Chapter 5 - The Uncle's Shadow
Arthur walked into the small, brightly lit diner as if he owned the entire building.
He was an intimidating man in his late seventies, wearing a flawless tailored suit and carrying a silver-tipped cane.
His cold, calculating eyes immediately locked onto the corner booth where they were sitting.
Two of his massive bodyguards stood directly by the front door, blocking anyone from leaving.
The teenage waitress behind the counter took one look at the men and wisely retreated into the kitchen.
Arthur slowly approached the table and looked down at Marcus with a terrifying grin.
"You have your father's jawline," Arthur said smoothly, leaning heavily on his cane.
"You knew," David stood up, placing himself directly between his father and the boy.
"Of course I knew, David," Arthur scoffed, waving his hand dismissively.
"I keep very close tabs on all potential threats to this family's legacy."
Arthur explained that he had always known Marcus was Richard's biological son.
"Then why did you make me pay her to leave?" David demanded, his voice shaking with anger.
"Because you were stupid enough to think the child was yours," Arthur replied coldly.
"It was the perfect excuse to get that trashy woman out of our lives forever."
"But Richard was going to give up the money for her," Chloe interjected bravely.
Arthur turned his piercing gaze toward his granddaughter.
"Richard was incredibly weak," Arthur stated without a single ounce of sorrow.
"He was willing to throw away a billion-dollar empire for a foolish, temporary romance."
"So you killed your own son to protect the money?" Marcus asked, his fists clenched tight.
Arthur simply smiled, a chilling expression that did not reach his dead eyes.
"I merely arranged for a mechanic to ensure Richard stayed home that day," Arthur lied smoothly.
"The fact that he decided to drive down the mountain was his own unfortunate choice."
David grabbed a heavy glass ketchup bottle from the table, looking ready to attack his own father.
"You are a monster," David whispered, stepping closer to the old man.
Arthur did not flinch, but one of his bodyguards immediately drew a suppressed pistol from his jacket.
"Put the bottle down, David," Arthur commanded in a bored, tired tone.
"I am not here to argue about ancient family history."
May you like
Arthur pointed his silver cane directly at Marcus's chest.
"I am here because my lawyers informed me that our family trust requires a direct male heir from the firstborn line."
