From Rejected Son in Law to Empire Heir

Chapter 3: Reaching into the Past

“What was that, Logan?” Ava demanded the moment Francis was gone. “Are you insane? Why would you speak to him like that? He was willing to help us. Where are we supposed to get $600,000?!”

 Logan opened his mouth to reassure her, to tell her he would find a way, when the nurse approached them again. Her posture was stiff, her voice louder than necessary, getting the attention of the people around. “Mr. Mitchell.” She called almost rudely, “You’ve been instructed to remove your daughter from this hospital by the end of today if payment cannot be made.” Her voice was so loud that surrounding patients and staff whispered amongst themselves about it. Some had mocking looks while others had looks of pity.

 Shame plastered all over Logan's face. Why is this happening to me?

 Ava broke down on hearing what the nurse said. “This is your fault!” She cried, striking Logan’s chest. “You chased away the only person who could have saved us.” Her tears dried as quickly as they came, her expression turning sharp. “If anything happens to my daughter, I will not forgive you!” Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked toward Mia’s room.

 Logan remained where he was, stunned. He had never seen Ava react like that before.

 Meanwhile, at a corner, the nurse who embarrassed Logan earlier stood in front of Francis, “How'd I do, Sir? I was pretty loud.” She asked with a smile. Francis passed her an envelope that contained money, “You did well. Make sure to keep me posted.”

  The nurse’s eyes shimmered at the sight of the envelope,“Will do, Sir.”

–

 Slowly, Logan sank into a nearby chair. After a long moment, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts, his chest tightening with every useless name. Just as despair crept in, one number made him pause. He stared at it, then exhaled and dialed.

 “Is that really you, Young Master Mitchell?”  An elderly male voice asked in disbelief the moment the line connected. “Are you truly calling?”

 “Hello, Butler Alfred.” Logan said quietly. “I need a favor. And I’d appreciate it if my father or anyone from my family doesn’t find out.”

 "Young Master Mitchell, what is going on? Is everything alright?" The  man’s voice echoed over the phone as he asked with his voice laced with curiosity. "You left the family years ago, and cut off all contact with everyone, you even  effortlessly avoided being found by our search team.”

 Logan said nothing.

 The elderly man continued, “And now you're calling for a favour and also asking not to let The Master know? Have you forgotten where my loyalty lies?”

 When Logan sighed, Alfred paused, “I'm guessing you're calling for something really important, judging by the sound of your voice.”

 "I understand that I'm putting you in a tight spot.” Logan said in a low and strained voice, “But I would really appreciate it if you kept this from my father and helped me.”

  Alfred sighed, "Very well then. Your wish is my command.” He  said after a few minutes of consideration. "So, if I may ask, what is it that you want to ask me for?"

 Logan sucked in a breath, then spoke, "I need $600,000…And I need it now. If it was possible for me to get it somewhere else, I wouldn't be bothering you, Alfred. But I'm just… So lost right now. And this is a matter of life and death."

 "Apologies,  Young Master.” Alfred whispered, “But permit me to say… $600,000 is nothing compared to what your family owns. You come from a family that owns the most powerful and wealthiest conglomerates. With properties worth trillions of dollars all over the world…  So $600,000 is nothing for you to be this desperate about.”

 “I told you it's a matter of life and death.” Logan said heavily.

 “I see. Then I shall discreetly prepare the amount right now…But you'll have to do something in return." Alfred stated.

 Logan's brows knotted, he didn't like the sound of that, "What is it?"

 "Nothing much sir." The old man simply said, "The condition is something I know you can do, so there's no need to panic. All you need to do is come to Astral Corp tomorrow, we'll just sit and talk and then you get your $600,000."

 “Tomorrow? Alfred, look-” Before Logan could protest, the old man disconnected the call, leaving Logan grumbling. "What a sly old fox."