The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire

5• The Houston Family

Matthew sat on the black, plush leather seat inside an expensive Jeep that was being driven by a stern chauffeur. In his mind, he was trying to put together the events that had just happened because none of it made sense to him.

Maybe one of the men had hit his head so hard and he was imagining all of this.

Beside him was Harold Wellington, the powerful lawyer who for some reason had come to his rescue. Although he felt too overwhelmed to ask them, Matthew needed his questions to be answered.

“Why are you helping me?” Matthew finally asked Wellington. “I don’t even know who you are.”

Wellington glanced at him briefly, an assuring look on his face. “I understand how confused and overwhelmed you might be after all of this. But I assure you it will be fine, Matthew. My name is Harold Wellington. I'm your family's lawyer—your true family, the Houston family.”

Matthew blinked. “Houston family? I've heard that a lot today. I don't know who they are so I don't understand what you're talking about.”

Wellington nodded, understanding how difficult it would be for Matthew to grasp the truth. “There are many powerful families that rule the business of this country, Matthew. The Houston family is the most powerful and influential family of them all. They own a vast network of multinational enterprises across industries like energy, finance, technology, and real estate, all under one umbrella called the Houston Empire. And they have been searching for you for over twenty years.”

Matthew's eyes widened. “Me? Why would they be searching for me? Didn't you hear them back there, I'm just a car washer.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Matthew,” Wellington said simply. “You are far more greater than that. You are the heir of the Houston Empire, the only living descendant of the direct Houston bloodline. That is why they've been looking for you.”

“What?” Disbelief filled Matthew's face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing? Was this one of those TV pranks?

“The family patriarch, your grandfather, Gerald Houston, died many years ago, and your grandmother, Amelia Houston, has been holding the family together ever since your parents died in a car accident and you disappeared. Since that day, every single day after has been spent searching for you… the one true heir.”

Matthew’s mind spun. It was impossible, unfathomable. All his life, he had struggled to make ends meet, living hand to mouth, taking dead-end jobs just to survive. And now, this lawyer was telling him that he belonged to one of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the world?

“This just… it can't be true,” Matthew stammered. “Can it?”

“I know it’s hard to believe,” Wellington said softly. “But it’s the truth. We’ve had our eye on you for a while and it has been confirmed. You are Matthew Houston, the long-lost heir to the Houston empire. And it’s time for you to reclaim your place.”

— — —

After a very long drive, the Jeep finally slowed as they approached a beautiful estate on the outskirts of the city.

Wrought iron gates colored with white and designed with flowers and leaves, swung open at their arrival, and the car rolled smoothly up the long, tree-lined driveway.

“This is the Roseland Greenery,” Wellington said as Matthew gazed at the surroundings in awe. “It is the most elegant and the most illustrious estate in the entire country. In the middle of this estate is the Houston Manor.”

Then, the manor came into view. Matthew’s eyes widened at the size and opulence of the building. It was big enough to fit ten separate families! Grand architectures, gardens that were well manicured, and a beautiful angel fountain in the center of it all.

Matthew couldn't believe his eyes. It certainly was an elegant place.

The chauffeur pulled the car to a stop in front of the main entrance, and got out, walking around to open the door for Wellington, and then for Matthew, who stepped out, still in a daze.

“Welcome to your new home, Matthew,” Wellington said with a smile. “To your real home.”

Matthew was barely even listening, he continued to admire the grandeur of the estate. He'd never been to a place like this in his life. It somehow felt like heaven.

"This is... unbelievable," he murmured.

Wellington seemed entertained by the boy's reaction. “The Houston family spares no expense. But remember, wealth isn’t everything. The power and responsibility that comes with being a Houston are immense.”

“I’m still trying to reconcile with the fact that I am a Houston.”

Wellington nodded. “You will be fine.”

He gestured for Matthew to follow him, and they walked through the large wooden doors that two men opened for them, and they stepped into the magnificent reception hall.

“Whoa!” Matthew exclaimed. “So this the mansion of the Houstons?”

“Of course it is.” The condescending voice of a man broke through the air instantly. “Are you lost? Mr Wellington, Are you not seeing this lowly person beside you?”

Matthew saw a tall man approaching them, dressed impeccably in a fancy suit. He stopped in front of them, a sneer on his face as he folded his hands. “Who is this?” Matthew asked Wellington.

“Spencer Delacroix,” the lawyer replied. “He’s the manager of the Delacroix family business.”

“That’s right!” Spencer grinned. “And who is this unseasoned hick entering the Houston Manor's reception hall in such ragged clothes. Where did you find such horrible clothes? The lost and found?!”

Matthew clenched his fists, and for the second time that day, he felt the anger rising within him.