The Inheritance He Craved: Her & The Company

The day my company went public, my best friend drugged me.

When I opened my eyes again, I was tied up in a car. My so-called friend was toying with the signet ring hed pulled from my finger, a vicious grin spreading across his face.

Rest easy, my friend, he sneered. Ill be sure to take good care of your wife and the company for you.

Before I could even process the rage, the car, with me in it, plunged into the ocean.

My best friend, Owen, thought I was dead. Three days later, at my memorial service, he and the shareholders hed bribed prepared to take over my company.

Gentlemen, Owen announced to the room, the company has just gone public. It cannot be without a leader. Therefore, I propose to manage the company on my brothers behalf, temporarily.

His words were a signal. The bought-off shareholders immediately voiced their support, pressuring those who remained hesitant. Just as the decision was about to be sealed, the man they thought was dead rolled into the memorial service, pushed in a wheelchair by my assistant.

Im not dead yet, I said, my voice cutting through the stunned silence. So when did it become your turn, a murderer, to inherit my company?

The triumphant smile on Owens face froze, his eyes wide with disbelief and shock. My arrival sent a wave of panic through the mourners.

Mr Mr. Blackwood?

A ghost! Is he a man or a ghost!

But they said he was dead! The car went into the ocean, no body was ever found!

They scrambled back, giving me a wide berth. I wheeled myself to the side of the empty coffin and let out a cold laugh.

They couldnt even find a body, and you dared to hold my memorial? I fixed my gaze on Owen. You must be very disappointed right now, Owen. Because you failed to kill me. And now, youre in trouble. Now, its my turn to kill you.

My words shocked everyone back to reality.

Everyone, calm down! If Mr. Blackwood is speaking, it means he was lucky enough to survive.

Wait, did you hear what he said first? He said, When did it become your turn, a murderer, to inherit my company?

The attendees exchanged nervous glances, their eyes all turning to the panicked figure of Owen standing by the altar. Whispers erupted as they began to piece together the truth.

I expected Owen to be terrified, to beg for my mercy. He did neither. His composure returned with chilling speed, and a sarcastic smile touched his lips.

Brother, what are you talking about? he said, his voice dripping with false innocence. I didnt murder you. If youre going to insist on slandering me, youd better have proof. He added with a taunting lilt, Spreading rumors is illegal, you know.

He walked down from the altar, and as he passed the coffin, he lifted his foot and kicked it over with a violent thud.

This damn thing is bad luck, he scoffed. Useless, empty box.

CRACK!

The coffin splintered on the floor. Owens eyes met mine, a defiant, mocking glint in them. He was kicking the coffin, but he meant to kick me.

Brother, you may have come back alive, but the board has already decided to let me manage the company, he declared. And I swear, I didnt use any dirty tricks to force the shareholders. Isnt that right, gentlemen?

He smiled at the crowd of shareholders. Those hed paid off quickly stepped forward.

Thats correct. It was the unanimous decision of the shareholders to have Mr. Stone manage the company.

Even if youre alive, you have to accept reality. The company is public now. You cant just call all the shots by yourself.

Owen clapped his hands together, delighted. Did you hear that, brother? he said. Its not that I want the seat. Its that they asked me to take it. He leaned in closer. I know youre not happy about it, but youll have to swallow it. Because while Im in charge, if anyone causes trouble for me, I wont let them off easy.

The threat was clearly aimed at me. But he was forgetting something. I had started from nothing. I had seen and survived storms he couldnt even imagine. I wasnt about to capsize because of a pathetic snake like him.

Before I could speak, Owens assistant, drunk on his borrowed power, rushed forward and kicked my wheelchair.

Cole, its over for you! Theres no place for you in this company anymore. He spat as he spoke, spittle landing in my hair. And now youre a cripple. If you know whats good for you, youll go home and rot.

I have a thing about cleanliness. I despise being made dirty.

I looked up, my eyes narrowing. Say that again.

Owens assistant didnt sense the danger. He opened his mouth and repeated the insult. I pulled a small knife from my pocket and plunged it deep into his thigh.

Heh. A little closer, and you wouldve lost that thing of yours.

The blade went in clean and came out red. Blood splattered onto my hand. I calmly took out a handkerchief and wiped it clean.

AAAAAHHHH!!

The assistant crumpled to the floor, clutching his leg and writhing in agony. The scene stunned the crowd into silence, a stark reminder of my more ruthless methods. I ran a legitimate business, but I also commanded forces that few people knew existed. A mutt like this, daring to bark at me, was digging his own grave.

I did warn you, I said softly.

Owens face darkened, his eyes glaring at me like a wolf. A shareholder, eager to curry favor with him, stood up and pointed a finger at me.

