Home / Urban / THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR / WHEN BLOOD RUNS COLD
WHEN BLOOD RUNS COLD
last update2024-12-14 16:02:08

Jessica’s lips trembled as she stared at her father, with her heart sinking deeper into despair. “Wait, Dad, are you disowning me?” Her voice cracked, as the question barely escaped her throat.

Mr. Zypher stayed silent for a few seconds, his expression was cold and unmoving. Then, with a finality that hit her like a thunderclap, he said, “Yes.”

Jessica gasped, as the word echoed in her mind. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor before him.

Tears streamed down her face as she clasped her hands together, pleading, “Please, Father! Don’t do this. I’m begging you!”

She leaned forward on her knees, and her voice choked with emotion. “I only ever tried my best. Every decision I made was for the good of our family and our franchise. I never wanted to harm us father!”

Mr. Zypher’s face was hard, his eyes were like ice. He was unmoved by her desperation. “You have cost us a lot of damage, Jessica,” he said sternly.

“I could let go of the fact that you were coerced into giving
Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Related Chapters

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE HIDDEN NETWORK

    Jessica Zypher’s lifeless body was found in her chambers, her hands were cold and pale, with a single gunshot wound to her throat. The sound of the shot had echoed through the mansion, and by the time anyone reached her, it was too late. Blood pooled around her neck, staining the delicate fabric of her dress. Her letter lay on the bedside table, its words were smeared with tears, expressing her anguish and the weight of a lifetime spent trying to please her family—only to be disowned in the end. Her final words were haunting: “I gave my all, but my all was never enough."Back in Westwood, Mr. Richmond sat in the sterile, cold hospital room beside his son Daniel, who had been in a coma for a month. The faint beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the room, each beep was a painful reminder of the fragile state Daniel was in.Mr. Richmond stared at his son’s face, pale and still, with his chest rising and falling weakly with each shallow breath. His once vibrant son now

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   LINES DRAWN IN WESTWOOD

    “My reason for calling,” Akintola Adeyemi began, his voice was calm yet commanding, “is to express how much I enjoyed investing in Richmond Tech. Back then, your company was a gem, the fastest-growing in Westwood. I made substantial profits—so much that I was reluctant to stop investing when Marvin asked me to.”Mr. Richmond’s grip on the phone tightened, and his heart sank momentarily. “Marvin made you stop?” he asked, his tone was a mix of disbelief and frustration.“Yes,” Mr Akintola replied, with a voice that was tinged with nostalgia. “He said it was better for me to focus on my business, a beverage franchise. And while my business grew exponentially, I always missed being a part of Richmond Tech’s journey. Your company was an innovator, a beacon for investors like me.”Mr Akintola paused for a moment, and then his tone became grave. “But I recently heard some disturbing news about Richmond Tech’s current state.”“What news?” Mr. Richmond asked cautiously, his pulse quickening.“

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE ROADBLOCK

    Mr Akintola met Daniel’s gaze, his own expression was calm and unwavering. “I understand your concerns, Mr. Bowen,” he said diplomatically. “But sometimes, the greatest returns come from taking risks others won’t. Richmond Tech has a legacy worth saving. I believe it’s worth the effort.”Daniel Bowen forced a smile, though the corners of his mouth twitched. “Well,” he said after a pause, “I hope you know what you’re doing, Mr. Akintola. Best of luck with your… endeavors.”As Akintola thanked him again and walked away, Daniel remained rooted to the spot, but his jaw was tightly clenched. The thought of anyone, let alone a respected figure like Akintola, choosing Richmond Tech over Bowen Corporations felt like a slap in the face. Inside, his fury raged, but outwardly, he maintained the polished demeanor of a business titan.“Richmond Tech,” he muttered under his breath, his tone was filled with disdain. “We’ll see how long that sinking ship lasts.”With that, he turned and walked bris

