FRAGMENTS OF THE BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 9: HEIR'S CHALLENGE

Micheal woke up early to a life of luxury, his clothes and breakfast prepared by the diligent maids. Though unfamiliar, he felt surprisingly at ease in this new lifestyle. Harrison, appearing beside him with a tablet in hand, relayed Reginald's plans for the day as Micheal ate his breakfast in his expensive suit.

"Master Reginald has a list of things he wants you to do with him. Today, you'll be meeting all the CEOs of the giant enterprises across the world. The private jet is bring prepped as we speak, and by the time we get there. It should be ready to take off."

Micheal's reaction was immediate, a fit of coughing at the mention of a private jet.

"Did you just say, a private jet?" 

 Harrison looked puzzled, wondering if he had misspoken. Clarifying, he confirmed that indeed they would be using a private jet.

"Indeed, that is how we plan to get there in time." He replied simply and Micheal looked at Harrison eyes wide opened.

"But those things cost a fortune, millions to multi-millions of dollars and it takes millions to maintain." He explained to Harrison who nodded his head and gave the young master more info.

"Yes and we have 12 of them, which to say isn't a lot if I should quote master Reginald." Harrison said boasting the riches of the family to young master Micheal.

"Wow!" 

Micheal, still recovering from the shock, found himself face to face with Valentine, who had seemingly materialized out of thin air. She nonchalantly helped herself to a brownie as she addressed him.

"You're shocked that you'll be entering a private jet for the first time, isn't that right young master Micheal?" She addressed him without a single hint of mockery in her tone as she gave him a small bow to show respect.

His voice turned hostile as he responded, "What do you want?" But Valentine played the part of a remorseful girl, seeking forgiveness.

"I only want your forgiveness," she said, acknowledging her earlier rudeness and jealousy. Micheal, suspicious, questioned her sincerity. 

"My forgiveness, you didn't do anything wrong to me at all." 

"We both know that isn't true, I wronged you and abused you in front of the whole family and because of that, I sincerely apologise. It was merely jealous and bitter that grandpa would pick you to be his heir but now, I understand that it is men's world and women like me should know their place." 

It was so remarkable how she was able to badmouth herself without feeling that way. 

"Hmmmm, I see.....So, what now?" 

Valentine looked at him like he was dumb, she was expecting her strategy to at least provoke a response from him.

"What now?" She repeated slowly and he smiled curved into a smile.

"Well, if I am on your side. It means, majority of the family is on your side, you will be  officially the true heir and lead us as grandpa intended."

Valentine, appealing to his pragmatism, explained that having her support would secure approval from the majority of the family.

Harrison bent to whisper into Micheal's ear that it was time to be leaving and he got up slowly wiping his hands.

"Thank you so much Valentine, we can continue this talk later." he said leaving and Valentine stared at him with inborn hatred.

"Only if you didn't exist, father wouldn't treat me like trash." 

They arrived at the airport just in time as Micheal marveled at the slick private jet awaiting them. Stepping inside, he felt the atmosphere change—spacious, with a professional crew attending to their needs.

Reginald, seated by the window, noticed Micheal's arrival and greeted him warmly. "Oh, Micheal, my boy." Harrison took his seat not far away as they prepared for takeoff. 

The gradually accelerated until it achieved enough velocity, to take off from the ground. it soar high into the sky, Micheal stared at the clouds but his grandfather's voice attracted his attention.

"I trust Harrison briefed him on the things we are doing today." Reginald asked and Micheal confirmed with the nod of his head.

"Good." He said simply before returning his eyes to the window, he seemed deep in thought about something and he didn't pay his grandson any attention.

The private jet hummed through the sky, the monotonous drone of engines filling the cabin. Reginald, seated by the window, gazed outside, lost in his own thoughts. Seizing the opportunity to engage his grandfather in conversation, Micheal broke the silence.

"You know," he began cautiously, "Valentine spoke to me earlier this morning. She seemed apologetic, expressing regret for what she did."

Reginald, his fingers dancing over his gray beard, emitted a thoughtful "Hmmmm." He turned his gaze from the window to Micheal, his eyes probing. "And what do you think of her apology, Micheal?"

Micheal hesitated for a moment, mulling over his impressions. "I think she is lying," he finally replied, his voice tinged with skepticism.

A subtle smile crept onto Reginald's face. "You are correct. Valentine has never been one to speak out of context and then apologize. It means that she is planning something."

Reginald's sigh conveyed a mixture of weariness and resignation. "All my children are trying to become heir before I die of old age," he admitted. While he had initially supported the healthy competition among family members to become the heir, it had spiraled into a situation beyond his control.

"Planning something like what, Grandfather?" Micheal inquired, his curiosity piqued. Reginald chuckled, an air of mystery surrounding his response. "Now, that's for you to figure out, my dear grandson."

Before Micheal could press further, Harrison interjected, announcing that they would soon be landing. Reginald's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he turned to Micheal, a hint of challenge in his gaze.

"This is your step in becoming heir to the family," Reginald remarked. "Let's see how you handle intimidation."