfully.“Ma’am what happened to you, it seems like you got into an accident or something.”Amelia immediately brushed it off; she cared more about what he had come to deliver to her. “ Don't forget about it, the most important thing is that I'm alive and I'm recoverin
169 • Surgery Booking
Vanessa drove to the hotel and parked her car outside, she made sure to wear her shades properly as she felt like it would conceal her identity. What she was about to do was very scandalous for somebody of her status. When she got to the reception she looked at the lady. “I need one of the luxury rooms,” she said.The receptionist quickly typed in something on her computer before she raised her head to face Vanessa. "Okay, that will be one thousand dollars.”Vanessa handed over her black card and then the girl immediately swiped it and made the payment. “Please do enjoy your stay here ma'am.”“Oh I will,” Vanessa replied with a smirk on her face. After getting the room details and the key card, she made her way to the elevator and then headed upstairs.When she was there she entered the room. The wooden floors and monochromatic color in the room gave it a very luxurious feel, and the intricate detail to the ceiling design was just stunning. She gently settled on the bed, noticing ho
168 • Catch Feelings
Vanessa walked into the hospital with a wide grin on her face, she was putting on sunshades which he had to adjust.Her assistant Tiffany was holding everything that she had brought and was finding it hard to keep up because the huge flower was obscuring her vision. She was also trying to make sure that the box of chocolates didn't fall from her hand.Vanessa reached the reception and she leaned forward. “Hello there, good day I came to see Amelia Houston.”The receptionist looked up at her. “Good day madam, are you a relative or close friend?”Vanessa's smile faded but she struggled to keep it up. “Yes you can consider me a close family friend.” She felt extremely disgusted for even saying those words out loud. The receptionist quickly typed something into a keyboard before she raised her head again to show her the way. “Ma’am you can just go straight down and then turn to your left, it's room A7.”“Thank you very much darling,” Vanessa said and then she turned to face Tiffany gestu
167 • Safety Guarantee
Xander still had his back flattened against the wall and when he heard what she said he immediately left before he would be spotted.He knew that Lola didn't exactly say anything wrong, but the idea that she still had some residual feelings for Matthew bothered him deeply.He leaned against the wall at the end of the hallway and pretended like he had been there the whole time. “Are you done talking to your grandmother? Was she okay?”Xander nodded slowly. “Let me drop you off at home.”“Oh…” Lola was a bit taken aback, his offer was sudden and brash. “Okay it seems like you have somewhere important you need to be?”“Yeah I need to go to the mansion and take care of some things,” he lied, pressing his hands against the bridge of his nose. She nodded and then they left together. But before she totally exited the hospital, she looked back at Matthew, just to glance at him for a second.Even though Lola knew that feelings didn't just disappear into thin air, and that she would obviously
