LEGACY RECLAIMED

Chapter 3

“Please, this is not going to waste much of your time.”

“Okay, go ahead and let us know what it is,” Ava said.

The lawyer placed the disk for them, and they all sat down to watch as it was set to play before them. Delilah Lockwood saw her husband in the tape. Their eyes popped out in disbelief and horror.

“This is not possible, this is not my husband. He was drunk when he made this video.’ Delilah yelled, her voice was filled with anger and confusion.

Adrian was surprised upon hearing what Mr Roman spilt out in the video.

“Mr. Roman Lockwood made that video because he believed a day like this would come when either of them might want a divorce.” The lawyer said.

“My husband is one of the most foolish men I have ever known; why would he demand that we give Adrian a million dollars if he ever divorced my daughter? I mean our daughter? Who in their right mind would do such a thing?”

“Mr. Roman is not foolish, but he was most respected and humble man I have ever known. He knew you all hated me, I am not after your money. I just want to leave this family.”

“You weren’t to utter a word; I know this was all your plans. You forced my husband to make this decision. And you waited patiently for him to die so you could claim the money. I am not surprised that you are poor and you really need the money. We would give it to you, but you will need to sign the divorce papers and leave us. We don’t want to see you again in this family. Leave us, leave.” Delilah said. Her mind was boiling in rage and fury.

Why would her husband, Mr Roman Lockwood, make a sure statement? Why did he leave a million dollars for Adrian should he ever divorce his daughter?

The other family members looked at each other in confusion, who would think of giving someone a million dollars after a divorce?

“I am not in support of this; My dad might have liked you. But we don’t like you, and we aren’t giving you any money.”

“I am sorry, madam. Those were your father’s wishes, and once you both signed the divorce papers. The money would be transferred to him.” The lawyer said firmly.

Ava looked at him with a flush of anger, Wesley pressed her hand gently when he noticed the tension. Ava was looking at him like a dog waiting for its master to give an order.

“I still can’t believe this, my husband made a mistake bringing you into this family. Even in death, he still liked you. What was Roman thinking, why would he be this stupid.” Delilah cursed.

Never in his lifetime has he taught about this; Adrian signed the divorce papers that were slid before him. Delilah and the other family members stared at him in disgust.

She wished she could change the heart of the lawyer, but Mr. Samuel, being an honest man, wouldn’t listen to her.

Adrian took the pen, appending his sign to the empty space, and Ava did the same with a darkened expression.

“Mr. Adrian Peterson, I will contact the Accountant, and tomorrow morning, a sum of one million dollars will be transferred to your account.” He said, extending his hand as he shook hands with Adrian and Ava.

Adrian was happy knowing he would have something to fall back on when he leaves this mansion.

“Where do you think you are going? You should leave now,” Delilah sneered, with her voice filled with menace.

“I need to pick something from the room,” he said, walking into the room to pick up his credentials and a few of his belongings.

If there is one thing, Adrian is grateful about completing his education. Even while working as an Intel for Mr. Roman, the old man always reminds him to learn from him while he has the chance, just like he has seen the future. After his death, Adrian was fired from the winery Company. He then turned to an errand boy for Delilah and her daughter.

He came back to the living room, where he found Ava and Wesley kissing passionately like their life depended on it. Adrian felt a surge of emotion within, but he never got an opportunity like this. It wasn’t even up to Ten minutes, and his ex-wife could be seen in the arms of another man.

As he left, Delilah walked into her room with her phone clutched in her hand. She couldn’t shake the feeling of knowing Adrian would walk away with a million dollars after his divorce from her daughter, and she thought about one way for it not to happen.

After a few rings, the caller on the other end picked up the call, she voiced out in displeasure and frustration which was evident.

“He is out of the mansion.”

~~~

Adrian had his bag behind his back as he walked through the lonely road without knowing where to lay his head; the lawyer had informed him earlier that his money would be deposited the next day. But for now, he needs somewhere to stay until dawn.

Many thoughts ran through his mind, but a creeping of fear engulfed his body, “What if I go there and something goes missing? What if Delilah sent people to kill me? What if I am shot or I run into the wrong hands?” He thought inwardly.

He thought about going to sleep at the train station; knowing he would be safe there. Just as he made his move quickly through the shadowed streets of a quiet industrial district.

He felt something strange from behind; Adrian glanced over his shoulders, his breath visible in the cold air. The streets were empty save for the distant rumble of passing trains. But the silence carried an unsettling weight, one that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Suddenly, Four figures emerged from the darkness, their faces obscured with black masks; Adrian was frightened by their presence. Without being told, he broke into a sprint