THE HEIR'S REVENGE

chapter 9

Ethan POV

The Blackwell Corporation headquarters was a massive glass tower in the heart of downtown Crestwood. I'd seen it before from a distance but never imagined I'd actually go inside.

Now I was about to run the place.

Henry accompanied me in the car. He'd dressed me in one of my new suits—a navy blue three-piece that made me look older than nineteen.

"Remember," Henry said as we pulled up to the building, "confidence is key. These people will test you. Don't let them see any weakness."

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart.

The lobby was enormous, with marble floors and a chandelier that probably cost more than most people made in a year. Employees hurried past, all dressed professionally.

Some of them glanced at me curiously as Henry led me to a private elevator.

"This elevator goes directly to the top floor," Henry explained. "The boardroom is there."

The ride up felt like it took forever. When the doors finally opened, we stepped into a hallway lined with expensive artwork.

At the end of the hall was a large set of double doors. Henry pushed them open.

Inside was a massive conference table surrounded by at least twenty people in expensive suits. They all turned to look at me as I entered.

"Gentlemen, ladies," Henry announced, "I present to you Ethan Julius Blackwell, grandson of Richard Blackwell and the new head of the Blackwell Corporation."

The room erupted in whispers. Some people looked shocked. Others looked skeptical.

An older man at the head of the table stood up. He had gray hair and sharp eyes that reminded me of my grandfather's.

"Mr. Blackwell," he said, his voice formal. "I'm Gerald Thompson, chairman of the board. On behalf of everyone here, I offer my condolences on your grandfather's passing."

"Thank you," I said, managing to keep my voice steady.

"Please, have a seat." He gestured to the chair at the head of the table—my grandfather's chair.

I walked over and sat down. Everyone's eyes followed me.

"Now then," Gerald said, "I'm sure you understand that this is quite... unprecedented. Richard never mentioned having a grandson. In fact, most of us believed his daughter had died years ago."

"She did," I said. "When I was twelve."

"I see. And you've been living where, exactly, for the past nineteen years?"

I could tell he was testing me. Trying to see if I was worthy.

"I was raised by the Pierce family," I said calmly. "Until recently."

Murmurs filled the room. Someone whispered, "Pierce? That struggling real estate company?"

"Interesting," Gerald said. "And what qualifications do you have to run a corporation of this magnitude?"

There it was. The real question.

I looked him in the eye. "None."

The room went silent.

"I have no business degree," I continued. "No experience running a company. No qualifications whatsoever."

Gerald's eyebrow raised. "Then why should we accept you as head of this corporation?"

"Because my grandfather chose me," I said firmly. "Because I'm his blood. And because I'm willing to learn."

"Willing to learn?" A woman across the table scoffed. "This isn't a classroom, Mr. Blackwell. This is a multi-billion dollar corporation. We can't afford mistakes."

"I understand that," I said. "That's why I'm not going to pretend I know everything. I'll rely on the expertise of people like you. But make no mistake—I am the head of this family, and I will make the final decisions."

Gerald studied me for a long moment. Then, surprisingly, he smiled.

"Well said, Mr. Blackwell. Well said."

The meeting continued for another two hours. They explained the various divisions of the company, current projects, and financial reports.

My head spun with information. Technology sector. Real estate holdings. Pharmaceutical research. Media outlets. Banking interests.

The Blackwell empire was even bigger than I'd imagined.

"We'll need you to sign some documents," Gerald said toward the end. "Officially transferring ownership and authority to you."

Henry placed a stack of papers in front of me. I read through each one carefully before signing.

With each signature, I felt the weight of responsibility growing heavier.

Finally, Gerald stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to the Blackwell Corporation, Mr. Blackwell. We look forward to working with you."

I shook his hand, and one by one, the other board members did the same.

Some seemed genuine. Others still looked skeptical.

But they all acknowledged me as their leader.

As the meeting ended and people filed out, Gerald pulled me aside.

"A word of advice," he said quietly. "There are people who will try to use you. People who will pretend to be your friend while plotting against you. Trust is a luxury you can't always afford."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said. "Thank you."

He nodded and left.

Henry approached me. "You did well, young master. Very well."

"I felt like I was drowning in information," I admitted.

"That's normal. It will get easier with time."

As we headed back to the elevator, my phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:

"Congratulations on your new position. We should meet. I have information about your mother's death that you'll want to hear."

My blood ran cold.

"Henry," I said slowly, showing him the message. "Who would know about my mother?"

His expression darkened. "I don't know, young master. But we need to be very careful. This could be a trap."

I stared at the message. Someone knew something about Mom's death.

I had to find out what.

Even if it was dangerous.