The Tycoon's Son-in-Law

Chapter 4

Lucas's pov

I stared, eyes wide with wonder as Caleb opened the briefcase, emotions brimming in his own eyes. He had probably tried opening the briefcase all these years so it seemed like a dream too.  

He gently extracted files from the case, and crisp bundles of dollar notes revealed beneath, widening my gaze further as shock coursed through my veins. 

Caleb closed the briefcase sharply, scanning the surroundings briefly before facing me. 

“These are the main documents to be signed, but you still need to sign that one to affirm your identity.’’ He nodded his chin towards the first file in front of me.

I swallowed hard as I signed, my throat constricting as sweat drenched my shirt. The air suddenly became too hot as Caleb explained the various purposes of each document while I signed. My mind actually still hovered, fixated on the content left in the briefcase, was all that money also supposed to be mine?

“Finally, there's this device.’’ Caleb said, picking out a gadget with a thumbprint detector.  

“It requires an electronic signature. Your signature will verify your identity and systematically notify the board of directors that the rightful heir has been found. They'll start preparations for your resume and your position will be secured.’’ He explained, each word slipping off my other ear after echoing drums in my brain. 

A strong doubt scuffed in my heart as he presented the gadget. I mean this was a whole Blue Diamond Corporation we were talking about, the Wright's business entity was barely among the next rank chain of companies after it. Can I really own a place in it, let alone own it?

The gadget beeped loudly, shuttering my uncertainty as it pierced into my ears.

“Approved!’’ Caleb declared. 

‘‘W-what?’’ I stuttered. 

‘‘Congratulations sir.’’ Caleb smiled, extending his hand for a handshake. 

“Welcome to the world of business and competitions.’’

Just then, my phone rang into the air with a shrill cry. I cleared my throat, seeing it was Ava. 

“Please, let me take this.’’

“I'm at the hospital.’’ Her firm voice came on the line. “I heard you took your mom yesterday but no one's at your home. Where are you?’’

‘‘I..uh…where're you?’’ I stuttered, my eyes locked on Caleb's. He had dropped his hand. 

‘‘I'm in front of the hospital.’’ Ava replied. 

I gave her the address of the new hospital when she insisted on waiting there for me as she needed to see me. 

“I….have to leave.’’ I announced as I dropped the call.

“This is yours.’’ Caleb handed me the briefcase, and a surge of anxiety washed through me. 

Caleb offered to drop me off, but I was quick to decline. I asked him to drop the briefcase at my home instead when he insisted. It took a lot of composure to get myself to the hospital without an accident, my head was in a spiral. 

“Hey.’’ I called out as I spotted Ava at the reception. 

She scoffed. “And where have you been? You weren't taking my calls!’’

‘‘I was on my way already.’’

‘‘Some men followed me here, demanding to see your mother. They claim your father owes them.’’ 

My heart skipped. “What, where are they?’’

‘‘Excuse me Ma'am.’’ A nurse interrupted us. “Is he your supposed husband?’’

“We were just on way coming.’’ Ava snatched my wrist, dragging me to my mother's ward.

In front of the ward, I recognised Sir Barnabas arguing hotly with the doctor. 

“You can't take her, she just underwent surgery.’’ The doctor yelled.

“Who the f*ck cares, you know how long it has been?’’ Barnabas yelled back. 

“Thank goodness he's here.’’ The doctor acknowledged my arrival with Ava. 

“Incompetent son of a b*tch! How long are you going to hold back my cash, it's been too many years already!’’ Barnabas clashed, but the noise coming from inside my mother's ward caught my attention. 

“Where's my mother?’’ 

“I'm taking her with me.’’ Barnabas fired.

I rushed into the ward, pushing him aside. I met nurses struggling to stop Barnabas men from touching mom, I landed a heavy punch to the first one's nose and he bled. The second one received an uppercut when he tried to intervene. 

Barnabas stormed in. “What do you think you're doing, crazy simp!’’ 

“You want your money or you wanna fight?’’ I challenged, with raspy breaths.

“You both can't do this in here, please take it outside there's a recovering patient.” The doctor intervened, and we all stepped out.  

‘‘Now where's my money?’’ Barnabas demanded, his voice dripping with menace.

“Give me until tomorrow….’’ I began, but he cut me off with a sarcastic laughter. 

“You didn't just say that, did you? Not after that display, you made back there.’’

I scoffed, reaching for my phone. “Give me a minute.” 

I scrolled through my contacts, but Caleb's number wasn't saved on my phone. He had taken my number instead and I hadn't received a call from him yet.

I sighed as a growing sense of unease enveloped me. People were beginning to surround, watching with interest, and my display must have heightened their hopes on me. 

‘‘You'll get your money by tomorrow, I promise,’’ I muttered, trying to sound convincing. 

“It seems you're joking with me.”  Barnabas sneered. “Grab him.’’ He ordered his men.

Just as they stepped forward, Ava called out.

“Wait!’’ 

Approaching us, she spoke again. “My mom will be here soon, please be patient.’’

“What?’’ I stated, but Lady Wright walked in just then with her entourage of bouncers. My heart literally sank when Daisy’s mother, Mrs Royce also stepped in with Natasha. 

“You didn't need to come with them.’’ I heard Ava say to lady Wright. Meanwhile, Lady Wright's venomous gaze locked onto me.

‘‘You this foolish boy, how long will you bring shame to our family?’’ She spat, advancing with intense anger and spite.

I swallowed emptiness, fixing my gaze to the floor as her footsteps echoed. I would have to endure whatever humiliation she throws at me since I was trapped in this vulnerable situation.