From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise

Chapter 0009

8

Darwin spun to face her in disbelief. "This checkpoint alone is larger than any building I've ever known! To think the true manor lies beyond..." He trailed off, too stunned to find adequate words.

In that moment, the full magnitude of his inheritance struck Darwin like a blow. He had entered a lavish new world that day, as different from his humble origins as night from day.

Lady Margaret smiled gently at her son. "Come, let us continue our journey. But I warn you, the main estate will likely exceed even your wildest imaginings."

Still reeling, Darwin could only nod numbly as he followed his mother and the butler through towering iron gates. They passed through a sprawling security building, where several armed guards promptly stood at attention.

"At ease, gentlemen," said Lady Margaret. "This is my son, Darwin, heir to the Wettin name. See to it he comes to no harm within these walls."

The guards bowed respectfully. "As you command, m'lady."

Stepping out again, Darwin gasped softly. Spread before him was a vast medieval castle, turrets and parapets rising proudly against a backdrop of lush forests and hills. Marble fountains danced in meticulously landscaped gardens, leading the eye to a grand stone manor that seemed to stretch on forever.

"This...this is incredible," Darwin breathed, hardly believing such splendor could be real. "It's like something from a storybook come to life. I never imagined such opulence could truly exist."

Lady Margaret beamed at his wonderment. "This estate has been in the Wettin family for centuries. Come, let us go inside so you may properly rest after your ordeal."

They passed through towering oak doors into a grand lobby lit by a magnificent crystal chandelier. Intricate tapestries and oil paintings adorned the polished marble walls. A lush Persian rug spanned the length of the foyer.

Once they were sat, Lady Margaret requested that refreshments be brought for Darwin immediately.

Moments later, a dozen servants entered the lobby carrying lavish trays laden with food and drink. They laid out a feast fit for royalty - roasted meats, fresh breads, fruits, cheeses and more. Finally, the servants bowed and took their leave.

Lady Margaret turned to Darwin with a smile. "Please, help yourself. You must regain your strength."

As Darwin filled his plate, Lady Margaret's expression turned serious. "Now darling, tell me what happened last night. How did you come to be injured so grievously?"

Darwin sighed, suddenly finding his food untouched. The memories filled him with sorrow and shame.

"It's my wife, Lisa," he began quietly. "I should have known she never loved me, it was all because her ex left. But last night, I discovered the truth - she had been having an affair with her ex, Luke."

His fists clenched unconsciously at the thought of their betrayal. "When I confronted them, Luke attacked me. Lisa...she was the one who struck me over the head with a vase. The next thing I knew, I was waking in the hospital with you at my bedside."

Lady Margaret's face darkened like a stormy sky. Rage boiled in her veins at the injustice done to her sweet son.

"Those insolent worms," she seethed, blue eyes flashing. "How dare they hurt you so, my darling boy! I shall see them ruined for this transgression."

She rose and began pacing like a caged tiger. "Lisa and Luke are nothing but ants before my power. With but a snap of my fingers, I can make them disappear without a trace."

Her voice dropped to a venomous hiss. "No one threatens my family and lives to tell of it. They will pay dearly for daring to harm you."

Darwin took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a newfound determination. "Mother, I appreciate your anger, but I need to handle this myself. Luke and Lisa must face the consequences of their actions, and I want to be the one to make them regret what they've done."

Lady Margaret paused, seeing the fierce gleam in Darwin's eyes. Her anger began to subside as pride swelled in its place.

"You wish to handle this yourself, my son?" she asked, one delicate brow raised.

Darwin nodded firmly, his jaw set with determination. "Yes, Mother. I need to face them and make them understand the consequences. It's something I have to do for myself, for closure."

Mrs. Wettin looked at him intently and then smiled, a mixture of admiration and pride. "Very well, my son. I trust your judgment. But remember, you are not alone in this. We are a family, and we will stand by you, whatever path you choose."

He took a moment to compose himself before continuing, "I want them to feel the weight of their actions, to regret every moment they betrayed me. I need to do this, Mother."

A small smile touched Lady Margaret's lips. Within her son's words she heard the steely determination of her own lineage.

"You have a wise and thoughtful spirit, Darwin," she said, pride suffusing her tone.

Her eyes glinted with admiration. Though his upbringing differed from her own, the noble Wettin spirit coursed true in her son's veins. He would rise above petty retaliation and reclaim his honor through dignity and strength of character.

Her eyes glinted with admiration. Though his upbringing differed from her own, the noble Wettin spirit coursed true in her son's veins. He would rise above petty retaliation and reclaim his honor thro

"Use all resources at your disposal, my dear," Lady Margaret continued. "The full power and influence of the Wettin name stands behind you. Have no doubt, Lisa and Luke will feel the sting of their betrayal tenfold."

She took Darwin's hands in her own. "You have made me proud this day, my son. Now, let negative thoughts of them trouble you no more. You are home."

Lady Margaret smiled warmly at her son. Reaching into her purse, she withdrew a sleek gold card and held it out to him.

"To aid your quest for justice, you may find this card of use," she said.

Darwin took it hesitantly, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It bore the seal of Empire Bank - the most prestigious financial institution in the kingdom.

"Mother, I don't understand. What is this?" he asked, turning it over in his hands.

Lady Margaret chuckled. "That card holds an account I opened in your name the day you were lost to us. Every year since, I have deposited one million dollars, with the interest compounding."

Darwin's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "One million dollars...every year? But that would mean..."

"The current balance is just over thirty million dollars," Lady Margaret finished proudly.

He stared at the card in disbelief, struggling to process such immense wealth now under his control. All this time, his inheritance had been growing unseen in secret.

Lady Margaret took his hands in hers. "Now the full resources of the Wettin family are at your disposal. Your first task as heir is to use that account as you see fit."