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE COORDINATED AMBUSH

    As the deafening sound of the first gunshot faded, Jibrin and his men immediately sprang into action. They pulled out their guns, their movements were swift and precise. Their eyes scanned the area, trying to locate the source of the shot.“Everyone, stay alert!” Jibrin barked, his voice was steady but firm. His men spread out slightly, crouching low and pointing their weapons toward the bushes and trees along the side of the road. The tension in the air was suffocating, and no one dared make a careless move.The men by the broken-down vehicle, now wide-eyed, also glanced around nervously, unsure of what to expect. But then—BANG!Another gunshot rang out, sharper and louder than the first. This time, there was no mistaking the target. Jibrin’s head snapped back as the bullet pierced his skull, and he collapsed to the ground in a lifeless heap.“Jibrin!” one of his men shouted in horror, but it was too late. Blood pooled beneath Jibrin’s body, staining the dusty road.Before the rema

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   SHADOWS IN THE WIND

    “Wait! Please! I can pay you!” he stammered, his words tumbling over each other in desperation. Sweat poured down his face, mixing with the fine dust that had settled on his skin. “Whatever you want—money, land, gold—I can make it happen. Just name your price!”The men stood in silence for a beat, their gazes were cold and unimpressed. One of them, a tall figure with a scar running from his temple to his jawline, smirked. He leaned in slightly, with his presence towering over Akintola like a specter.“What a funny African,” he said, his voice was laced with mocking amusement. His accent carried a faint foreign lilt, and his words were followed by a burst of laughter from the others. Another man slapped the roof of the SUV as if to emphasize the joke, shaking his head at Mr Akintola’s pathetic display.Akintola’s lips quivered. His polished businessman persona had crumbled, replaced by a desperate, broken man who no longer cared about appearances. “Please… I have a family,” he whis

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE CHESSBOARD OF VENGEANCE

    Mr. Richmond sat alone in his office, his fingers were drumming nervously on the polished wooden desk. His eyes darted to the clock on the wall every few minutes, then to his watch, as if the act of checking the time would hasten Akintola’s arrival. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner, which did little to soothe his growing unease.He had been confident this morning. Confident that Akintola’s arrival would mark the first step toward saving Richmond Tech from its spiraling decline. Mr Akintola had promised to meet him by noon, and Mr. Richmond had spent hours preparing for their discussion, rehearsing his pitch in front of the mirror and jotting down critical points to make his case.But now it was 1:30 p.m., and Akintola was still nowhere to be seen.Mr Richmond’s confidence began to waver. He fidgeted in his seat, adjusting his tie, loosening it, then tightening it again. His phone lay on the desk, the screen was dark and silent. He picked it up, his

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE FINGERPRINT OF FATE

    The hospital room was quiet except for the faint beeping of machines. Sunlight trickled through the blinds, casting pale streaks across the sterile walls. Billy, the rude black man who had tried to humiliated Marvin but received a thunderous resounding slap from him, lay on the bed. His body was a shadow of its former self—it was thin, hunched, and twisted.His arms were stiff, shaking slightly with every movement. His mouth sagged to one side, and when he tried to speak, the words came out as low grumbles and gurgling sounds. Nurses hovered nearby, carefully trying to spoon food into his trembling mouth. Billy grunted and moaned as the spoon touched his lips.Suddenly, the door creaked open.A man walked in. He was black, of average height, and thin, but his presence demanded attention. His sharp eyes moved with precision, as if analyzing everything at once. He wore a crisp suit, and every step he took was deliberate and calm, showing the demeanor of a man who always thought two s

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   HELIOS RISING: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

    Marvin sat beside his uncle, Pa Christopher, in the luxurious limousine vehicle as they headed toward the venue where his new company, Marvin's Helios Enterprise, was about to be commissioned. The drive was smooth, but Marvin’s mind was buzzing with excitement."Uncle, how’s business like in Neovalle? With all the hype being placed on my company do you think my company will hit a billion-dollar milestone in a month?" Marvin asked, glancing over at his uncle.Pa Christopher chuckled, shaking his head. "Why do you ask such a question, Marvin?" he replied, with a voice filled with amusement.Marvin smiled, with eyes that sparked with ambition. "I’m just curious. I’m like any other businessman eager for profit."His uncle’s laugh echoed in the car. "Marvin, you’re a strategic thinker, a great one in fact. Why would you need advice from me on such a topic? For goodness’ sake, your Synapticore ability has been awakened—are you for real?"Marvin shrugged, his expression was calm yet determin

