The Kleptomaniac Son In Law Is Back

An Unexpected Turn

Merrick couldn't process what he was hearing.

A share of Donald Vermillion's estate was already more than he'd expected from their chance encounter, but the lawyer's matter-of-fact explanation made the situation feel far more complicated than Merrick could handle. He'd gone to the hospital to save a stranger, not to become entangled in the affairs of one of the wealthiest families in the country.

He glanced at Julian, whose furious expression made it clear that the revelation hadn't gone down well. Only minutes ago, the man had wanted Merrick arrested. Now, with the possibility of his father's estate being shared with a stranger, his anger had taken on a different edge.

"I need a moment," Merrick muttered, rubbing his forehead as he turned away from the lawyer.

"Merrick, come back here!" Julian shouted behind him, but Merrick kept walking, unwilling to entertain another accusation when his own thoughts were already a mess.

He pushed through the bathroom door and shut it behind him, finally finding a few minutes of silence. Bracing his hands against the sink, he lowered his head and tried to make sense of everything that had happened.

Avery had discarded him. His marriage was over, and the years he'd spent helping her build her company had apparently meant nothing to her. He'd left her engagement party humiliated, with no clear idea of where his life was headed, and had wandered toward a bridge with thoughts he couldn't bear to examine too closely.

Then he'd met Donald.

The old man's loneliness had mirrored his own so painfully that Merrick had forgotten his troubles long enough to reach out and help. If he hadn't stopped to speak with Donald, he might have made a decision he could never have taken back.

Merrick turned on the tap and splashed water over his face, watching it drip from his chin into the basin.

And now Donald Vermillion's will had somehow placed him in a situation he couldn't begin to understand.

He knew Vermillion Global's reputation. Everyone did. It was the kind of company that dominated an industry, the sort of name people recognized even if they'd never come close to its inner workings. Merrick had spent years in the fashion business, watching Avery struggle to establish her brand, yet the distance between her company and Vermillion Global had always seemed impossible to bridge.

He'd never imagined he'd find himself discussing the affairs of its founder, much less being told that he was entitled to a share of the man's estate.

"What am I supposed to do with all this?" he whispered, pressing his palms against the edge of the sink.

He didn't want the money. He didn't want to be dragged into a family dispute, and he certainly didn't want to become the target of people who had spent their entire lives surrounded by wealth and influence. He'd had enough trouble dealing with Avery and her family; he couldn't imagine what dealing with the Vermillions would entail.

Yet beneath his confusion, another thought slowly took shape.

He was still alive.

For a while that night, he'd believed there was nothing left for him. Avery's betrayal had made him feel worthless, and the years he'd sacrificed for her had suddenly seemed like a terrible joke. He'd been so consumed by his own pain that he'd forgotten the people who still cared about him.

Nadia had never abandoned him. Even when his kleptomania caused trouble, even when he made mistakes that embarrassed her, she'd continued to stand by him.

Merrick closed his eyes briefly, remembering his sister's face.

Whatever happened with Donald's will, he couldn't allow himself to forget Nadia again. She was the one person who had consistently shown him what genuine love looked like, and he owed it to her—and himself—to stop letting Avery's rejection dictate the rest of his life.

After washing his face, he dried his hands and stepped away from the sink. He still had no answers, but he felt steadier than he had when he'd entered the bathroom.

When he opened the door, Sienna was standing outside, nervously twisting her fingers together.

"M-Mr. Merrick," she began, taking a hesitant step toward him. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier. My uncle shouldn't have accused you of hurting Grandfather when you were trying to help him."

Merrick studied her briefly before asking, "Why didn't your family look for him?"

Sienna's gaze dropped. "I-it's complicated, Mr. Merrick. There are problems in our family, and I tried to visit Grandfather, but things weren't easy, and—"

"That's bullshit," Merrick interrupted, his expression hardening. "Your grandfather was missing for three days. He's seriously ill, and he believed nobody would care if he disappeared. Whatever problems your family has, they don't justify leaving him alone like that."

Sienna flinched, struggling to meet his eyes. "I know I should have done more, Mr. Merrick. I really do."

Merrick shook his head, unwilling to listen to more excuses. He'd spent years making excuses for Avery, convincing himself that her behavior would change if he only loved her enough. He wasn't going to pretend that neglect was acceptable simply because the people responsible belonged to a wealthy family.

He walked past Sienna and returned to the corridor, where the lawyer was waiting with his folder.

"Mr. Merrick," the lawyer said, adjusting his glasses, "I understand that this situation is overwhelming, but you should be aware of the significance of Donald Vermillion's decision."

"I know who he is," Merrick replied, sounding more exhausted than angry. "I know what Vermillion Global means. That doesn't mean I want anything to do with his estate."

"The company is an international empire, and Mr. Vermillion's decisions carry considerable weight. This isn't a matter I can simply disregard because you're uncomfortable with it."

Merrick frowned. "I'm not asking you to disregard anything. I'm telling you I don't want his money. I helped him because he needed help, not because I expected a reward."

The lawyer closed his folder, his expression remaining firm. "And that is your choice to make. However, Mr. Vermillion's wishes must be respected, regardless of your personal feelings."

Merrick turned toward the exit, having heard enough for one night. He wanted to go home, check on Nadia, and put some distance between himself and the chaos that had swallowed his evening.

But the lawyer's final words stopped him.

"Regardless of what you want or what you need, Mr. Merrick, you are a Vermillion now."

Merrick stood still for a moment, letting the words sink in. Then, without offering a response, he continued toward the exit.