The Rightful Heir

Chapter Seven

Liam’s POV

“Ryan killed someone.”

The words Ryan killed someone was all I could think about after the call ended.

I stared at my phone, gripping it so tight it threatened to break.

Could it be true? 

I pictured him in my gut. Ryan was not someone who was capable of doing such a thing. He might have been a bully in school, but can he be ruthless, a murder?

That was a whole different level.

I knew Ryan was not someone I can handle. This was a whole new level and I knew I had to be careful. I glanced at the screen and the document in front of me. I gently rubbed my temple. I grabbed my phone immediately and called Charles. 

“How did you get all of this?” I asked over the phone, my voice barely above a whisper.

There was silence on the other end for a moment before Charles sighed. “Liam, you’re not ready for this.”

My grip on the phone tightened. “You think I wasn’t ready when he humiliated me? When he stole Melissa and made my life hell? I don’t care what it is, Charles. Tell me.”

Charles exhaled sharply. “Fine. But not over the phone. Meet me at the usual place.”

The line went dead.

I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. I hated going late in the night, and I often wonder why Charles doesn't want to be seen. He was always picking hideous places away from prying eyes and I was beginning to wonder why. 

But right now, nothing mattered. All I cared about was getting to know the secret Ryan is hiding. I now know why most of the students feared him and why he was more like a kingpin inside the university ground. 

A drug baron.

A murderer.

Ryan was a legend and not some amateur kid on the campus. Even the lecturers and the Dean feared him. If I was going to take Ryan head on then I need all the leverages I can get on him. 

Ryan Blackwood—a murderer?

It almost sounded impossible but then, with the evidence out there to see, what was not to believe. 

It sounded impossible.

But then again, I had seen what kind of person he really was.

And if this was true, I was holding something much bigger than just a simple school rivalry.

[ Later That Night ]

The usual place was an old parking lot behind Crestwood University, barely used except for the occasional meet-ups Charles and I had.

When I arrived, Charles was already there, leaning against his car, a cigarette between his fingers.

“About time,” he muttered, flicking the cigarette to the ground and crushing it under his shoe. "I don't think I can keep doing this anymore, Liam. Ryan's father is starting to know someone is digging up dirty about his son. What do you think will happen when he finally finds out?" 

"Are you saying that you cannot help me anymore?" I asked with a lump in my throat. " Just give me the name of the student in question and let me handle the rest." 

"I have been useful to you, Liam. But giving you the name comes with a price." Charles looked at me 

I still don't know what happened. 

Some few weeks ago, he was more than happy to give me what I needed and now, he was making things more difficult. I knew if I was going to beat Ryan Blackwood then I needed to top my games. 

Money was not everything. 

Power was. 

"So, what is it that you want from me?" I asked with my eyebrows slightly raised. 

"Your shares. Give that to me and I will help you in your cause against Ryan," Charles said, leaning against his car. 

"Isn't that why you are doing all of this? And of course to get your girlfriend back." 

"And why would I do that?" I shot blazer out of my eyes. 

"Because without me, the boards are going to eat you alive, Liam. Do you honestly think you stand a chance against Ryan on your own? I can be your rock, I can protect you, but it comes with a price. Your shares and you can have the name of the student in question." Charles flicked his gaze back to me 

I narrowed my eyes at Charles, my gaze fixed on him. "You want my shares?" I asked with a steady breath. 

Ever since I was introduced to my father's properties, Charles has been more than willing to help me solve my problems, but at what cost? 

I guess this was why he had been so good to me. He wanted something in return and not just anything. He wanted my shares. 

Charles smirked. "Consider it an investment in your future, Liam. You want to take Ryan down? You need me. Do you think you can take him down on your own?” 

I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. "You're insane if you think I'd just hand over my shares to you."

Charles pushed off his car, taking a slow step forward. "Then enjoy losing. Because without this name, you have nothing. Ryan will keep walking over you, and Melissa? She’ll never see you as more than a loser."

The words were painful and hurting me but I knew I would be a fool to let go of my inheritance which was the only thing I was having at the moment to fight Ryan.

But at the same time, I hated that he was right.

I hated that I needed him.

"Give me a day," I said, my voice low. "I'll think about it."

Charles shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don’t take too long, Liam. Ryan isn’t the type to sit back and wait for his enemies to make a move."

I turned to leave, my mind clouded with frustration.

I needed that name.

But giving Charles my shares? That was a risk I wasn’t sure I could afford.

As I reached my car, my phone buzzed and a notification came up. I looked at it and my face went pale.