Revenge Of The Billionaire Heir

Chapter 6

Chapter Six

The hall was so bright and wide that Declan felt small just walking inside. A deep silence settled over the room as the elderly man with the golden embroidery lifted a hand, asking the guards to step aside.

His voice had carried so firmly when he welcomed Declan that the words still echoed in Declan’s ears.

Welcome the heir.

Heir?

He stood frozen, not sure whether to bow, kneel, or laugh out of confusion. His throat felt dry. His pulse raced. The man’s presence alone was enough to make his legs numb. A few of the guards wore swords…real swords with jeweled handles and all stared at him like he was something sacred.

“Please,” the man said.

“Come closer.”

Declan forced his legs to move. He followed Ms. Sonia down the marble path until he stood just a few steps away from him. The old man studied his face slowly, almost tenderly, like he was trying to memorize him.

“My name is His Royal Highness, Grandmaster Alexandra Knights” the man said. “And… I knew your grandmother well.”

Declan swallowed.

“You… knew Nana?”

The king nodded, eyes soft. “She was my wife.”

Declan blinked, stunned. “W wife? Nana? She was… your wife?”

His Royal Highness gave a faint smile, one filled with sadness rather than joy. “Yes. But she did not tell anyone. Not even you. We kept it hidden for a reason only she understood.”

Declan stood stiff, barely breathing.

The Grandmaster continued, “She was born into a noble lineage herself. She was raised around power. But she loved simplicity more. The stables reminded her of her childhood. When she came to this city, she wanted to live quietly.”

Declan’s chest tightened. He remembered how Nana always talked to the horses like they were her children, how her face always lit up near the stables.

The Grandmaster slowly took a seat and gestured for Declan to sit opposite him. The sofa was so soft it felt like he sat on a cloud. Declan shifted awkwardly, uncomfortable with the luxury around him.

The king’s gaze darkened.

“Twenty one years ago, my son… was in a car accident. He died with his wife. Their infant son who is my grandson and the sole heir went missing. We searched for him for years. But he vanished. It brought deep sorrow to my beloved wife.”

Declan’s fingers twitched on his knees.

“Your… son,” he whispered, voice tight. “And you never know about your grandchild?”

The room spun a little.

He shook his head; he didn't know if he believed it.

“Yes,” the Grandmaster said. “The child was missing. Nana liked you the moment she met you at the stables. She told me in secret that she might consider you our heir. She kept you close, watching you grow and she seems to have a bond with you , even when she knew her time was running short.”

Declan felt warmth rise behind his eyes.

He had always wondered why Nana treated him like her own. Why did she look at him with so much pride, even when the world mocked him.

“She never told me,” he whispered.

“She feared for your safety,” the king replied. “My son’s death was no accident. Power attracts enemies. Keeping you hidden was the only way to keep you alive even when you’re not our biological heir..you can imgine.”

Declan slowly inhaled.

“So… the ring?”

Grandmaster Alden nodded.

“That ring is proof of your bloodline. Anyone from the royal family who chooses an heir must pass on that emerald. When Nana gave it to you… she made her choice. She adopted you as her grandson and made you the proper successor.”

Declan stared at the ring on his finger.

He still remembered the warmth of Nana’s hand when she placed it in his palm.

The king took a long breath.

“She wanted you to be the heir. Her heir. And therefore… our heir.”

Declan lowered his head, staring at his palms.

He remembered Nana coughing blood, apologizing to him for leaving soon. He remembered how terrified he was, how useless he felt. Tears rolled down his cheeks before he realized he was crying.

“I begged her for money…” Declan whispered. “3 million dollars for her treatment. I begged her to fight. I thought the money would save her.”

Grandmaster Alden shook his head slowly.

“No amount of money would have saved her. Her time was already written. She knew. She only wanted peace in her final days. She returned to the horses she loved and waited for fate.”

Declan clenched his jaw.

His voice cracked.

“She died… and I couldn’t even bury her properly. I didn’t have money. She’s still at the mortuary because I…”

The king raised a hand gently.

“Do not worry. She will be given a royal burial. The finest. She will return home with dignity. Leave that to me.”

