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The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir 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
The Rightful Heir Chapter One
Liam’s POVCrestwood University wasn’t just a school—it was an empire built for the rich, by the rich. A place where last names mattered more than merit, and money was the key to everything. If you weren’t born with a silver spoon, you were just another background character, an extra in the story of the elite. That was me. I had learned that the hard way.As I walked through the grand marble halls, my shoulders throbbing with pain from the excessive book I had stashed into my bag.I could feel the sneers, the sideways glances. My faded shoes, the second-hand clothes I had carefully ironed this morning, and the cheap wristwatch my mom had given me on my last birthday—all of it shouting I don't belong in here. I don't fit in. I was the charity case, the scholarship student. The poor kid surrounded by royalty.“Hey, loser.” I heard a voice behind me. I barely had time to react before a hand slammed into my back, shoving me forward. I stumbled, barely catching myself before my books
The Rightful Heir Chapter Two
Liam’s POVThe next morning, I walked into Crestwood with my head down, hoping to get through the day unnoticed. I had worn my faded hoodie, trying to shy away from anyone noticing me. In a nutshell, I was not trying to draw any attention to myself. But that was a foolish thought.The moment I stepped into the hallway, the whispers started. It was as if they had waited for me. “Did you see the video?”“Damn, that was brutal.”“I almost feel bad for him. Almost.”"Liam was never in their league. I would go and hang if I were him." The word stung me more than I cared to admit.Confused, I pulled out my phone. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the school’s social media forum. The top post had already racked up thousands of views."Melissa and Ryan's Grand Confession—And The Loser Who Never Stood A Chance!"I clicked on the video.The screen was filled with last night’s cafeteria scene. The moment Melissa kissed Ryan. The laughter, the cheers. But then the camera zoomed in—on m
Latest Chapter
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
