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The Rightful Heir Chapter 14
Liam's POV“The Glam Parlour, that's what we called it.” My mother began. “It was a little fashion world of its own, perhaps the very best back in the day. I started as a pattern designer until my boss saw the potential in me and quickly moved me through the ranks.” She sniffed again and I handed her a handkerchief“Thank you,” she muttered as she took it.“Why's it that I'm learning this today?” I asked uncertainly. “What happened at the Glam Parlour?”“I was… I was..” She stammered as if the details were too painful for her to recall. “My boss had no child and no kin so naturally, he signed off The Glam Parlour to me before his death.”“So what happened to the Glam Parlour?”Her eyes immediately turned wild at my question. I had never seen my mother angry but I saw her face twisted in intense anger.“He suddenly came in!” She exclaimed. “That vulture! That predator! He swooped in immediately and took it! He took everything away?!”For some reason my heart was suddenly beating rapid
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 15
Liam's POV“You're too tense. Relax your body!” Hans muttered right next to me, low enough for only my ears. I admit I was a little bit tense but there was actually no need for Hans acting as if he was a decorated agent on espionage. I tried as best as I could, to relax. My instincts told me those men, whoever they were, were still following us.We had by now entered the museum and were following closely Behind a small group of people. I had no idea of what Hans planned and at this moment, I was only following blindly.“Quick! Duck in here.” Hans suddenly whispered when we turned into another hallway.Before I could react, he grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me into the broom cupboard. The door shut behind us but slightly open. It wasn't long before I heavy footsteps and through the gap, I saw them pass, the men who were on our trail.“Okay… This isn't weird at all.” I muttered to myself. “Shh..” Hans hushed in the darkness.Of all the things I thought I would be doing that day, h
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 16
Liam's POV“He knows you're unto him!” Charles exclaimed as he paced up and down in front of my table.I relaxed calmly in the soft leather chair, still finding it awkward to believe that from nothing, I was suddenly pulled into a world I thought I'd never be introduced into. A world of numbers and logical reasoning.“He was bound to know at one point or another.” I said calmly.“Yes but preferably when you've gathered all the required evidence!” Charles snapped.I get why he was angry and I understood him perfectly. Most of my supply chains, most of the supply chains feeding resources to Carter Enterprises were disrupted purposely by Blackwood.“You stirred the hornet nest.” Charles said. “He wants you to know that he's got you in his sight. He only sent a message this time.”“And I will be ready for him next time.” I muttered.“You don't seem to understand how grave this situation is.” Charles' impatience was hard to contain. “You don't know this man like I do!”“I think I do.” I re
The Rightful Heir Chapter 17
Liam's POVMy heart jumped to my throat as I turned quickly around. I knew that voice and even before I could turn, I knew that I was in a little bit of trouble already.“What have you done, Mr Carter?” Mr Anderson, the school's Dean came bearing down on me angrily. It was then I realized suddenly that it was his car mine had swerved into when I tried to avoid Ryan.“I'm sorry sir.” I replied. “I was just trying to…”“You did that on purpose didn't you?!” He screamed, cutting me off even before I could finish my sentence.There was once a time I was scared of Mr Anderson but not anymore. Mr Anderson, like the majority of the school's population was from autocratic families and chose to torment people like me who were just regulars trying to live as best as we could.“I was just trying to avoid colliding into Ryan when…”“Don't think you can lie your way out of this situation boy!” He thundered. “It's really frustrating, the way you won't let me finish my sentences!” I snapped angrily
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 18
Ryan's POV “I was just… nothing… I was just talking to Liam here.” Melissa stuttered.My eyes snapped from her seemingly frightened face back to Liam who was smiling smugly like some fool who had just hit the jackpot.I didn't like that smile.“Go wait for me by the car,” I told Melissa.“I was just…”“Now Melissa!” I cut her off sternly.Even with my face turned away from her, I could almost see her jump a little at the force of my voice. I imagined her biting her lips as she always does when frustrated but she obeyed and walked off.“What was that about huh?” I asked Liam.“I don't know, maybe she is finally tired of your bullshit and is just realizing that she deserves someone better,” Liam replied.I frowned in confusion.“What?” “Oh, she wanted me on a date with her, away from your imposing personality.” He smirked.I realized that he was being sarcastic.“Really funny, Carter.” I scoffed. “Revel in your ignorance as long as it lasts. I assure you, whatever you have hidden away
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 19
Ryan's POV Upon the shitty ways my day could go, getting arrested by some rookie Police officers on training wheels wasn't exactly how I planned to spend my day!My brand new Porsche boxster was damaged because of some silly girl and now I had somehow ended up in police custody.“Let me out of these cuffs now!” I yelled at the officers.They did nothing of the such but led me or rather pulled me towards their car. “You have no idea who I am! Let me go! I demand to make a phone call!”“You'll get your phone call at the station.” One of them replied grumpily. I knew at this point that nothing I could say could move them so I stopped struggling and allowed them to bundle me into the car like some criminal. I was by then seething with rage.“You will all pay for this!” I fumed. “Soon enough, you're all going to realize you'd have minded your business.”The officers exchanged a look between themselves and then rolled their eyes as if they were just dealing with another teenage junkie on
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
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