Declan felt his chest tighten painfully.

A strange mix of grief and relief flowed through him.

He nodded, wiping his eyes quickly, embarrassed by his tears.

The Grandmaster stood slowly.

“Come,” he said. “Walk with me.”

Declan followed him toward a golden lift on the left side of the hall. His Royal Highness paused and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You have suffered more pain than many who sit on thrones,” he said. “Your heart has been tested. Your patience has been tested. Your destiny is only beginning.”

Declan lowered his head, overwhelmed.

“How… am I supposed to fit into all this?”

The king chuckled softly.

“You are now my grandson. And Ms. Sonia is a professional. She will teach you everything you need.”

Ms. Sonia stepped forward gracefully, bowing lightly.

“I will guide you, young master,” she said with a smile. “If you have questions, you may always ask.”

Declan took a long breath.

“I have many questions… but… thank you.”

Grandmaster Alden placed a warm hand on Declan’s shoulder again.

“I have a meeting now. You may explore your new home. Ms. Sonia will accompany you.”

“Wait,” Declan said suddenly. “I… I have an exam today. My final medical exam. I need to go back to school and write it.”

The king raised an eyebrow.

“You no longer need to worry about a degree. You are the heir. If you want, I can have the council conduct your examinations here at the palace.”

Declan shook his head firmly.

“No… not yet. I don’t know what I’m stepping into. My life changed in a moment. I want to understand everything before I reveal my identity. And… I want to earn things myself.”

A slow smile spread across the king’s lips.

He looked proud.

“You are wise,” he said. “My Nana made the right choice.”

He patted Declan’s shoulder and stepped inside the golden elevator.

“I will see you soon,” he said, then the doors closed.

Ms. Sonia turned toward Declan.

“I will take you to your room so you can wash and change,” she said.

“Then we will leave for the university.”

Declan followed her to the left wing of the palace, where the halls felt endless. Finally, she pushed open a door made entirely of white marble. The room inside was bigger than the orphanage he grew up in. The ceiling sparkled. The bed alone was huge, with white sheets embroidered in gold thread.

“This is… a room?” he whispered.

Ms. Sonia smiled.

“Just one of them.”

He stepped inside and ran his hand along the soft sheets. A large bathroom was attached, with warm mist already floating inside and scented oils resting on the glass counter.

“You may shower,” she said. “Your clothes will be prepared.”

Declan walked into the bathroom.

The moment warm water touched his skin, he felt his muscles relax. It was the first time in days that he felt truly clean.

He stood under the shower for a long time, letting the water wash away the dirt, the blood, the coldness of jail.

When he stepped out, his original clothes were already washed, dried, and ironed, neatly placed on a chair. A table had been arranged with hot food meats, fruit, bread, tea more than he’d eaten in months.

Ms. Sonia bowed slightly.

“I apologize,” she said politely, “your wardrobe is not yet ready. I asked an Italian designer to fly here and take your measurements when convenient for you.”

Declan almost laughed.

He picked up his clothes quickly before the maids could come help.

He didn’t want anyone dressing him. He dressed fast, then sat at the table. He drank the tea too quickly because he didn’t want to miss his exam.

“You may relax,” Ms. Sonia told him. “We can take the helicopter. It is faster.”

His mouth fell open again.

Helicopter?

He swallowed hard, trying to stay calm.

After finishing the tea, he asked shyly, “Can we… use a less flashy car to go to school?”

Ms. Sonia nodded with no judgment.

“Of course.”

She spoke quietly to the driver, and a sleek black Mercedes rolled out. Declan felt relieved just seeing something that looked normal.

Before he got out, Ms. Sonia handed him a black card and a new phone.

“The Grandmaster instructed me to give these to you. The card has no limit. And this phone has every emergency contact you will ever need.”

Declan didn’t know how to respond.

He only nodded, thanked her, and stepped out.

The university campus felt small now.

He tried to enter the exam hall… but a hand grabbed his arm.

Stefan.

“Look who crawled back,” Stefan sneered loudly.

“Why would an ex convict be allowed to take medical exams? That’s unethical.”