Latest Chapter

  • ALLIES OR ASSASSINS

    Suddenly, Marvin’s phone vibrated in his pocket.His eyes opened slowly. He had forgotten to switch it to airplane mode.He reached into his coat and brought it out. The screen lit up. It was Uncle Christopher.He answered at once. “Hello, Uncle.”“Marvin,” the old man’s deep voice came through clearly. “How’s everything? Have you made it through the airport checks? You know this journey isn’t an ordinary one.”“I passed through the necessary protocols,” Marvin replied calmly. “I’m already on the plane. We’re about to take off. Next stop—Westwood.”There was a short pause before Uncle Christopher responded. “Okay. That’s fair.”Before Marvin could say more, the flight attendant approached. She leaned slightly toward him, speaking politely but firmly.“Sir, please end your call and switch your phone to airplane mode now.” the flight attendant requested.“It’s for your safety, sir,” she said gently. “Phones can interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems during takeoff.

  • WESTWOOD HERE I COME

    The sun was just rising when a sleek black Bentley Bentayga rolled smoothly out of uncle Christopher's gated mansion. Inside, Marvin sat quietly, dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. A sleek, dark overcoat draped over his shoulders, and a silver wristwatch gleamed subtly on his wrist. His posture was relaxed but commanding, his clean-cut appearance giving him an air of quiet power. He looked healthy—stronger, sharper, and more focused than ever before. His eyes were cold, scanning his surroundings with precision, but inside him, a fire was burning.The driver didn’t speak. He only focused on the road. Beside Marvin, a silver suitcase sat firm, containing only what he truly needed. Two enforcers sat in the front seat—members of the elite guard chosen by Uncle Christopher himself.As they approached Neovalle Airport, the early morning light reflected off the airport’s tall glass buildings. Flights were already taking off. People rushed in and out of t

  • GHOST OR GLADIATOR

    The Prime Minister didn’t flinch. He looked straight into Marvin’s eyes, his voice was dropping to a grim tone.“Marvin, listen to me carefully. The Richmond family did not all agree on what happened to you.”Marvin’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”The Prime Minister sighed deeply, then leaned forward.“Our family… the Richmonds… we are not united anymore. We’re divided into two strong factions.”He raised two fingers to make his point.“One side—your side—believes you fought bravely. They believe that if not for your sacrifice and bold stand, the Richmonds would never have gotten a voice with regards to the attainment of the Astralyte. They believe you deserve protection and honor, not death.”Marvin listened closely.“These ones are loyal to the legacy of our founder, Paul Richmond. They know what you’ve done. And they will never support any attack on your life.”A small breath of relief escaped Marvin’s lips.But the Prime Minister wasn’t done.He slowly lowered his hand, his v

  • THE ELIMINATION ORDER

    Marvin’s eyes remained fixed on the strange man in the silver mask. His heart thumped harder with every passing second.The mark of the Synapticore glowed faintly on the man’s forehead—proof that this visitor was not just anyone. He was one of them. One of the Coven of Elders, the one who passed the decree against the extraction of the Astralyte.Marvin’s lips parted slightly, but words failed him. He tried to sit up more in bed, with eyes that were narrowed in disbelief.The man took one step forward and spoke again—his voice was smooth and calm, yet carrying an odd electric tone that seemed to buzz through the air.“Good day, Mr. Marvin,” the man greeted again, his voice sending chills down Marvin’s spine.Marvin finally found his voice, though his words came out slower than usual.“G-Good day,” he replied, still staring at the mask. “I know that mark, I know you… You’re from the Coven of Elders… from Westwood…”Before he could say more, the door opened again.Uncle Christopher ste

  • SHE HATES ME... BUT SHE LOVES ME

    Uncle Christopher sighed and stepped closer to Marvin, lowering his voice.“It’s not severe,” he said softly. “At least, not yet. The doctors say there’s hope… but it’s going to take time. A lot of care, patience, and the right treatment. This condition… it doesn’t heal in a week or two. But she can get better.”Marvin’s jaw tightened. His heart felt heavy, but he nodded slowly.Without a word, he reached for the wheels of his chair and rolled himself closer to the bed.The sound of the wheels on the tiled floor echoed in the quiet room.When he stopped just beside her, he reached out and gently touched her wrist.“Helena…” he said softly. “It’s me. It’s Marvin.”At first, she didn’t react. Her eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.Then slowly, her head turned—and her eyes were locked onto his.But instead of relief or recognition, her face twisted in confusion and disgust.“No…” she whispered. “No, you’re not him.”Her voice rose slightly. “Get away from me! You’re not my Marvin. You’r

