2025-04-05 18:35:52
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The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 20
Liam's POV My eyes were heavy with sleep and I could almost feel the weight of the responsibility I was carrying. I knew I deserved a long night's sleep but not at the moment because I was driving.Even though I drove, I did so out of muscle memory as my mind was currently replaying the events of that morning. So I had to appear before the Crestwood Judicial Board on Friday morning because Ryan had big favors to call at school. This didn't bother me though, what really bothered me at the moment was Melissa.Even though I had acted like she said, 'a jerk' I knew I somehow knew that she did what she did earlier to get Ryan off my back and when she approached me a while ago, I had sensed her sadness and it was as clear as noon in her eyes too. Was she forced to stay at Ryan's side? I wondered in silence.My car had entered another street when I thought I saw something. I quickly did a double take and couldn't believe my eyes.The new Red Porche Boxster Ryan was showing off at school wa
The Rightful Heir Chapter 21
Liam's POV I had half a mind to speed up but I knew that there were fewer cars in the road as a result of the rain so whoever was following me would just chase after me with ease.Whoever they were, I still needed to shake them off. I didn't know who they were or what they wanted but one thing was certain, they were not here to ask for an autograph.I turned into another street and increased the speed of the car. I noticed them do the same but keep their car at a relative distance.I had to get back to my apartment and I really wasn't keen on letting some stranger follow me back to where I stayed so after racking up my brain for a means to get out of the situation at hand, I finally decided to do the most stupid thing I could think of.I couldn't see far ahead as a result of the rain but the short part of the road before me was clear. I brought my leg hard on the gas and sent the car flying forward.The SUV did exactly as I had expected. They were not being subtle anymore. This was o
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 22
Liam's POVThe papers on my desk looked blurry under the bright office lights. Carter Enterprises. My family’s company. A business built with secrets of its own and now connected to the Blackwoods. I ran my hand through my hair while trying to understand the confusing money reports. Each page showed how complicated my father’s life had been. I was still trying to figure it all out.I was still new to the world of figures and reports and wealth but I was doing my best to catch up.Ring! Ring!My phone broke the silence. I looked at the screen and my excitement was aroused immediately. It was Hans Hoffman. I answered while at the same time feeling a little nervous. “Hans, what’s going on?”“Liam, I need to talk to you. It’s about Blackwood,” he said seriously.“What is it? Can’t you just tell me now?”“No. It’s something private. Too risky over the phone. Can we meet? At the amusement Park near Crestwood, near the big old oak tree. As soon as you can.”“Crestwood Park? Why there?”“
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 23
Liam's POV My heart was pounding as I ended the call. Mom. Her voice had sounded scarier than I'd heard in years. What happened? What could make her ask to see me now all of a sudden?I stared hard across the park through the rain and only one name came to mind. The Blackwoods. I was sure they had something to do with this. I clenched my fists and pushed myself forward. I had to get to her.I rushed to my car with my heart racing. The two-hour drive felt like forever. I stepped on the gas and the Mazda sped down the road. Rain continued to fall making the sky even darker. I weaved through traffic while driving faster than I usually would. I just needed to get to her. I needed to make sure she was okay.I had to be careful. I couldn't afford to get pulled over now. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the panic in her voice.At last I saw the old 'Welcome to Oakhaven' sign. I was just minutes from my childhood home. My hands tightened around the steering wheel.I hit the brakes hard
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 24
Ryan's POVI sat alone slowly sipping a drink I didn’t even want. The glass shook with every beat. Below me the regulars at my father’s club danced like they didn’t care about anything. They had no idea about the real games being played in this city. I didn’t enjoy any of it. I just sat there tired of the life I was born into.The door to my booth opened. The noise hit my ears for a second before the door closed again. Dexter stepped in. His face showed how annoyed he was.“How did it go?” I asked while speaking just loud enough to be heard.He ran a hand through his short hair. I knew that move. It meant he was holding back his anger.“Those two idiots you call friends—” he started with his voice tight.I cut him off. I didn’t have time for this. “Dexter. Just tell me it’s done.”He sighed long and heavy. “Yes Ryan. It’s done. We delivered the message. Liam Carter’s mom’s house… let’s just say it won’t be on any home design shows anytime soon.”I leaned back while finally feeling
The Rightful Heir Chapter 25
