The Wealth Swap: Reclaiming His Legacy

Chapter 13

Collins had a feeling that Maxwell was planning on promoting him. However, he did not expect to be the CEO.

That's too big a role to give to someone who was just a mere construction worker.

He could still not believe his ears but had to accept Maxwell's handshake by standing up with him.

“Congratulations Mr. Collins Greenwood on your new promotion. I believe that you deserve the position and I know that you won't let this company down." 

With his mouth open, Collins only gaped at Maxwell who was smiling warmly at him.

"I have made the right decision, haven't I?” He asked Collins who nodded repeatedly.

Maxwell sat back on the chair smiling as he thought of something before saying to Collins.

“Can you see that you're the answer to your own prayer and the hope you had. You're the man you hoped would lead this great firm better than Victor Morgan." 

Indeed, Collins had been working at the place all these years, hoping that a better leader would emerge.

Now he was the leader who would be better than Victor.

“I promise to never disappoint you or this company." Collins pledged with a face beaming with smiles.

After a moment of silence, Maxwell stood up from the swivel chair which was now for the new CEO.

“I believe that this is your new office and seat." 

Maxwell made his way to the door. “I'll leave you to do your job now." 

As he walked out of that office and the company, Maxwell believed that Keystone builders was in good hands with Collins Greenwood as the CEO.

Although, he'd still keep his eyes on the man and monitor all the activities that go on at the place.

***

At Tasty Twist diner, Valerie and two of her friends met up for lunch. She also wanted to use the opportunity to discuss with them and seek their advice.

The three friends were already done with their lunch and only had their drinks before them.

Valerie took a sip from her orange juice and let out a deep sigh before lifting her face to stare at her friends.

She kept a long face and had her friend curious and worried for her.

“Val, you have kept us under suspense for a very long time. Tell us, what is the matter with you." 

“Remember, we're your best friends and we won't hesitate to help you in any way that we can." The person who spoke first was Silver.

Valerie had a few other friends but Silver and Anaya were the closest friends she had.

They were both not happy with her when she married Maxwell who was a pauper and was also living with them. However, their opinion changed when her parents succeeded in joining her with the rich Maurice Carter. 

Although they were envious of her and her family's wealth, they didn't like Maxwell for her.

Maurice was the only heir of the Carters who owned the Carters Corporation.

“Yeah, Val. Silver is right. We're always here for you and you know it. You've been staring into space for a long time now and we know that something is wrong." 

“Talk to us, your best friends. What is going on?" Anaya added.

With so much concern which was evident on their faces, the girls waited for her to say something.

Valerie let out a deep sigh before she began to explain herself.

“It's about Maxwell, you guys remember him right?" 

The girls nodded at Valerie before exchanging glances.

“Maxwell, your ex-husband. What about him? And is he not supposed to be in prison serving his jail term for rape?" 

“Why are you suddenly bringing him up in our conversations?" 

Anaya and Silver were yet to find out the latest incident with the Morgans.

They had no idea that Maxwell was out of prison and had taken away everything Valerie's parents took from him.

In fact, they had no idea that Valerie's family were no longer rich.

“Actually, Maxwell is back from prison and there's a lot you don't know about him." Valerie said as she sought a way to break the news about the new development in her family.

“When? And how did it happen? I thought he was going to spend five years in prison. But from my calculation, he's only served two years." Anaya inquired, her eyes fixed on Valerie for an answer.

She stared at Silver who was also as confused as she was.

The duo had been kept in the dark as Valerie had no idea how to break the news to them.

The news that her family were not who they thought they were.

Her parents were liars, cheats and covetous.

They should be rotting in prison if it weren't for the invention of Commissioner James.

Commissioner James and Victor Morgan were good friends.

The Commissioner had benefited a lot from their relationship and had to return the favor by helping the Morgan couple escape jail terms.

“He was pardoned for being well behaved. That's why his sentence was shortened." Valerie replied. 

Lowering her face, she added.

"And there's something else you need to know.” She said calmly, further piquing the girls' curiosity.

"Valerie, go ahead and spill the tea, we're listening. Stop keeping us in suspense.” Silver impatiently snapped at her.

Valerie nodded and swallowed hard before she opened her mouth to explain what was going on.

“Uh, actually. Maxwell is the real owner of all the wealth that my family has been flaunting." 

“He managed to get the original documents which my father took from his late father after the man died. He sued my parents in court and won.”

"Now, he's taken over everything that we once owned. Well, I'd put it like this, he's taken over everything that belonged to his late parents which was originally willed to him.”

Valerie watched as her friends gaped at her in silence.

They had never imagined hearing such a story from Valerie. Someone who they've always envied and wished they had her kind of life.

Anaya owned a small coffee shop while Silver operated a bookshop.

They were small business owners while Valerie didn't care about working.

The girls had always wished to have Valerie's kind of life. However, it was no longer as it seemed.

If not that Valerie was married to a wealthy heir, it looks like they were now better because they owned their own business. 

Not like Valerie's family who took over wealth that was not theirs.