  • WHAT BROKE HELENA

    Uncle Christopher’s eyes narrowed.He stepped closer to Marvin and crossed his arms.“This isn’t just about Helena… or your father,” he said. “It’s bigger than that. What you did at the last WG-8 Summit… it shook Westwood to its core.”Marvin blinked.“My speech?”Uncle Christopher nodded slowly.“You gave out information that no one thought you had access to. You exposed secret dealings, illegal contracts, and power abuses—especially from the leaders of the Power Families. The entire Council of Elders turned on them that day. You embarrassed them… and you made enemies.”Marvin’s brows furrowed.“But… why would they see me as a threat?” he asked. “I’m based here in Neovalle. I run a solar based tech company. My focus is innovation. I don’t even want anything in Westwood. Even when I finally get to hold the Astralyte… my goals haven’t changed. It's not like I intend to conquer Westwood.”Uncle Christopher gave a slow, tired nod.“I know, Marvin. I know you’re not after thrones or terri

  • THE AFTERMATH

    About four hours later, Marvin’s eyes opened again.He squinted.A sharp pain stabbed through his head.He winced, groaning softly.His body was no longer shaking. The chaos had passed. But the pain was still there—deep and dull, resting behind his forehead.Slowly, he turned his head to the side.The beeping machine beside him was still working… but this time, the sound was calm. His heart rate was steady.He was breathing normally.The air felt less heavy now.He was awake… and he was alive.Just then, the door opened.Uncle Christopher walked in with a careful step, holding a file in his hand. His eyes moved quickly to Marvin—and when he saw him awake, sitting up a little, all calm and steady, a deep breath escaped his chest.He smiled, softly.“You’re awake… again,” he said, with a calm voice.Marvin nodded slowly.He sat upright, moving his back against the pillow. The motion hurt a little, but he could handle it.Uncle Christopher moved closer, standing by his side now.He place

  • BETWEEN DEATH AND MADNESS

    Marvin’s eyes twitched.Slowly… very slowly… they began to open.Everything was blurry.Light. Movement. Shadows.He tried to blink, but even that felt like lifting a mountain. His eyelids were heavy. His body felt like stone. His chest rose and fell with a deep struggle.Then came a sound—his own breath, rough and noisy. A cough tore through his throat, loud and painful. He gasped again, coughing hard, chest shaking like thunder inside him.“Uh… you are awake,” a calm voice said.It was familiar.Faint… but familiar.Marvin blinked again, this time harder.The blur started to clear.He could now make out a face.His uncle—Uncle Christopher—was sitting beside him.The old man looked tired, but his eyes were calm, filled with relief.Marvin tried to speak, but his voice cracked. His throat was dry.“O-… oxygen,” Marvin whispered.“You’re on it,” Uncle Christopher replied, softly pressing a hand on Marvin’s shoulder. “You’re in intensive care now. You’re safe.”Marvin glanced around

  • JUST A STEPPING STONE?

    Dana Orion laughed again—louder this time, with wicked joy.“The great Marvin Richmond!” she shouted, spreading her arms wide as she slowly walked around him like a vulture circling a dying animal. “The young genius! The CEO of Helios Enterprise! The young man with the rare ultra mega Synapticore gift!”She leaned close and whispered into his ear.“Look at you now…”She pulled back and raised the Solstium Grip higher.“Chained like a dog. Sweating like a pig. Screaming like a coward!”Dana threw her head back and laughed again, cruel and sharp. Her laughter echoed through the empty garage like broken glass.“You built companies. You led tech enthusiasts. You inspired a generation. But now…” she leaned closer again, with her smile like poison, “you’re just spare parts.”Behind her, Helena stood frozen.Her eyes were fixed on Marvin—his body was trembling, his skin was pale, sweat was dripping down his face, his muscles were twitching from the pain.She said nothing.But her fingers tre

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App