Chapter 004

The man moved closer and asked, "Aren't you Jack Anderson's son? Is this his ring? Are you Lamar, his long-lost son? The one who's supposed to inherit the Stevenson Hill empire? I've been looking for you."

Lamar was shocked, he, the heir to the almighty Stevenson Hill Empire? How is that possible? Maybe the man is one of those rich men who play smart to take over the important belongings of the poor.

The man didn't wait for Lamar's answer; he seemed sure. He went to Lamar and hugged him tightly. "I'm Mr. James Miller, a friend of your late dad," he said, still holding Lamar's shoulder.

Lamar's eyes sparkled when he heard his father's name. Finally, someone knew him and seemed happy to see him. It made him feel good but his eyes were filled with unanswered questions.

“Come, come with me, let's find a good spot to talk. Meanwhile, you look hungry.” Mr James noted, looking at Lamar from head to toe.

Lamar was skeptical, he didn't want to go. But the man strikes as someone who actually knew his parents. But his ring was important to him. His ticket for a good meal at least. So he hid the ring under his armpit.

Mr. James sensed that Lamar was scared, so he took Lamar's hands and led him to his car. He opened the door and told Lamar to get in. Lamar was unsure, but Mr. James reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, Lamar. It's okay. I don't bite and this is for your own good."

Hesitantly, Lamar got in the car, and Mr. James joined him, sitting in the driver’s seat. And they drove off. After a short ride, they arrived at a fancy lounge in town. “The Cartel Lounge”

Inside, Mr. James ordered food and drinks for Lamar, knowing he was hungry, his frequent yawning was too much.

As Lamar ate quickly, Mr. James smiled and began to tell his story. He explained everything about Lamar's parents and how Lamar was the next director of the Stevenson Hill empire.

In his words, he had been looking everywhere for Lamar, he didn't know who had taken him and there was no report that he was dead. Since then, he never lost hope of seeing him.

Lamar was amazed to hear all of this. He had no idea he was the son and heir to a billionaire empire. A lonely frustrated son-in-law like him. “Was this a dream? He thought. Words couldn't measure up the amount of happiness he felt.

This information fueled his desire to know more about his parent’s death and the people behind the wicked act. He knew he had to act, unseat the current Director of Stevenson Hill Empire, His father-in-law, and take his right position. He had imagined what Mr. Andrew’s face would be when he found out that he was the heir to the position he was occupying.

“Revenge is sweeter than the hurt…” Lamar thought, with a mischievous grin. But first things first, he had to know the people behind the painful death of his parents.

“Who killed my parents?” Lamar inquired.

"I can't be sure, Lamar, but I believe the killer is connected to the Stevenson Hill empire. It's up to you to find him, and I'm here to help you claim what's rightfully yours," Mr. James assured.

But Lamar had doubts. Since his parents' death, he hadn't trusted anyone. The last time he did, he ended up beaten and homeless. He decided not to trust anyone else.

"Why should I trust you, Mr. James? How do I know you're not one of my father's enemies? What do you want?" Lamar asked, eyeing Mr. James suspiciously.

Mr. James smiled and said, "I understand your mistrust, but I'm here to help. I promise."

Lamar didn't believe him. He wanted to fight his battles alone. He asked Mr. James for money to find a place to stay. Once Mr. James gave him so much cash, Lamar stood up to leave.

"Thank you, Mr. James. But this is my fight. Please give me your card, and I'll call you when I get a phone," Lamar said. Mr. James gave him his card but made it clear he wouldn't give up on him but he would be in the dark to avoid being noticed.

**************

After Lamar left, he needed to do a little shopping for himself even though the money Mr. James gave to him wouldn't be enough to get a large amount of good clothing and a place to stay.

But then, he had to set up a plan. He needs to lie low. No one had to know yet until he was done investigating all the people involved in the death of his parents and Mr James' motives.

The Apartment……

"Room 23," the receptionist told him with a smile. Lamar took the room keys from her and headed to his room. As he walked, he couldn't stop thinking about the shocking news he had just heard. He couldn't believe that someone like him, a struggling waiter and rejected son-in-law, was actually the heir to the Stevenson Hill empire, where billionaires lived. "What a life!" he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.

When Lamar reached his room door, gently he opened the door and went in.

The room was not so big but that was all he could afford thanks to Mr James. Lamar felt so relieved that anyone could tell him that he’d find a place to stay, a roof over his head he wouldn't believe.

The room was decorated with old designs and had a small bed. Lamar went to the bathroom and everything was working effectively. He sighs.

Exactly what Lamar needed, a good bath so he could think properly.

He inhaled deeply, dropped his bag, removed his clothes, and headed to the bathroom.

Lamar turned on the faucet, feeling the warm water flow over his hands. He stepped into the bathtub, letting the water cover up his body. Then, he grabbed the soap and lathered it between his palms, so began to wash away the day's grime, feeling the pressure melt away with each gentle wash. Closing his eyes, he let the soothing water cover him, allowing his mind to wander freely.