Reclaiming the Carrington Empire From the Impostors

When Malcolm Reynold, CEO of the Carrington Group, finally decided to recognize his son, I was deep inside the counting room of my high-stakes private club, tallying the house's take.

A black Range Rover smashed through the gilded lobby doors, scattering fine mahogany and sparking a chorus of screams.

Before I could even stand up, two of their private security men had me slammed face-down on the felt table.

Look at the gutter trash. A pathetic gambling addict, a voice sneered.

It was Pierce Reynold, Malcolms slick, self-important stepson. He looked at me with open disgust, then threw a serrated knife onto the table.

Father is feeling charitable. Hes offering you a chance to reclaim your name, Kian. A chance to go home. Pierces voice dripped with condescension. You self-mutilate. Three fingers, cut clean to settle your debts and cleanse the filth. Otherwise, youre never setting foot inside the Carrington estate.

I kicked out, tripping the overzealous guard on my right, and felt a cold rage bloom in my chest.

Who the hell are you to give me orders? I spat, pushing myself up.

This city is mine. I dont need your broken-down mansion, and I certainly don't need your approval.

Malcolm Reynold's oldest, Blair Reynoldthe one who actually emerged from the sleek black Bentleypointed a sharp, lacquered nail at me and addressed her security detail.

Is that really him? I thought we were here for the missing heir, not a B-list mobster.

The guards, wielding shock-batons, began clearing the floor. Chips and cocktails were abandoned as the high rollers scrambled for the exit.

I stood slowly, my expression fixed, but before I could move, a handful of my own floor managers and less-loyal associates swarmed me.

Kian, we heard youre the lost heir to the Carrington billions. Is it true?

Youre going back to the top of the food chain, boss. Does that mean we get to carve up this territory?

The desperate, greedy whispers were a ringing chorus in the sudden silence. I shoved through them, stepping onto an overturned bar stool to gain some height.

Pierce, seeing my movement, recoiled two steps, his face a mask of revulsion as he looked me up and down.

Such a common, uncultured street thug.

Father reiterated his offer, he continued, adjusting his bespoke cufflink. A chance to finally be clean.

He raised his chin, pulling a gleaming, tactical knife from a holster at his waist and tossing it to the floor near my feet.

Do the right thing. Cut three fingers. Sever your ties to these unsavory, back-alley dealings. The Carringtons welcome the prodigal son, but we dont allow those with unclean hands into the family chapel.

I glanced at the knife, a humorless twist to my lips. I pulled a cigarette from my pocket.

Are you concussed? Who the hell do you think you are, setting rules for me?

I took a slow drag. The damage to my property today? Every single cent is coming out of your trust fund.

I was done with this juvenile drama. I turned to head to my office to check the surveillance feed.

He lunged to block my path, panic flashing in his eyes.

Kian Blackwood! The whole family is waiting! Dont you dare disrespect us! Youre turning down a seat on the board to manage a petty gambling den?

He reached out to grab my expensive silk shirt. I caught his wrist, twisted it back against the bone, and drove my heel into the back of his knee.

Hands off.

My voice was low, laced with the kind of warning that had kept me alive on the streets. Whether I carry the Carrington name or not, you are not a person who can afford to cross me.

Touch me again, and I guarantee you walk in vertical and leave horizontal.

Pierce hit the marble floor, his hand landing in a slick of spilled champagne and liquor.

You! You worthless piece of

The few loyal subordinates who remained began murmuring among themselves.

Mr. Reynold, Kian is the real power here. Are you really asking him to cut off his fingers?

This is family. Isnt that a bit extreme, even for the Carringtons?

Pierce scrambled up, pushing away the security guard trying to help him. He forced a strained, brittle smile.

Were family, of course. No one wants Kian back more than I do.

Im simply the elder son, setting the house rules. The Carrington name allows for rough edges, but there is a basic code of conduct.

He looked straight at me, his meaning obvious.

