House of Alister: The Hidden Heir

Chapter 3

“If I were you, I’d grab this offer while I’m still feeling generous. Because trust me, Daniel, I can make you disappear from this family without spending a single cent.”

Daniel chuckled as soon as Margret said that, the nerve of her to think she could treat him like trash and buy him. Who the fuck did she think she was?

He made a small and low laughter, the kind that made Margret flinch for a second before she quickly concealed it with her usual mask of superiority.

Daniel took a step closer to Margret and looked deep into her eyes. “Let me make this clear, Margret. You don’t get to walk in here and act like you hold the leash. As long as Sophie herself does not divorce me, I am her husband. Not you. Not your son can do that."

Margret’s nostrils flared, her chin lifted defiantly even as his words landed like blows. “You’re nothing but a stain on this family’s name, and as long as I am alive, I will make sure to wipe that stain off.

Daniel’s lips curved into a cold, humorless smile. There it was again, that arrogance, the belief that money made her untouchable. Daniel let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling in his chest.

He leaned in closer, his gaze locked on hers. “You can keep your talks, Margret. You think I should be scared because you’ve got a last name and a checkbook?"

At this point, Daniel was tempted to inform her that no amount of money she offered can be compared to the amount he had just received, but then he thought it just wasn't the right time for that! just not yet!

Margret’s nails tapped lightly against the glass, "Careful, Daniel. You might regret this.

Daniel’s gaze didn’t waver, his voice was calm and steady. “Or maybe you will,” he uttered. Although it was just a statement, it felt as though there was something deeper hiding beneath his words. Something Margret couldn’t quite place, and that unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

"How dare you!"

At this point, Daniel was already getting tired of her tactis, he slowly stated to walk upstairs, "You need to rest Mother-in-law, you had a long day today.'' he said as he walked away while Margret fummed in anger.

***

That night, Daniel barely slept. He couldn't shake away what had happened to him in the hospital and his mind keeps replying everything that happened, the Allister's son? his grandfather is Sick? he needed answers, he refused to believe.

The next morning, Daniel woke up and reached out for the gray card on his nightstand on given to him by Marcus, he dialed the number embossed on it.

The phone rang only once before he heard Marcus’s voice on the other end.

“Mr. Alistair,” he said, as though the title had always belonged to Daniel. “I’m truly glad to hear from you.”

Daniel drew in a slow breath. “I want to meet my grandfather. I want to know everything.” His voice carried none of the doubt he felt inside—it was steady and almost defiant.

“Of course, Mr. Alistair,” Marcus replied smoothly. “He would be so glad to hear this. I will arrange a car to come pick you up, to take you to the Alistair estate.”

Daniel paused, glancing toward the Carrington grounds outside his window. The manicured lawns, and the tall hedges,

“OK,” he said at last, careful to steady his tone. “I will wait at the south end of the street. Near the old willow trees. I don’t want anyone here suspecting anything.”

Marcus’s chuckle was low. “Noted, Sir.”

Daniel ended the call and sat there for a moment, staring at the gray card in his hand. His pulse thrummed like a drumbeat. Everything he’d been told, everything promised…it felt unreal.

Soon, he soon took a bath and headed out as soon as possible. By the time Daniel arrived at the south end of the street, a sleek black car was already parked beneath the sprawling branches of the old willow trees.

Without wasting much time, he opened the door and slid into the back seat. Marcus was already there, his expression was calm and businesslike against the backdrop of the plush leather interior.

“Good to see you, Mr. Alistair,” Marcus said, his voice was smooth and reassuring. “Are you ready?”

Daniel nodded, steeling himself for the encounter ahead. 'What will I find when I meet my grandfather?' he wondered. “Let’s go.”

They soon started the car and the drive to the Alistair estate felt surreal. The sprawling mansion loomed before him as they arrived. It felt like a fortress.

When they entered, Marcus led him through the grand hallways adorned with portraits of ancestors, Daniel's heart was beating fast. Finally, they reached a spacious sitting room where a old frail man sat on a wheelchair and awaited, his frail figure was in total opposite of the opulence of the estate.

“Daniel!” The man who seemed to be his grandfather Lionel exclaimed, his voice was warm and happy despite the fact that he looked tired. “You look so much like your mother, i have been looking forward to this.”

“Thank you for seeing me,” Daniel replied, taking a seat across from his grandfather. “I have so many questions.”

“Before you ask, don’t you think it’s right to give your old and frail grandfather a hug?” Lionel said, his voice weak, his arms opened wide.

Daniel hesitated, but the warmth in Lionel’s gaze pulled him in. He rose and embraced the man, feeling a rush of familial connection that was both new and overwhelming.

“Now,” Lionel said, settling back into his chair, “ask away.”

Daniel took a deep breath, the weight of his questions pressing down on him. “I want to know about my mother. What happened to her? Why did she disappear?”

Lionel’s expression shifted, a shadow crossing his face. “Your mother, Evelyn, was a remarkable woman. She fell in love with someone outside our world, someone I believed was unworthy of her. I tried to protect her, but she vanished before I could reach her. I searched for her for so long and....

“Searched? For how long?” Daniel interrupted.

“Years,” Lionel replied, feeling an overwhelming sense of regret, “When i finally found her, it was too late, she died in a plane crash trying to hide from me." He said with a shaky voice, "if only i didn't try to stop her" He brought out an handkerchief to wipe off the tears that was beginning to fall from the corner of his eyes.

It was so obvious Lionel’s actions still tormented him till today and Daniel could see regret in his eyes.

"My Grandson, I am old and wary with legacies and empires that needs to claimed by you"

**A legacy?** The word hung in the air, promising both power and responsibility. “What do you mean? What am I meant to do?”

Lionel’s reached out to Daniel weakly, as though holding onto the last piece of redemption he had left.

“My grandson,” Lionel said, “I am old and weary, burdened by legacies and empires built on ambition. And all of it… all of it must one day be claimed by you."

"Legacies?"

"Yes, Legacies, I want you to claim them to be all yours."

Daniel nodded. He looked at Lionel in pity....“ I don’t think i am ready Granpa, and besides...."

The man shook his head weakly to silent Daniel, "You have Alastair's blood in your vein, yes you are, and also, marcus here will guard you, son."

Daniel nodded as his gaze moved to Marcus then back at Lionel, "OK!"

“Good,” Lionel said, a proud smile breaking through his weariness. “Then let’s talk about how we can make this happen.”

Lionel gestured to Marcus, who handed Daniel a sleek black folder embossed with the silver Allisters Group insignia. Daniel opened it slowly, scanned through the pages filled with legal documents and signatures."

“I’ve already transferred the Allisters Group into your name,” Lionel said, his tone steady despite the rasp in his voice. “From this day forward, you are the legal heir and controlling shareholder and also, Eighty- five percent of the Allisters’ net worth now belongs to you.”

Daniel froze, the words resounded in his head, “Eighty five… percent?” he repeated in great disbelief.

“Yes, the remaining fiften percent will be donated to charity organizations." Lionel confirmed with a faint smile tugged at his lips. “You are now one of the most powerful men not only in this couture but in the whole world Daniel"

"What?" Daniel opened his mouth in absolute shock