Liam's POVThe drive to the address Hans gave was quiet and tense. My mom sat beside me staring out the window. But I knew she wasn’t really looking at anything. The rain from Oakhaven had followed us falling lightly and making the windshield blurry. Each time the wipers moved it felt like my heart beating faster from stress.“Are you sure about this, Liam?” Mom finally asked in a soft voice.“It’s safer than staying back there.” I said while holding the wheel tighter. “We talked about this.”She didn’t say anything and the silence returned. We were both thinking things we weren’t saying. Suddenly the GPS said, “You have arrived at your destination.” I stopped the car in front of a two-story house. It wasn’t fancy, but it looked strong. The street was quiet with lots of trees. The area felt calm.. maybe too calm.As I turned off the engine, I saw him. Hans was standing on the porch with the light behind him. When he saw my mom get out of the car he walked forward and smiled.“Mrs. C
The Rightful Heir Chapter 26
Liam's POVI drove up to Melissa’s house as fast as I could. We hadn’t hung out in weeks… weeks full of problems and betrayals. But tonight felt different. Maybe we could reconnect. Maybe even go back to how things used to be? Who knows..?She was already on the porch waiting. She looked relaxed, but still beautiful. She wore a simple dress and her hair was tied down, and she smiled at me for real. For a second, I forgot about Ryan, the Blackwoods and all the trouble.Her eyes widened when she saw the Mazda 6. “Wow, Liam! A new car? Last I saw, you still had that… uh… Pontiac right?”I laughed, but still felt nervous. “Yeah, well you were right. It was time for something better. I listened to you.”She walked around the car while running her hand over the body. “Really? Where did you get the money for this?” She frowned a bit, clearly suspicious.I took a deep breath ready to lie. “I, uh… used all my savings. Seven years’ worth.”Her eyes went wide again, but this time with surpr
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 27
Liam's POVThe red wine was still dripping and making a mess on my shirt, and running sticky down my face. I stood still, frozen and feeling all the eyes in the room staring at me. I felt ashamed. Completely and deeply ashamed. But not because of Melissa. Never because of her. I got it. I really did. I had just messed everything up. Again.A waiter who looked like he didn’t want to be there walked over slowly and gave me some thin napkins. “Sir, are you okay? Here, maybe these will help.”“Thanks,” I said quietly while taking the napkins. I wiped my face, but the wine didn’t hide the sting of feeling embarrassed. I reached for my wallet and pulled out some money and left it on the table, way more than needed for the meal I hadn’t even finished.“Keep the change,” I muttered while walking to the door.I felt a little better when I stepped out. No one was staring anymore, but I still felt like I had failed. I walked slowly to my car. The Mazda which was honestly a show off to Melissa
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CHAPTER 52
Liam's POVMy father William Blackwood was like a snake and Sergio the sweaty little man across from him was about to feel the bite. I leaned back pretending to listen to what was being discussed even though I was as bored as anything. This act was tiring but necessary.“Sergio.” My father's voice was smooth and almost too calm. I knew him well enough to know that this was when he was more dangerous. “Tell me again how a club that serves... important people loses money especially when we give them the best product?”Sergio stammered while wiping his forehead with a fancy handkerchief. “Mr Blackwood, I swear it was just... bad luck. Some big spenders and some... unexpected costs…”“Unexpected costs? Like what Sergio? Paying off the police twice? Because I remember you doing that already!” My father slammed his fist on the table making Sergio jump while glass rattled dangerously.Okay this was getting interesting now and I focused my attention on their little exchange.I knew the ‘los
CHAPTER 51
Liam's POV“Mom! Mom, are you here?” My voice echoed in the quiet house. What if Blackwood had… no I couldn’t even think about it.I slammed into the first door and it broke open. “Mom!” I shouted while kicking through the mess into the living room. It was empty. I looked around for signs of a struggle or danger. The pastries and flowers I bought were now scattered on the floor.Next door was the kitchen and I didn’t hesitate. Another kick, another crash and I was inside calling her name again. Some utensils rattled and a vase almost fell but my mom wasn’t there.I could barely breathe. I was losing it. I couldn’t think straight. Blackwood’s words still rang in my head.. “You don’t want to see me angry.” Was this his anger? Was this what he could do?Then I heard a door click open and a soft voice. “Liam? What in the world…?”I spun around almost tripping in my hurry. My mom stood in the hallway wrapped in a towel with her hair wet. She looked confused.“Liam what's going on? Are
CHAPTER 50
Liam's POVI reached for the light switch and flipped it on but nothing happened. The apartment stayed dark. A sense of fear rushed through me.. the kind that makes you wish you were more ready. I really wished I had a firearm with me. But I hadn’t. I was here with nothing to protect myself in my own apartment.“Relax kid.” the voice said with a creepy laugh. “I just want to talk.”A man leaned forward in a chair with The light from the street outside illuminating his face just enough for me to see him. My breath caught. I’d never met him in person but I knew exactly who he was. The hard face and the cold eyes there was no doubt about it.William Blackwood. Ryan’s father.He gave a slow and dangerous smile. “You know who I am. After all the trouble you’ve caused me.”My brain raced trying to stay calm and think of something smart to say. I knew I had to be careful. “Why are you in my apartment in Blackwood?” I asked. “Breaking into people’s homes—do you always do business this way
CHAPTER 49