I, for one, didnt have to beg favors from wealthy older women just to clear my bookies tab.

I let out a short, cold burst of laughter and lit the cigarette.

You, Pierce? Are you actually related to the Carringtons in any meaningful way?

I let the word hang in the air. Youre an adopted placeholder, nothing more. Dont mistake yourself for the main course.

The insult found its mark. The veins on Pierces neck bulged. Shut up! he hissed, refusing to make a full scene in front of the witnesses.

I flicked my ash onto the pristine floor. Cant take a little heat?

This is tedious. Get lost if you cant speak like an adult.

The room buzzed with renewed speculation.

Whats the game here? They came to find the heir, but theyre pushing him away?

Maybe they do look down on him being the son of a club owner. Do they think all of us are just common thugs?

Pierces face was the color of cement, his teeth clamped shut.

It was clear they hadn't counted on me having this much leverage.

I crushed the cigarette under my heel just as another long, black Maybach screeched to a halt outside the shattered entrance.

The man who stepped outthe familys head butler, a prim, funereal figurehurried to Malcolms children first.

Mr. Pierce, Ms. Blair, the Senator received the alert and will be arriving shortly.

Then he turned to me, the tone shifting to one of chilling contempt.

Mr. Reynold said that mixing with this gambling crowd is not proper. If you wish to join the family, you must make a gesture. Three fingers are a small price. Chop them, and the past is wiped clean.

The collective gasp from my managers and rivals was audible.

I thought Kian was finally getting out. Looks like the Carringtons see him as a liability.

Hell be under their thumb, even with the bloodline.

Just then, my assistant, Jesse, scrambled through the crowd, sweat pouring down his face, and grabbed my arm.

Boss, youre trying to be a living martyr! Just swallow your pride and play along!

Youre all over the news! The entire city is calling you an ungrateful fool! This is the Carrington Group! We cant afford to make enemies, so just step back!

I looked at a panicked, red-eyed Jesse and clapped him on the shoulder.

Relax. If the sky falls, Ill catch it.

Jesse leaned in, his voice tight with desperation. Boss! Do you know who Blair Reynold is?

The Financial Oversight Commission, Kian! She can freeze our licenses tomorrow! Getting on her bad side is suicide!

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Jesse snatched it up, his expression turning to pure dread as he answered.

What? An unscheduled audit? Theyre suspending the liquor and gambling permits?

He gave me a death stare. I have to go handle this. Just apologize to Mr. Pierce, please.

Suicide? I almost laughed aloud. My adoptive father, Silas Vaughn, ran half the global high-stakes gambling world. The Carringtons were mere amateurs by comparison.

I only kept my identity quiet because Silas preferred a low profile.

The Carringtons couldn't make me bow down.

Pierce, seeing Jesses panic, couldn't contain his smugness. Whats the matter? Feeling the pressure now?

One call from my sister, and this entire operation goes dark. Do exactly as I say.

The front door opened again. A woman in a tailored skirt suit and stiletto heels strode in.

Pierce rushed to her, grabbing Blairs arm with a desperate, relieved smile. Blair, youre finally here!

Blair looked me over, her expression ice-cold. Youre Kian Blackwood?

The crowd pushed closer, the whispers gaining volume.

Jesses been loyal for ten years. Theyre really hitting Kians business that fast?

It looks like the blood relative is less important to the Carringtons than the adopted ones they raised.

Blair crossed her arms, her voice sharp. So you share a bloodline. So what?

You assault family members the moment we arrive. Youve been running wild for too long, without an ounce of decency or discipline!

I didn't answer, subtly drafting a text to my adoptive father.

Blairs face hardened. I dont care how many debts youve cleared on your own. The Carrington Group is not a crowd you mess with!

One more outburst, and Ill stop being civil!

The spectators shifted their gaze between us. I stood under the chandelier, my smile mocking.

There are a lot of eyes on this, Blair. Your family invaded my establishment and caused massive damage.

