Chapter 12: The Heir I Never Knew Existed
Nobody moved.
The paper in Daniel’s hand felt heavier than anything I had ever held.
A birth certificate.
A name.
A secret.
I looked at Daniel.
“Who is that?””
He didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he placed the document on the table.
“Read it.””
I didn’t want to.
Something inside me knew this would change everything.
But I picked it up.
The name at the top belonged to a person I had never heard of.
*Lucas Miller.*
I looked at Michael.
“Who is Lucas?””
My brother’s face lost all color.
That reaction told me everything.
“You know him.””
Michael didn’t answer.
“Michael.””
He swallowed.
“Yes.””
My voice dropped.
“Who is he?””
Michael looked at the floor.
“Our half-brother.””
The words barely registered.
“What?””
Daniel leaned back.
“Your father had another child.””
I looked at Michael.
“You knew?””
“Yes.””
“How long?””
He closed his eyes.
“Since before Dad died.””
I felt something break inside me.
Another secret.
Another person who knew my life better than I did.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?””
Michael looked at me.
“Because your father didn’t want you to know.””
“Why?””
Nobody answered.
Then Daniel spoke.
“Because Lucas was the reason everything changed.””
I looked at him.
“What does that mean?””
Daniel smiled slightly.
“Your father’s company was supposed to be divided between both sons.””
My hands tightened.
“But?””
“But your father changed his mind.””
“Why?””
Daniel’s expression became serious.
“Because he discovered Lucas was being used.””
“By who?””
Daniel looked directly at Sarah.
She stepped back.
“What?””
I turned toward my wife.
“Why is he looking at you?””
Sarah shook her head.
“I don’t know.””
Daniel opened another folder.
Inside were photographs.
Emails.
Messages.
My stomach dropped.
Because the first picture showed Sarah meeting someone.
Someone I recognized.
Lucas.
My unknown half-brother.
Sarah’s face went pale.
“I can explain.””
I looked at her.
“Explain what?””
She couldn’t.
Because there was nothing to explain.
Daniel placed another document down.
“This is why your father created the test.””
I picked it up.
The words blurred.
*The inheritance will only transfer after James discovers who is loyal and who is seeking control.*
I looked around the room.
At Sarah.
At Michael.
At Daniel.
At the empty space where Ryan had stood earlier.
Everyone had been part of this.
Everyone except me.
Then Sarah whispered:
“James…”
I looked at her.
“Did you know Lucas before today?””
She stayed silent.
That silence destroyed the last piece of trust I had left.
I walked toward the door.
“Where are you going?””
I didn’t answer.
Because I didn’t know.
I only knew I needed to get away from all of them.
Then my phone rang.
Ryan.
I answered immediately.
“Where are you?””
His breathing was heavy.
“James, listen to me.””
“What happened?””
“I found out why Sarah contacted Lucas.””
My heart stopped.
“Why?””
A long pause.
Then Ryan said:
“Because Lucas wasn’t helping her steal your inheritance.””
I frowned.
“Then what was he doing?””
Ryan’s voice dropped.
“He was trying to warn her.””
I froze.
“Warn her about what?””
The line went silent.
Then Ryan whispered:
“About the person who has been controlling everyone from the beginning.””
A noise came through the phone.
A struggle.
Then Ryan’s voice shouted:
“James, get out of the house!””
May you like
The call ended.
And at that exact moment, the lights in my house went out.
