FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS.

Chapter 3: Fresh Start.

Adrian didn't know what he was thinking when he decided to enter a car with a total stranger. What if this was a plot by Ryan and Layla to kidnap him? Those two could go through hell just to make his life miserable.

He scoffed.

He was such a fool to have believed that they had a heart like normal people.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Felix look at him through the mirror with an emotion that suggested pity. He didn't like it when people pitied him.

"It's been ten years since you left home, young Master. A lot has happened since then. Now, your grandfather wants you home for good," Felix said, initiating a conversation.

Adrian straightened in his seat with a curious brow. "G–randfather Milan?"

"Yes," Felix nodded.

"What's your relationship with him?” Adrian frowned. "And what does he want with me? He drove me out of his life like I meant nothing to him. Now he wants me back? Amuse me,"

Felix was silent for a minute. "He's dying,"

"What?"

"Stage four cancer," Felix replied. "He has barely one week left to live. Look, your grandfather regretted sending you away. After you left, he commanded the best of his men to search for you. It was futile,"

As much as Adrian wanted to maintain a tough demeanor, his heart softened. His grandfather was down with cancer?

“I…I…I'm…” He struggled to get the words out.

Felix nodded. “I understand how you feel, young master. It's not your fault that you insisted on marrying Layla even when he was against the idea. I understand what love can make one do…”

“She dumped me for someone else,” Adrian chuckled dryly. “She betrayed me. They all did. I should have listened to grandfather,”

“This is not your fault,” Felix repeated. “These things happen,”

Adrian nodded but did not reply. Instead, he closed his eyes with a deep sigh. He was tired and all he needed was a bit of rest to calm his aching bones.

The next thing Adrian felt when his eyes opened was the hand of someone tapping him gently on the shoulder.

“We're here, young master,” Felix said, holding the door of the car open in respect.

Adrian climbed down from the car as a feeling of familiarity wrapped around him. This mansion where he had grown up after his parents died was still the same, except that the color was repainted from pink to white.

Felix led Adrian through a private elevator that took them to a penthouse. The door opened and Adrian stepped into a spacious room that was decorated in gold and the finest pieces of furniture.

Everything was covered in grand luxury, from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the glass floor beneath his feet. Adrian swallowed in uneasiness as he tried to adapt to his environment.

The door opened at that moment and a man walked in. Despite his old age, he was impeccably dressed and his mere presence commanded respect and chills. His aura was thick with authority and as he walked, the men in the room bowed deeply.

“Adrian…?” The man called in an almost shaky voice, causing Adrian to swivel around with such force that he almost fell.

Adrian's eyes widened. “Grandfather?”

“My son…! It's really you!” Milan crossed the gap between them and wrapped Adrian in a warm embrace. There was a sniff and then a gentle cough as the two remained in the position.

“I'm so sorry for everything, son. I thought I had lost you forever. Silly me, but I thought you had died…it's been years!”

“I miss you too,” Adrian said softly as he disengaged from the embrace. He could not dare hate his grandfather despite the anger and sadness he felt.

“I couldn't stop blaming myself for my rash decision after you left. The fact that I had disappointed your parents who entrusted you in my care gave me sleepless nights. I never stopped looking for you, son. You don't know how glad I was after Felix told me he had found you,”

Milan's expression turned sorrowful. “You must hate me now, don't you? I never supported your decision to marry the lady of your dreams. Not only that, I turned my back on you when you needed me the most,”

Adrian managed a little smile. “I don't hate you, Pa. If anything, I'm grateful that I could experience the harshness of the outside world. Thank you for finding me,”

Milan nodded with a sigh before he spoke. “I'm ill, son. I'm no longer agile, neither do I have time on my side,” He paused, as if thinking of what to say next. “All of my wealth now belongs to you. You're the new president of Nilean Group,”

Adrian stuttered in surprise. “Wh…what? Just like that? The richest company in the country? Grandfather, I know how much you cherish Nilean Group.” He chuckled. “I might end up running your sweat to the ground, who knows?”

Milan reached out to take Adrian's hand in his. “I believe in you, son. You have my blood running through those veins of yours. You won't disappoint me, I'm certain,”

“But…I don't really know much about managing a business. Why don't you just focus on treating yourself and getting better?”

Milan shook his head. “It's impossible, son. My illness is untreatable,”

Adrian shook his head sadly, as if trying to deny the possibility of his grandfather's words. He wished he could perform some sort of magic to restore his grandfather's good health back. Damn, but he wanted to spend more time with the only family he had left in this world.

Life wasn't fair, was it?

“I'm not feeling well today, so I need you to attend a party in my name tonight. I know it's sudden, but you can do it,” Milan said with a smile.

“Party? What party?”

“A vow renewal party. Felix would hit you up on the details,” Milan said, gesturing to Felix who walked closer.

“Let's go, young Master. A car is waiting that would take you to Nilean fashion for a change of clothes. I'll brief you the details of the party along the way,” Felix said, his head bowed.

Adrian nodded, before kissing his grandfather on the forehead as he stood up. “I'll see you later, Pa. Don't miss me too much,”

Milan chuckled. “Oh please, you silly boy! What do you take me for?”

*******

“Are you sure you'll be alright? It's Layla and Ryan's vow renewal party. The same people who caused you pain,” Felix asked, concern tingling in his voice. “I could make up an excuse so you won't have to attend. You don't have to worry about the rehearsed speech either,”

Adrian threw him a gentle smile as he adjusted his tie, feeling smart in the three piece suit he was wearing. “I'm going to attend, Felix. Trust me to take care of myself,”

Felix hesitated before he replied. “Alright then, let's go, we're already running late,” He said, leading the way.

As Adrian climbed into the Lamborghini that was waiting for them outside, a small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. How would Ryan react when he learns about his new identity?

Would he be nervous, sad or just plain angry?

Or would he be happy for him? Which?

Adrian shook his head. Gosh, he was going to have fun at tonight's party.

“Drive!” He commanded after a glance at his wristwatch.