The Lost Heir: Trials of an Empire Reclaimed

Chapter 010

Victoria’s eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Who—who is this?” she stammered, her tone laced with disbelief, her eyes failing to comprehend what was before her.

Samuel narrowed his eyes. “Since when do you have drivers?”

Silas didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to Victoria. “I’ll leave now. Take care of her. Her health is of paramount concern.”

“Wait!” Victoria barked. “You don’t just get to walk away! We’re not done here!”

He walked out, paying no attention to the words being barked at him, the chauffeur falling into step beside him.

The Lawson family remained frozen in place, their stunned silence a bittersweet victory.

Outside, a sleek black car idled at the curb. The chauffeur stepped out behind him immediately, bowing slightly as he opened the door. “Straight to the company, sir?”

“Yes.” Silas slid into the car, settling into the plush leather seat.

As the car pulled away, he let out a shaky breath, his mind racing, struggling to process all the events happening all at the same time.

Lilian’s face lingered in his thoughts, her laugh, her tears, and the bitter years that had led to this moment.

For now, the past would have to wait. The present demanded his full attention.

---

The company building hummed with tension. The receptionist at the front desk glanced at Silas nervously as he entered.

“Sir,” she said quickly, “there’s… there’s a situation in the boardroom.”

Silas stopped, his eyes narrowing. “What kind of situation?”

“It’s Master Mat,” she explained, her voice trembling. “He’s meeting with the investors, trying to convince them to sell all their shares to him. He’s offering… well, quite a lot. And from the looks of things, they’ll give in soon.”

Silas’s jaw tightened. “Which floor?”

“Top floor. Conference room A.”

Without another word, Silas strode to the elevator.

---

The elevator doors slid open to reveal chaos. Raised voices echoed from the boardroom, spilling into the hallway.

Silas could hear Mat’s smooth, confident tone cutting through the noise.

“This is your golden opportunity,” Mat was saying as Silas pushed open the doors.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Investors shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Mat’s smirk faltered for only a second before he straightened, his gaze icy.

“Silas,” he said, feigning surprise. “What a pleasant interruption. What brings you here?”

Silas ignored the question. He walked to the head of the table, his movements slow, filled with authority. He was a natural. Almost as if he had been doing this his whole life.

He placed his hands on the polished surface and scanned the room, meeting each investor’s gaze before speaking.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone calm but firm. “I am Silas Lancaster, the CEO of this company.”

Mat scoffed. “And?”

Silas’s eyes locked on his foster brother. “This meeting is over. Everyone, leave. Right now.”

Murmurs rippled through the room. The investors exchanged glances, hesitant.

“Leave,” Silas repeated, his voice sharper.

The investors slowly gathered their things, shuffling out one by one.

The last one hesitated near the door, looking between Mat and Silas, before finally stepping out.

Once the room was empty, Mat leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. “Impressive entrance. But what exactly are you playing at, Silas?”

Silas didn’t sit. He remained standing, his posture unyielding. “I don’t play games, Mat. Especially not when it involves my company.”

“Your company?” Mat laughed, a cold, humorless sound. “That’s rich. You’ve been here what? A few days? You think that gives you the right to take charge?”

Silas’s expression didn’t change. “I don’t think. I know. The investors don’t answer to you, Mat. They answer to me. The sooner you come to terms with that, the better.”

Mat stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with, do you?”

Silas raised an eyebrow. “Should I be afraid?”

“You should,” Mat said, stepping closer. “You’re playing with fire and you’re certainly going to get burned. Walk away now Silas, and I might consider letting you keep what little dignity you have left.”

“Is that a threat?” Silas also stepped closer, till the gap between them was no more than an inch.

Mat’s smile was razor-sharp. “It’s a promise. If you don’t leave, I’ll take everything from you. The company, your reputation, your precious little status as the so-called heir. Everything.”

Silas folded his arms, his gaze steady. “You talk a lot for someone who’s about to lose.”

Mat’s nostrils flared, his composure slipping. “I’ve built this place up. I’ve worked for years to secure these deals, to position this company for greatness. And you think you can waltz in and take it all because of a name?”

“This isn’t about a name,” Silas said evenly. “It’s about doing what’s right for the company. And letting you buy out the investors isn’t right.”

Mat’s fists clenched. “You think you’re untouchable because you were welcomed into the family? Don’t forget where you came from, Silas. You’re nothing but a charity case.”

Silas placed his hand on Mat’s shoulder, his voice low but firm. “And don’t forget, Mat, I’m still the CEO. That means you answer to me.”

Mat’s sneer deepened. “For now. But enjoy it while it lasts. You won’t be in that seat for long.”

“Are you done?” Silas asked, his tone clipped.

Mat’s smirk returned. “Not even close. You’ll regret crossing me.”

Silas nodded toward the door. “We’ll see. Now get out of my boardroom.”

Mat hesitated, his pride warring with his anger. Finally, he turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Silas exhaled slowly, his fists unclenching. The battle was far from over, but for now, he’d won this round.