The Last Inheritance

Chapter Seven

Lena leaned over the laptop in the safehouse, eyes locked on the screen. “Look at this,” she said, pointing. “A $10 billion transfer from Voss to a company called BrightStar. Same week KaneTech lost its biggest software deal.”

Elias stared at the screen, his scar tingling. “That can’t be a coincidence.” His mom’s voice echoed in his mind: “They cheated us.”

“We need answers,” Elias said.

Lena nodded. “BrightStar’s CEO is Alan Voss. He knows what went down. Let’s confront him.”

From the corner, Marcus scoffed. “You? Confront a CEO? Good luck, rookie.”

Elias didn’t respond. He gripped the Syndicate keycard tighter. His mom, Amelia Kane, had built KaneTech from the ground up. That $1.5 trillion account was hers, and his now.

He wasn’t just a janitor anymore.

At the bank, Elias stood alone, his heart racing. The teller double-checked the account. “Amelia Kane. One-point-five trillion dollars.”

His scar tingled, and his mom’s voice whispered clearly: “The pin is 7-1-9-2.”

He typed it in and withdrew five million dollars.

Outside, Elias slipped into a shiny Rolls-Royce Phantom—bought just that morning. Two luxury SUVs pulled up behind it, making a convoy for him, Lena, and Marcus.

Dressed in a sharp black suit with a gold watch flashing, he said, “Let’s show BrightStar who I am.”

Lena smirked, adjusting her sunglasses. “Looking like a boss, Elias.”

Marcus grunted, not impressed. “Don’t choke in there.”

Elias’s eyes narrowed. He was going to make them all notice.

BrightStar’s tall, shiny tower stood out in downtown Chicago. Elias stepped out of his car, the convoy waiting behind him. Lena and Marcus walked beside him, looking like they stood on buisness. The receptionist stared at Elias’s sharp suit. “Mr. Voss is expecting you, Miss Lena” she said nervously.

Inside the penthouse office, Alan Voss—a thin man with gray hair—stood behind a glass desk. “Who are you?” he asked, glancing at Elias’s Rolls-Royce outside. “Some new rich kid trying to act important?”

Elias spoke calmly. “I’m here about the $10 billion contract KaneTech lost. The week of June 12, 2015. Voss paid BrightStar that amount. Why?”

Alan’s face went pale. “KaneTech? That company fell apart after Amelia Kane died.” He looked closely at Elias. “What do you want?”

Lena stepped forward, her voice strong. “This is Elias Kane, the new CEO of KaneTech. Amelia’s son. The rightful heir.”

Elias’s heart raced—she’d never said that out loud before. Alan’s jaw dropped, his eyes flicking to Elias’s suit.

“Amelia’s son?” Alan stammered, shocked. “That’s impossible. KaneTech was finished.” He sank into his chair, stunned. “We won that contract fair and square. Amelia’s death left them weak.”

Elias leaned forward, his gold watch shining. “Fair? Voss paid BrightStar $10 billion that week. Was that a bribe?” His mom’s voice urged him: “Keep pushing.” Alan’s hands shook. “I don’t know anything about a bribe.”

“Don’t lie,” Lena said sharply. “We have bank records. Talk now, or we go to the police.” Marcus crossed his arms, staring hard. Alan swallowed nervously. “It wasn’t me. Crane handled the deal. Ask him.”

Elias’s eyes narrowed. “Crane again. What really happened that week?” Alan hesitated. “Voss wanted the city’s AI contract. BrightStar got it after… talks with a councilman. That’s all I know.”

Lena gave Elias a sharp look. “Councilman Reid,” she whispered. Elias nodded, his scar burning. Amelia had been cheated, but he needed more proof. “We’re not finished,” he told Alan as he turned to leave.

Mara’s penthouse glowed with evening lights. Victor Dray, her rich tech suitor, sipped whiskey with a smirk. “KaneTech’s dead. I crushed them with Apex’s bid.” Mara frowned, gripping her glass. “ Heard Elias now worked for that company.”

Dray laughed. “Your ex? Just a janitor, nobody. Stick with winners, Mara.” Her jaw tightened. “He wasn’t always nothing,” she said sharply. Dray’s eyes narrowed. “You’re too soft for him.”