Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 4

Arthur sighed, leaning back in his chair, his fingers tapping the cane he still held. “You and your family were in an accident years ago. Your memory was damaged in the crash, and since then, you’ve been living without the knowledge of who you truly are. You’ve been surviving on what little you could remember, but your real life is much different from what you think.”

David stared at him, struggling to process the words. An accident? His mind felt fragmented. The more he thought about it, the harder it was to focus. A vague image surfaced in his mind—a crash, an explosion, flashes of faces he couldn’t place.

“My parents... what happened to them?” David asked, his voice quieter now.

Arthur’s expression grew grim. “Your father is still in a coma. He’s been unconscious since the accident. As for your mother... she didn’t survive. I’m sorry, Roland.”

David’s heart sank, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. His mother... dead? He hadn’t known. He could barely remember her face. And his father—comatose? The shock was too much, and he closed his eyes, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

Arthur cleared his throat. “I know this is a lot, but I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here because you need to understand the danger you’re in. There are people out there who will stop at nothing to make sure you don’t take your rightful place. They want to erase you from the picture. Those are the same people that tampered with your father's car breaks. If they find out you're survived, your life could be in a grave danger.”

David felt his heart racing again, but this time, it wasn’t from the confusion or pain. Fear licked at the edges of his mind. “What do you mean ‘take my rightful place’? What does that even mean? I don’t understand any of this. And why are they trying to kill me?” David was puzzle. Why would anyone want to kill him? He hadn't offended anyone.

Arthur leaned forward, his gaze serious. “You’re the heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, David. Your family built an empire—businesses, industries, and  investments that stretch across borders. And you’re the next in line to lead it all. That’s why they want you gone.”

David stared at him, his breath coming in short bursts. The words didn’t make sense. He was nobody—just a man struggling to make ends meet. There was no way he could belong to some powerful family. “This... this can’t be real,” he muttered, almost to himself. “I’m not... I’m not who you say I am. I'm sure you've mistaken me for someone else.”

"I'm certain, Ronald. I can't be mistaken."

David was frustrated. "And can you stop calling me that name? My name is David! Do you have any proof that you're talking to the right person? I can't just believe everything you've said."

Arthur nodded. “I understand your disbelief, but there’s one thing that might convince you. Something that’s been with you since the accident.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, delicate object. He placed it in David’s hand.

David looked down at it, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. It was a necklace—a broken pendant. He had no idea where it had come from, but he’d worn it every day for as long as he could remember. It was the one thing he’d always kept close. But now, looking at it, he could see that it wasn’t just any necklace. It was ornate, intricate, and broken in half.

“This,” Arthur continued, “is your family’s heirloom. It’s been passed down for generations. You’ve always had it with you, even after the accident. The other half of it is with your father’s best friend—someone you’ll need to meet. It’s proof, David. Proof that you are who I say you are.”

David’s heart pounded as he examined the pendant. He hadn’t thought much about it before. It had always been just something sentimental, something he couldn’t explain but never took off. Now, holding it in his hand, the significance was clear.

He looked up at Arthur, his voice shaky. “This is... this is real, isn’t it?”

Arthur gave him a small, reassuring smile. “Yes, David. It’s real. You are the heir to a great legacy. But right now, we need to be careful. There are people out there who will do anything to stop you from taking control.”

David nodded slowly, still trying to digest the enormity of it all. He had no memories of his family, no understanding of what they had built. But the broken necklace, the heirloom, was enough to convince him that there was truth in Arthur’s words.

“I need more proof,” David said after a long silence, his voice steadying. “I can’t just take your word for it.”

Arthur nodded again, unfazed. “I understand. Your father’s assistant is coming to see you soon. He’ll bring you the documents, the proof you need.”

David looked down at the necklace, his fingers tracing the broken edges. He didn’t know what was coming next, but he knew one thing for sure—his life was about to change in ways he couldn’t even imagine.

"Alright, for now I'll go home. You can have my number." David said, exchanging number with him.

"Wait, before you go. Please accept this black card. It belongs to your family and is one of your inheritance. It's worth a hundred billion dollars inside. This is just one of the things you possess." Arthur said, handing David a black card.

David gasped in shock and disbelief. "Hundred billion!?" And that's only a fraction of his inheritance? Just how wealthy are the knights?

David was tempte. Hee looked at the card, then said."I'm sorry but I can't accept this card. Not now, it's too early, I need time to process everything."

Arthur nodded, he understood. "As you wish, David. But don't hesitate to call if you need anything." He smiled, impressed by David's morals. Anyone would rush over this opportunity, but David wasn't moved by even a hundred billion. The heir of the Knights had grown right.

"I will," with that David, excited the room.