Liam's POV What were they talking about in there? “Girl talk.” Yeah, right. Like Alice and Sarah had anything in common besides me – the guy who always messed things up. I looked at my watch then stared at the house. The front door didn’t open. Everything was too quiet and it made me feel even worse.At last the door opened and Sarah walked out with a big smile on her face. I felt a bit better but I was also really curious.“So?” I asked as I stepped away from the car. “What were you two talking about?”Sarah’s smile grew. “Get in the car Liam. You’re driving.”“Driving where now? What did you guys talk about?” I asked again following her as she walked to the passenger seat. The way she avoided the question made me nervous.She sat down and buckled her seatbelt quickly. “Just drive Liam. I’ll tell you on the way.”I stopped for a second then walked around and got in the driver’s seat. I stuck the key in, started the car and pulled away from the sidewalk. “Okay I’m driving. Now te
CHAPTER 48
Liam's POV“So?” she asked. “Operation Apology is on. We’re going to Ms. Hawthorne’s house right?”I nodded and put my hands in my pockets. “Yeah. I just… Well yeah I suppose so.”She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Okay Liam. But don’t get too emotional. Be sorry not creepy.”“Thanks for the tip Sarah. Really helpful.” I said flatly.We got in the car and of course Sarah being Sarah, she chose to drive. She started the engine and we took off. As she drove out of the parking lot I kept glancing at her. She was humming to the radio acting like this was a road trip or something..“Hey.” I said after a while.She looked at me with a smile. “Yes Carter? You’ve been staring like I’ve grown another head. Or maybe you just like my amazing driving?”I sighed. “It’s just… earlier at school. I understood why you didn’t want to be seen with me. But now… why are you okay with it? After everything?”She turned the music down. “Look Liam I’m not dumb. I know what you’re thinking. You think th
CHAPTER 47
Liam's POVAll the students of Crestwood High sat tightly packed in the bleachers of the basketball court which were usually for fans but now faced a small stage. A podium stood in the middle of the stage with a microphone attached to it.I sat stiffly in the front row silently observing. Unlike the other students of Crestwood, I knew exactly what was coming. The last two days had been kinda tedious with people whispering, staring and making false claims about me wherever I go. It all started with a fake article in the school paper and now it had all gone way beyond that.Principal Thompson stepped up to the microphone and he cleared his throat loudly with the sound quieting everyone and informing them it was time to be silent.“Good morning everyone.” his voice bboomed across the room. “We are here today to talk about a serious issue that has affected our school.” He paused and scanned all the faces before him. “As you all know an article in the school paper made some claims. These
CHAPTER 46
Liam's POVI rolled into the parking lot and right away I heard the usual laughs and mean jokes. People pointed at me and shouted things through the air.“There he is! Lover boy!”“Hey Liam how’s Ms Hawthorne?”They didn’t know what I knew. The fake messages and the news article all of it was about to be exposed.I turned off the car and took a deep breath. No reaction. No anger. Today was my day. I had just stepped out of the car when Mr. Grimsby came over.“Carter! The principal wants to see you. Right now.”Behind him Ryan Blackwood showed up with a big grin and next to him was Melissa.“Someone’s in big trouble.” Ryan smirked. “Enjoy detention Carter.”I didn’t say anything back. I walked past him with my eyes forward. I felt his stare behind me but I didn’t give him what he wanted. Melissa’s stood there staring too but I tried not to focus on her.Mrs. Davison the principal’s secretary gave me a small smile and pointed to the office.“He’s ready for you Liam.”Principal Thompson
CHAPTER 45
Liam's POV“Hans what is it? What's wrong with my mom?” My voice shook with fear I hadn’t felt in a long time.“It’s your mom Liam. Just come to Preston’s Hospital Room 312. Please hurry.” Then the call ended.Preston’s Hospital. I knew that place.. I hit the gas hard with the car speeding as I weaved through the evening traffic while my mind kept thinking the worst. All the stress had been hard on her and now…I skidded into the hospital lot sometime later and ran toward the entrance ignoring the securities annoyed look. I pushed through the doors and ran straight to the reception desk.“Room 312 please! It’s my mom Mrs. Carter.” I said breathlessly.The receptionist looked up and her face softened. “Third floor turn right after the elevators. Room 312 is at the end of the hall.”I didn’t wait. I rushed to the elevators pressing the “up“ button again and again until the doors opened..Finally the doors opened. I ran down the hall checking the room numbers. When I saw 312 I paused,
CHAPTER 44
Liam's POVSarah smiled. “Even better. I can prove the whole article is fake. Your supposed interview? It never happened. The editor and some of his friends just made it up.”“How? How can you prove that?” I leaned forward with my eyes stuck to the screen.“Easy.” she said and began typing again. “Every time someone writes or changes something the computer saves the IP address the date, the time and what was changed. And guess what? The chat part of the article… there’s no record of it being made. It just showed up like magic.”“So… it was copied from somewhere else?” I asked while trying to understand.“Exactly! And I can see where it was copied from. Probably some website or file. That means whoever wrote it just made it up.”“That’s… that’s amazing!” I said at the same time jumping up in excitement. “Can you… can you print it? Can you give me proof?”“Of course I can.” Sarah said while rolling her eyes. “You think I did all this just to tell you? I’ll get the logs, the IPs and eve
