THE HEIR'S REVENGE

chapter 3

Ethan POV

The shock of everything that had happened still gripped me as Henry led me into the largest mansion I'd ever seen. Lily was in my arms, crying softly, her tears soaking through my shirt.

My shirt. My cheap, worn-out shirt that probably cost less than the doormat of this place.

"Have a seat, young master," Henry said, gesturing to a living room that looked like something from a movie. Multiple couches, each one probably worth more than a car. "I'll get you some tea."

I carefully sat down on one of the couches, adjusting Lily so she was comfortable. She clutched her rabbit toy tightly, her eyes red and swollen.

Minutes later, Henry returned with two mugs of tea. He placed them on the coffee table in front of us. Lily had fallen asleep against my shoulder, her breathing finally steady.

"I figured it would be better if we discussed this over tea," Henry began, sitting across from me. "I'll answer every question you have, so feel free to ask."

I looked at the mug, then back at him. "Who was Richard Blackwell, and why did he claim to be my grandfather? Why is this little girl calling me family? What the hell is going on?"

I needed answers before my head exploded.

"We met this morning," Henry explained. "When you saved Miss Lily from those kidnappers. By the time we turned to thank you, you had disappeared. But you dropped your ID card. That's how we located you."

I'd dropped my ID? I didn't even notice.

"You are the grandson of Richard Blackwell," Henry continued. "Miss Lily is your cousin—the daughter of your mother's younger sister."

My mother. The maid. The woman the Pierce family treated like garbage.

"Your mother was the missing daughter of the Blackwell family," Henry said quietly. "She lost her memory in what we now believe was a deliberate poisoning. She became a maid to survive, worked in your father's home, and eventually got pregnant with you."

My chest tightened. Mom never talked about her past. I always thought it was because she was ashamed. But she couldn't remember.

"We couldn't find her for years," Henry continued. "When we finally did, she was already gone. We learned she had given birth to a son, but we had no idea where he was. She'd given birth on the streets after being kicked out while pregnant."

I felt sick. Mom had given birth to me alone. On the streets. In the cold.

And I'd spent my whole life thinking I wasn't wanted.

"We tried searching for you immediately after finding her," Henry said. "But we couldn't locate you. It's been nineteen years. We finally found you just before your grandfather's death."

"So my mom... she was rich?" I asked. "She was part of this family?"

"Yes," Henry confirmed. "She was Richard Blackwell's eldest daughter. His pride and joy. When she disappeared, it broke him. He never stopped searching for her."

I thought about all the years Mom and I struggled. All the times she worked herself to exhaustion. All the times Victoria Pierce made her cry.

If only we'd known. If only we'd found the Blackwells sooner.

"Since you've been removed from the Pierce family," Henry said, "you will no longer carry their name. You are now Ethan Julius Blackwell, young master of the Blackwell family."

Ethan Julius Blackwell. It sounded foreign. But also... right.

"Why am I the heir?" I asked.

"Because you are the direct descendant of Richard Blackwell," Henry answered. "His only grandson."

"What about Lily's parents?"

"Her parents died in a car accident when she was two years old. She's five now. She has no one else."

I looked down at Lily sleeping against me. She'd lost her parents young, just like I'd lost my mom. No wonder she'd clung to me so quickly.

"Who are the Blackwells?" I asked. "Why is everyone so afraid of them?"

Henry's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't know who the Blackwells are?"

I shook my head. "I didn't pay attention to news about rich people. I was too busy trying to survive."

"The Blackwell family is the wealthiest in the country, if not the world," Henry explained. "We own businesses across every major industry—real estate, technology, banking, pharmaceuticals, media, manufacturing. The Blackwell name commands respect everywhere."

I tried to process that. "So now... I'm part of all that?"

"You're not just part of it," Henry corrected. "You're the head of it. As the heir, you'll inherit not only the wealth but the responsibilities. People will look to you to lead the family and its businesses."

"But I don't know anything about running businesses," I protested. "I've spent my whole life being pushed around and ignored."

"That's why we're here," Henry said reassuringly. "You won't be alone. There are advisors, lawyers, and managers in place. And I'll be by your side to help you adjust."

I sighed, looking down at Lily again. "What happens to her?"

"As the young master, you'll be her guardian. She's family, and it's your responsibility to take care of her."

In less than twenty-four hours, my entire life had changed. I'd gone from homeless and penniless to a billionaire guardian.

It was overwhelming.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," I admitted.

"No one ever is," Henry said with a small smile. "But I have faith in you, young master."

I wanted to believe him. But part of me still felt like that unwanted kid in the Pierce household.

"Why don't you take some time for yourself?" Henry suggested. "Go shopping, clear your mind. Get some proper clothes. The driver will take you anywhere you want to go."

I glanced down at my worn jeans and cheap jacket. He had a point.

"Okay," I said. "I'll go."

Maybe some time away from all this would help me process everything.