You demanded I mutilate myself. Self-defense seems appropriate.

Besides, the license suspension has already started, hasn't it? Why pretend to be the bigger person?

I took a step toward her. Is that what we call abuse of authority? Using your government position for a personal vendetta?

A few of the major investors and business partners in the room instantly shifted their posture. Kian had just flipped the script, questioning her professional ethics in front of the city's elite.

Pierce was sweating, forcing a sickly, strained smile.

My, my brother. A misunderstanding. Blair is just direct. No malice intended.

Blair simply adjusted her hair, her voice offering a false generosity.

If you just come home quietly, all past events are nullified. The Carringtons are generous. Chop your fingers, clean up this sordid mess of a life, and come back. We understand that life on the streets required you to employ some questionable tactics.

I suppressed the urge to laugh, reaching out to tap a button on the control panel.

The main floor lights instantly dimmed by half. The emergency lights cast a stark, white glow on Pierces pale face.

I walked right up to him, my voice carrying clearly through the semi-darkness.

You didnt actually think you were the first person to find out who I am, did you?

Let me warn you clearly: whether I accept this family or not is my decision. And you, outsider, have no say in the matter.

After I was taken, my mother was consumed by guilt. She spent years searching, eventually succumbing to depression.

Her pleas and adscomplete with a massive rewardwere plastered all over the city. My adoptive father saw them and called countless times, only to be dismissed.

Until one day, my maternal grandfather finally picked up the phone.

After much deliberation, Senator Alistair Carrington decided to leave me exactly where I was, with my adoptive family.

For years, he had been strategically maneuvering, quietly setting the stage, waiting for the precise moment that would allow me to return to the Carrington Group with indisputable power.

Pierce, sensing a shift in the mood, suddenly raised his voice, a desperate attempt to regain control.

So the old man found you! So what? Father runs the Carrington Group now!

He straightened his back, a note of arrogance returning.

I am the rightful heir! Youve been a stray for twenty years. What could you possibly offer that I don't?

I shook my head.

If he was truly in line to inherit the Group, they wouldn't have gone to this dramatic effort to find me.

I scoffed, picking up a handful of high-value chips and idly stacking them.

In that case, we can wait until Chairman Reynold gets here to continue the discussion.

Word travels fast in this city. Even the club's guests were pressing against the railing, desperate to witness the drama. The more people, the more interesting the show.

I actually instructed a server to send a round of high-end champagne to the VIP onlookers.

Into this surreal, charged atmosphere, a voice, choked with suppressed fury, roared from the entrance.

What in Gods name is this racket?!

The crowd parted instantly.

Malcolm Reynold walked in, his face etched with fury and a sickly green hue.

I slowly stood, meeting his eye across the distance, a challenging, amused smile on my lips. Chairman Reynold. You certainly know how to make an entrance.

Under the intense, critical gaze of my onlookers, he immediately lost his composure and barked at the crowd.

Are you all trying to get fired? Get back to your tables!

The managers and elite guests were instantly outraged.

Excuse me? Is this your club?

Seriously? Hes abusing his own son, and now hes threatening us? What kind of lowlife is he?

The vein in Malcolms temple pulsed furiously. The DNA test isnt finalized yet! You open a simple club, and you think youre untouchable?!

I am willing to let him claim his family namethat is a privilege! For him to mouth off and shame the Carrington name like this is an outrage!

I looked at his bluster, his transparent effort to project authority, and felt a wave of absolute absurdity.

An average man, a hanger-on who had married into my mothers family and built a career on her wealth, dared to try and play the paternal role with me?

Blair, seeing my continued silence, mistook it for fear. She immediately pointed at the crowd and barked orders to her security.

Get these unwanted people out! And anyone who dares to spread rumors about the Carrington name will be dealt with severely!

Most of the onlookers, intimidated by the Carrington name, reluctantly dispersed.

But a few older, more entrenched business magnatesthe true power brokers of the cityremained calmly seated in the VIP booths, sipping their drinks.

