3 days later, while I was checking the fence in the western field, a black car parked at the farm’s gate.
My father stepped out, dressed in a suit, though his shoes were caked with mud from the dirt path.
My mother followed, impeccably dressed, her smile forced.
I stopped wiping sweat from my brow, my stomach nodding.
“Michael,” she called, her voice overly sweet. “We need to talk.”
I crossed my arms, staring at them.
“Talk about what? I made myself clear at the lawyer’s office.”
My father stepped closer, his eyes sharp as knives.
“Don’t be foolish, Michael. You don’t know how to manage that money. You need us. Otherwise, you’ll lose everything.”
I let out a dry laugh, anger surging.
“Lose everything, like how you abandoned me 10 years ago?”
My mother cut in, her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears.
“We were wrong, Michael, but we’re family. You can’t turn your back on your parents.”
I looked into her eyes, seeing the dishonesty as clear as day.
“Family. Family doesn’t abandon their child for money. You came back for Grandpa’s fortune, not for me.”
The air was taught as a bowing.
My father clenched his fists, his voice dropping to a threatening growl.
“Watch yourself, Michael. We could go to the press. Tell them you stole your grandfather’s wealth and pushed your parents out. Do you want this whole town to turn against you?”
I froze, my heart pounding.
The thought of their lies spreading everywhere chilled me.
But then I remembered Grandpa, the ring, and what he taught me.
“Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself.”
I took a deep breath, stepping closer to my father, meeting his gaze.
“Want to tell stories? Fine. Tell them how you forged documents to steal from Grandpa. Tell them how you abandoned me at 900. Not a single call in 10 years. Go ahead, try it. I’ll tell the truth.”
I pointed to the road.
“Now get out of here before I call the police.”
My mother palled, and my father stepped back as if stunned that I’d stand up to him.
They got in the car, but before closing the door, my father turned, his voice icy.
“This isn’t over, Michael.”
Their car sped off, leaving me standing in the field, my heart still racing.
I gripped the ring, feeling the word legacy etched into my skin.
I knew they wouldn’t stop, but this time I wasn’t afraid.
Phân cảnh 10: Taking over the company
The following week, I was called to the headquarters of my grandfather’s tech company in Bosezeman, a sleek glass building, a stark contrast to his humble farm.
Ms. Karen Walker, his lawyer, accompanied me.
“You need to show up, Michael,” she said. “The shareholders want to meet the air.”
I wore the only new shirt I had, feeling out of place among men in suits and women in high heels.
But as I entered the boardroom, I saw curious, even skeptical eyes from those seated around the table.
Ms. Walker introduced me, her voice firm.
“This is Michael Reynolds, the sole heir to Mr. Walter Reynolds’s shares.”
An older man, introducing himself as the CEO, spoke up.
“No offense, young Michael, but you’re young. What are your plans for this company?”