The Beggar’s Throne

Jake Sullivan pulled by the collar of his cheap button-up shirt the fabric itchy and tight as he stood in the Carter family’s fancy marble hallway. The Carter mansion was massive, polished, and perfect, like it had been built for cameras, not people—sparkling chandeliers, paintings on every wall, and a grand staircase that screamed old money. Outside, Lake Michigan shined beside the Chicago skyline. Inside, Jake felt like he didn’t belong. While inside the room, his wife, Amanda Carter, stood in a navy dress that showed off her curvy figure, laughing with her parents’ friends. She hadn’t looked at him all night.It was Diane Carter’s 60th birthday, and the Carters were putting on a show. The guest list read like a roll call of Chicago’s elite—aldermen, real estate moguls, even a news anchor Jake recognized from Channel 7. Waiters moved around the crowd, carefully carrying delicate, tall glasses filled with champagne, making sure not to spill or drop them, while a string quartet play

Jake rushed into the private elevator with his quick slice cap, he'd be meeting the syndicate inner circle and some are loyal to his dad, he opened the door of the boardroom meeting, Vivian cross stood by the door; You're late Jake, you kept us waiting.Inside the boardroom was a long silver board table sitting under two dim lights, where three women and two men sat, Jake rushed to the table where they sat, and Vivian followed behind him behind and introduced him “He is Jake Sullivan, the syndicate heir.We asked for the Sullivan son not a delivery boy, pizza boy run three trillion dollars?” marcus one of Jake's dad ally said as he read the cap.“This must be some kind of joke, Vivian, the Sullivan son and syndicate heir in a worn out quick slice uniform? Laughable, staring at Jake and doubting his worth” Cassandra a lady who looked in her 40’s said.I'm Lila Chen, a tech expertshe said and adjusts her glasses, saying nothing else but scanning Jake like a computer. Her short introduct

Jake snatched a piece of bread and shoved it into his mouth, crumbs spilling everywhere.Greg laughed from across the room. “Look at the dog eating!”Jake’s throat tightened. He didn’t respond. He just swallowed hard and stumbled out the door.The morning sun hit Jake’s face, making it turn red. Crumbs were still on his shirt. Amanda walked out with her purse swinging.“Let’s go, Jake,” she said sharply. “Don’t slow me down.” Her cold tone hurt more than Diane’s stare. Jake followed behind her, head down, feeling like a stray dog walking after its owner.At the market, Amanda gave him heavy bags filled with fruit and meat. “Carry these, Jake,” she said. People stared and whispered, “Is that her servant?” Jake’s arms hurt, but he said nothing. Amanda rolled her eyes. “You’re useless, but at least you are here.”Jake’s face squeezed, he couldn't wait to get over with his plans, but when would that be?Amanda got some apples and threw them at Jake “Catch, loser,” she said, laughing as i

“Why now?” Diane muttered, more to herself than to him.“She’s obviously playing a game and up to something that definitely won't favor us,” Holt said. “And she’s got the influence. That black card’s real. The accounts are active again.”Diane stood, walking to the window. “You need me to find out who it is,” she said.“Yes,” Holt replied. “Quietly, with no trace. If she gets the upper hand…”“She won’t,” Diane cut in. “I still have ears around, If the heir’s anywhere close to us, I’ll know.”“Good,” Holt said. “And Diane…”She paused. “What?”“If Vivian learns what we did to Michael… what you did…”Diane’s eyes darkened. “She won’t.”“Let’s hope not,” Holt said and ended the call.Diane stared at her reflection in the glass. Her heartbeat was still normal, but her thoughts and mind weren't.If the heir was already in motion… if he was close…She couldn’t afford mistakes. Not now. Not after all these years.She turned from the window and made a call of her own.“Get me access to Kane

Vivian stood her ground. “ She's Busy.”Holt’s eyes widened “She texted me.”“Did she?” Jake said, stepping forward.Holt turned slowly to face the unfamiliar voice.“Who the hell are you?” Holt asked.Vivian’s voice was calm. “Michael’s son.”Holt froze in silence and shock ran through his veins.The wind moved between them. He laughed once. Cold.“So this is the Kane brat? You’ve been hiding him?”Jake stared at him. “You expected Diane. Sorry to disappoint.”Holt looked amused. “You thought this was smart? Luring me here? You think I’d come without backup?”Vivian’s eyes widened. “You didn’t.”Holt’s hand slipped beneath his coat. The glint of steel flashed before the gun raised.He fired.Vivian cried out, the shot grazed her shoulder, cutting her flesh slightly.“I'll send you right where I sent your boss” Holt said in laughter.Jake moved forward as she staggered.Vivian threw her gun.Jake caught it mid air as he dropped to the floor, and shot.One shot.He pulled the trigger.