Revenge Of The Hidden Heir.

Chapter 7: The First Encounter.

"Mom, I told you all to mind the way you spend money. Now we're in debt. How do we expect to pay it back?" Sophia said, frustration evident in her voice.

The entire Anderson family sat in the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson sipped fruit juice, while Leo devoured a pizza he'd gotten from Domino's.

"Leo, we can't afford to eat those expensive things anymore," Sophia chided.

Leo scoffed, "Who are you to tell me what to eat? You're just Dad's secretary. Stop behaving like you're the boss of everyone, Soph."

Sophia ignored her brother's jab and turned to her father. "Dad, have you noticed that someone has been buying off our debts for the past four months?"

Mr. Anderson's brow furrowed. "Four months? Who could that be?"

"I made some investigations," Sophia continued, "and I found out the name of the person who's been buying off the debts. His name is Ethan Blackwood. Do you know anybody by that name, or do you know of the Blackwood family?"

"I know nothing about such a person or family," Mr. Anderson replied, his voice tinged with concern.

At the mention of someone paying their debt, the whole family sat up straight. They all knew that for someone to pay off a company's debts—debts of that magnitude—it could only mean two things: either the person wanted to do a hostile takeover, or they wanted to merge both companies. If it was the latter, they might be saved. But if it was a takeover, it would definitely be bloody. A company capable of paying off such debts must be incredibly profitable, with trillions of dollars at its disposal. They wouldn't be able to fight such a company easily.

"Did you check for the name of this company, Soph?" Mr. Anderson asked.

Sophia nodded. "I already asked someone to look into it."

"Good. Let's just hope this person isn't thinking of taking over our legacy," Mr. Anderson said, his voice grave.

"Takeover?!" the others shouted in unison.

"Yes, takeover," Mrs. Anderson added, "but we won't allow that."

The next day, they all went to the office to meet with the man Sophia had asked to investigate the company buying off their debts.

"The company's name is Rising Star," the investigator reported, "and it hasn't existed until about eight months ago."

"Eight months ago?!" Leo exclaimed. "How did a company amass such wealth in just eight months? This is unbelievable."

As they discussed the matter, trying to figure out how such rapid accumulation of wealth was possible, they began to hear something that sounded like a helicopter approaching. The sound grew closer until it seemed to be directly above them.

The Andersons took the elevator to the rooftop to investigate. Upon arrival, they saw a sleek black helicopter landing. A man with dark slick-back hair and a lean but muscular build stepped out. His physique was well-proportioned, not just focused on the upper body, giving him an undeniably attractive appearance. He wore a black, well-tailored stone suit and dark sunglasses.

The man walked towards the Andersons, removing his glasses to reveal cold, piercing blue eyes. "You lot must be the famous Andersons?" he said, his voice smooth and confident.

"Yes, we are. And who might you be?" Mr. Anderson asked, trying to maintain his composure.

"Well, wouldn't you allow me to escape this scorching sun before asking so many questions?" The man signaled one of his companions to bring out an umbrella.

Mrs. Anderson, bristling at the man's arrogance, retorted, "The sun doesn't stop you from telling us who you are, stranger."

Sophia, ever observant, ventured a guess. "Are you Ethan Blackwood?"

A smirk played on the man's lips. "I see there's a smart one in your midst. Well, you are correct. I am Ethan Blackwood, the man who has been paying off your debts." He walked past them, heading towards the elevator.

"What do you want from us?" Leo demanded.

Ethan stopped and looked back. "What do I want from you? Hmm, let's see. How about you work under me as slaves?" He laughed, the sound cold and mirthless.

"How dare you!" Mrs. Anderson exclaimed, stepping forward only to be held back by Sophia.

"Mom, calm down. We can't act rashly," Sophia whispered urgently.

"Where do you think you're going?" Leo asked, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Oh, I'm going to see my soon-to-be company," Ethan replied nonchalantly.

Mr. Anderson's face reddened with anger. "You must be joking. Soon-to-be what? This company belongs to the Andersons and the Andersons alone. If you think paying off our debts gives you the audacity to claim what's ours, you're sorely mistaken."

Ethan merely laughed and headed to the elevator. The family followed, but the doors closed before they could reach him. They rushed down the stairs, determined to confront him.

When they reached the CEO's office, they found Ethan already seated in Mr. Anderson's chair, looking perfectly at ease.

Leo, unable to contain his rage, charged towards Ethan with his fist raised. One of Ethan's bodyguards intercepted him, but Ethan waved him off. As Leo swung, Ethan effortlessly seized his arm and kicked him, sending Leo to his knees.

"That's where you all belong," Ethan said coldly, still gripping Leo's hand.

"Why are you doing this to us?" Sophia asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Ethan's eyes glinted dangerously. "Why? Let's just say I love having fun, and I love seeing people cry and beg for mercy." He laughed, the sound chilling and devoid of humor.

Mrs. Anderson, her face contorted with disgust, spat out, "You must be some deranged, psychotic individual. I'm sure your parents would be so disappointed in you."

At the mention of his parents, Ethan's demeanor changed instantly. He stood up abruptly, kicking Leo to the ground. "Don't you dare mention my parents with that filthy mouth of yours," he snarled.

Sophia, sensing the escalating tension, tried to intervene. "Everyone needs to calm down. There must be a way to talk things out without resorting to insults and violence."

Ethan's cold gaze fixed on Sophia. "Oh no, I didn't come here to talk. There's no talking. I only came to see what's going to be mine soon. I hope you're all ready to work for me when the time comes."

After carefully scanning the company's offices, Ethan prepared to leave. "I'll be back soon," he said ominously before entering the elevator to return to the rooftop where his helicopter waited.

As the sound of the helicopter faded into the distance, the Andersons were left to process what had just transpired. Sophia rushed to her father's side, who had collapsed onto the floor. Mrs. Anderson stood frozen, disbelief etched on her face. Leo, nursing his bruised ego and body, seethed with anger at how easily Ethan had overpowered him.

The once-proud Anderson family now faced an uncertain future, their world shaken by the arrival of the mysterious and ruthless Ethan Blackwood.

As they gathered themselves, each lost in their own thoughts, one question loomed large: How would they defend their legacy against this formidable new threat?

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