Chapter 7

“After your graduation, you will inherit everything—the entire Langston Consortium.”

“The entire consortium? But why the rush, Grandpa?” I asked, my face betraying my shock. I was only a student and not a business mogul, the idea of managing a massive consortium was unimaginable. The discomfort of it all made me pull a funny expression.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be here to guide you. I won’t throw you into the deep end without support. But my priority is to hand everything over and... focus on my health.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the enormity of what he was saying.

His pride was palpable, but behind it, I could sense the years of weight he had carried. 

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek platinum card. The logo on it was familiar; I had seen it on almost everything, including Grandfather’s phone and the documents handed to me earlier. 

I quickly recognized it as the Langston logo, with many items, especially gadgets, being customized and carrying the logo design.

He handed me the card, a gleam in his eyes. 

“There are only three of these in existence,” Mr. Langston said, his voice low but serious. “This card is linked to a personal account with one billion dollars. It’s for your personal spending. You’re part of the Langston family now, and you’ll live like it.”

A billion dollars? My heart raced as I held it, its significance felt surreal in my hand.

This was more money than I could even fathom, let alone dream of having. 

But before I could ask any of the dozens of questions swirling in my head, my phone buzzed loudly in my pocket. The sound cut through the room, drawing all eyes to me. 

Embarrassed, I excused myself and quickly checked the screen.

Josh’s name flashed on it. A pit formed in my stomach—he always brought bad news, and I silently hoped today would be different.

“Dear friend and bearer of bad news, tell me you don't…” I joked, trying to keep it light as I answered. But Josh cut me off, and I knew something was wrong. His voice said it all.

“Jordan!” His voice was frantic, barely held together. “You need to get back to school, now. It’s your grandmother. Something happened, and it’s bad.”

It felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me. My grandmother—why was she at the school? I hadn’t told her about my suspension, or had Josh? I didn’t need the details; I just knew I had to get back immediately.

“I’ll be there as fast as I can,” I muttered into the phone, already moving toward the door.

“Jordan!” My grandfather called, but I couldn’t stay. The urgency in Josh’s voice echoed in my head.

“I’m sorry,” I said, turning briefly to face him. “Something’s happened to my grandmother, and I have to go.”

Concern clouded his face, but I didn’t have time to explain. I bolted out of the grand house, my mind spinning.

 The billion-dollar card, the inheritance—none of it mattered right now. I jumped into the waiting car, barely registering the luxury around me as the driver sped off toward school. 

My heart pounded, fear gnawing at me. What could have happened to her? 

I scolded myself for being distracted by wealth and inheritance while forgetting my real family. 

The city blurred outside the car window. This ride was a far cry from the Rolls-Royce Cole had used earlier to Kidnap me—this might be Porsche, more luxurious and spacious. 

Arriving in such a flashy vehicle would only draw attention, and I wasn’t ready to reveal the truth about my sudden wealth.

 I could already sense the whispers swirling around me from the drama with Mikky and wanted to keep my life under the radar, at least for now.

I got out a few blocks away, choosing to walk the rest of the distance alone. 

As I approached the school gate, I froze at the scene in front of me.

Mikky stood there, arrogance pouring off him as usual, with Diana clinging to his side. And standing in front of them—was my grandmother. 

She looked fragile, her back slightly hunched, her clothes modest as always. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her as if she was holding herself together. The sight of her in front of them, of all people, made my stomach twist.

“Please,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “I know Jordan made a mistake, but he didn’t mean to cause trouble. I’m begging you—just help him stay in school. We don’t have the money to pay more tuition if he misses his exams.”

Diana smirked wickedly and unashamedly, not even trying to hide her amusement. My chest tightened as I watched her. The same girl who I thought loved me, was now standing there, cruelly enjoying my grandmother’s pain.

“Oh, Mrs. Kline,” Diana said with a mockery dripping in her tone. “I’m not sure what you think I can do. I’m not Jordan’s babysitter anymore.” She glanced at Mikky, who grinned.

My grandmother’s eyes widened in shock, but she didn’t back away.

I could see the tremble in her hands.

 She clearly had no idea who Mikky really was, but she did know Diana. She probably still thought Diana was still my girlfriend, so she turned to Diana, and my grandmother asked with a pleading tone, “Diana, please. You must understand. Jordan cares about you. Can’t you speak to the director? I thought—”

Diana cut her off with a laugh. “Cares about me? Oh, old woman, Jordan is nothing to me now. I’ve moved up in the world. Higher than your peasant son.”

“Tell you what, old lady,” Mikky said, stepping closer to her, with his bratty tone towering over her like her lord. He is truly a bastard and I tight my fist harder.

 “If you want Jordan to come back, if you want his suspension canceled, then you have to kneel right here before me. Beg me for it.”

My blood ran cold. Mikky’s words were loud, cruel, and sharp like a blade.