Cole, dont take it too far! he shouted. He was just telling you to leave, you didnt have to hurt him!

I looked at the shareholder with a knowing, humorless smile. His name was Arthur. I had saved his life. I remembered years ago when hed gambled away everything and was about to jump off a building. I pulled him back from the ledge, paid off his debts, and gave him a stake in my then-fledgling company. He had knelt at my feet, weeping, promising a lifetime of gratitude. Now, here he was, siding with Owen, ready to stab me in the back. The betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow.

You said he was just telling me to leave? I asked, my voice dangerously low. This empire was built with my blood and sweat. You thieves waltz in, try to steal it, and then order me out. Tell me, who exactly is taking it too far? Go on. Im listening.

Since youre asking, Ill tell you, a new voice cut in. Because the company needs a healthy man to lead it, not a cripple like you. Understand?

My wife, Evelyn, strode into the room, high heels clicking, swaying her hips. I turned to her in disbelief, my hands clenching into fists. Her eyes were fixed on Owen, and Owens eyes were devouring her figure.

In that instant, I understood. The two of them had conspired against me, a vile, treacherous pact.

Evelyn, I ground out. Do you know what youre saying? Do you remember whose wife you are?

She met my fury with a cold, indifferent shrug. Of course, I know what Im saying. She paused, a cruel smirk playing on her lips. As for being your wife not anymore.

What do you mean? I demanded, a terrible premonition creeping into my heart. That night they had gotten me drunk, and theyd made me sign two contracts. Was this? My head snapped up to meet Evelyns cunning gaze and Owens triumphant sneer. The fire of being played for a fool was unquenchable.

Heh, Evelyn purred. It seems youre finally starting to figure it out.

Consumed by rage, I wheeled myself over to Evelyn, grabbing her arm. Those contracts you two made me sign that night, I snarled, what were they?

She shot me a look of pure contempt and violently ripped her arm from my grasp. Dont touch me, you pathetic cripple.

Then, she slapped me. Hard.

That slap obliterated any lingering affection I had for her. The remaining guests began to murmur amongst themselves. To quell the gossip, Evelyn addressed the room from the front.

Ladies and gentlemen, my sincerest apologies, she said, her voice smooth as silk. It seems there has been a terrible misunderstanding. Cole is, as you can see, very much alive. I apologize for the confusion. Please, accept my apologies and feel free to leave. What remains is a private family matter, and we will handle it ourselves.

Once the guests had departed, Evelyns gentle smile vanished, replaced by a mask of cold cruelty.

Cole, youre such a smart man, she cooed. Why dont you use that brilliant mind of yours to guess what those contracts were?

As she finished speaking, Owen wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in for a deep, passionate kiss. I watched, my eyes burning red, my fists clenched so tight my knuckles were white, as my wife and my best friend devoured each other. A chill spread from my heart, and it felt like I couldnt breathe.

Ev-e-lyn, I bit out each syllable. Give me one reason for this betrayal.

Owen effortlessly lifted her into his arms and sat down across from me. Why are you so worked up, brother? With your legs broken, a useless man like you should be lying in bed, counting your final days. He smirked. Didnt I tell you? Id take care of the company and your wife for you. I just took care of her all the way into my bed.

Evelyn, nestled in his embrace, added her own venom. Cole, I never loved you. I married you because you were rich and powerful. Her eyes raked over me with disgust. Now youve lost everything. Youre useless. Whats the difference between you and a cripple?

Believing they had full control, they dropped all pretenses. Staring at their repulsive faces, my mind went blank. One was my best friend, the other, the woman I loved. I had treated them both with nothing but generosity after my success. Especially Owen. He was my childhood friend. His family was dirt poor; he almost couldnt afford college. I begged my father to sponsor his education. And now, he had forgotten everything, using my kindness to destroy me.

The few shareholders who hadnt taken a side could no longer stand it. They stood up, their voices filled with righteous indignation, pointing at the pair.

You two are disgusting! Now I see it all.

You conspired to kill Cole so you could take over his company, didnt you?

Shameless. Vicious. We will not accept Owen as the head of this company.

Thats right! For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of warmth. In times of crisis, you see who your true friends are.

Owen set Evelyn down and stood up, strolling around nonchalantly. So what if you guessed right? This world is survival of the fittest. If youre not ruthless enough on your way to the top, you wont last. He sneered at the shareholder who had spoken. You old fossil, your support means nothing. It wont change the fact that Im taking over.

With that, Owen punched the man, sending him staggering back. Old man, if you ever dare point your finger at me again, Ill break it on the spot. He glared at the others. Dont think that cripple Cole can save you. Youd all be wise to pick the right side if you don't want to end up in a ditch.