Pierce, sensing the tide turning back in their favor, squared his shoulders.

Looks like youre going home, whether you like it or not, little brother. Submit now, and youll find it much easier.

Malcolm scowled with blatant disgust. Hes running rampant just because of a slight blood connection. He clearly needs a lesson in respect.

Take him! Were dragging him back today, even if we have to use force!

Several Carrington guards advanced on me.

At that exact moment, a voice, deep and resonating with undeniable authority, thundered from the entrance.

Who dares lay a hand on my grandson!

A silver-haired patriarch, leaning heavily on a polished oak walking stick, slowly entered the room, surrounded by an entourage.

The true center of power in this saga: Senator Alistair Carrington. My grandfather.

Malcolm, Blair, and Pierce froze, their faces a picture of utter shock. They couldnt utter a single word.

The shock of losing his grandson and the subsequent death of his daughter had nearly destroyed the Senator. For years, he had been largely confined to the estate, entrusting the majority of the Groups operations to Malcolm.

Until a few weeks ago. The old family butler, sorting through my mothers personal effects, discovered a hidden compartmentand inside it, my mothers old, discarded cell phone, filled with years of my adoptive fathers unanswered calls.

The Senator had quietly followed the trail and found me.

More importantly, he had already seen through Malcolm Reynold's ambition.

The hanger-on had been systematically siphoning assets and installing his own loyalists for years. His rush to find me was simply a move to install a legitimate blood relativea puppetto gain full, undisputed control over the Carrington Group.

The Senator walked right up to me. His eyes, though clouded by age, sparkled with sudden tears.

He gently touched my shoulder, his voice trembling. Kian I know. The things youve endured.

My own throat tightened. I bent down and embraced the man I had only just met. Grandfather.

Malcolm swallowed hard, stammering. Father Sir, why are you here? You should have called ahead!

The Senator slammed his walking stick onto the marble floor with a deafening crack, his voice booming with fury.

If I hadn't come, would my flesh-and-blood grandson have been mutilated and dragged home like a stray dog?!

Malcolm Reynold! Do you think Im an imbecile?!

Sweat streamed down Malcolms forehead as he hastily tried to defend himself.

I I didnt! I only wanted to teach him proper decorum. After all, a gambling club is no place for a future CEO

Decorum?!

The Senator was shaking with rage. Does a man who married into the family, a man who doesn't even carry the name, get to dictate the rules of the Carrington house?!

The room exploded.

The few remaining old-guard magnates exchanged knowing glances. One of them chuckled loudly.

Well, well. It seems Chairman Reynold isn't a Reynold at all, is he?

Malcolms face went instantly white.

It was the one truth he had sacrificed everything to bury. To join the Carrington family, he had changed his name and severed all ties to his own past. To have it exposed publicly was a deeper humiliation than any physical assault.

Blair, seeing the utter collapse, quickly stepped forward and took the Senators arm, softening her tone.

Grandfather, please. We are family. Theres no need for this scene. It will only hurt the Groups reputation.

The Senator coldly yanked his arm free. Do you even have the right to call me that?

His sharp eyes swept over the Reynold siblings, his words cutting deep.

One of you is a woman he dragged in from an affair, and the other is a bastard he raised as his own. Do you truly believe the Carrington name is so desperate for heirs that wed welcome filth?

Pierce visibly flinched, shouting hysterically, I am not a bastard!

Silence!

The Senator pointed the stick right at Pierces nose.

You and your shameless motherdid you really think I wouldnt find out how you schemed against my daughter?!

The onlookers, who hadn't fully dispersed, surged forward again.

Holy hell! An absolute bombshell!

So Pierce is illegitimate? And Blair was a package deal?

No wonder they were desperate to cut the real heirs hands off. Theyre terrified of losing their status!

Blairs face was green with mortification. She grabbed both Malcolm and Pierce, pulling them toward the entrance.

Were leaving. We wont be humiliated here.