Chapter 164
Megan’s POV:
I was still there when I heard from home.
I was needed by the Lucinda’s lawyer. I will wonder because it was years since she passed.
I headed there and meet the lawyer in no time.
I stared at the lawyer’s letter in my hand, my mind reeling with shock.
My great aunt, Lucinda, had passed away, leaving me her entire estate. But there was a catch, I had to spend one month in her mansion, alone, before I could inherit.
I had never met Lucinda, but my parents had spoken of her in hushed tones. She was a successful businesswoman, known for her ruthless tactics and sharp instincts.
As I stepped out of the car and onto the winding driveway, I felt a sense of trepidation.
The mansion loomed before me, its sleek modern design a testament to Lucinda’s wealth and taste.
I pushed open the front door and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and polish. A note on the kitchen counter caught my eye –
“Welcome, I’ve left you a few things to get started. L” it says.
I wandered through the empty halls, my footsteps echoing off the walls. What had Lucinda left me, and why had she chosen me to inherit her estate?
As I explored, I stumbled upon a room filled with Lucinda’s business awards and accolades.
A framed photo caught my eye Lucinda, standing confidently in front of a city skyline, a fierce glint in her eye.
I felt a surge of determination. I would uncover the secrets of Lucinda’s success and make the most of this unexpected legacy.
But as I delved deeper into the mansion, I began to uncover hints of a more complex story.
And I realized that inheriting Lucinda’s estate was only the beginning.
I spent the first few days exploring the mansion and getting familiar with Lucinda’s business empire.
She had built a vast conglomerate, with interests in real estate, tech, and finance. I was determined to learn as much as I could, to make sense of the complex web of companies and investments.
As I dug deeper, I began to uncover some surprising facts. Lucinda had been a pioneer in her field, breaking glass ceilings and pushing boundaries.
But she had also made enemies, and there were whispers of ruthless tactics and shady deals.
I decided to pay a visit to Lucinda’s former business partner, a man named Marcus.
He had been her right-hand man for years, and I hoped he could give me some insight into Lucinda’s world.
Marcus greeted me warmly, but I could sense a hint of wariness behind his eyes. We sat down in his office, surrounded by photos of Lucinda and various business leaders.
“So, you’re the new heir,” he said, his voice neutral.
“I have to say, I’m surprised. Lucinda never mentioned you.” He says.
“I know,” I said.
“I was surprised too. But I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity.” I say.
Marcus nodded; his expression unreadable.
“I’m sure you will. Lucinda was a force to be reckoned with. She built an empire from scratch, and she didn’t let anyone stand in her way.” He narrates.
“What do you mean?” I asked, leaning forward.
Marcus hesitated, glancing around the room as if he feared being overheard.
“Lucinda was a brilliant businesswoman,” he said quietly. “But she was also ruthless. She would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.” He says as my eyes widened without him noticing.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What had I gotten myself into?
As I left Marcus’s office, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I had only scratched the surface of Lucinda’s empire.
There were secrets lurking beneath the surface, secrets that Marcus seemed reluctant to reveal.
I decided to dig deeper, to follow the trail of clues that Lucinda had left behind. I spent the next few days poring over financial records, talking to employees, and searching for any hint of wrongdoing.
And then, I stumbled upon it a hidden account, tucked away in a shell company.
The transactions were cryptic, but one thing was clear Lucinda had been embezzling funds, using her business as a front for her own personal gain.
I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. How could Lucinda have done this? And what else was she hiding?
I knew I had to confront Marcus, to demand answers.
But as I arrived at his office, I saw something that made my blood run cold a photo of Lucinda, standing next to a man I recognized.
A man who had been accused of corporate, of using his wealth and influence to silence his enemies.
The pieces were falling into place. Lucinda’s empire was built on deceit and corruption. And I had inherited it all.
I felt a sense of trepidation as I approached Marcus’s desk. What would he say? Would he deny it all, or would he finally reveal the truth?
“Marcus,” I said, my voice firm.
“I know what I’ve found. I know about the embezzlement, the shell companies. And I know about Lucinda’s connections to corporate espionage.”
Marcus looked up, his eyes narrowing. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of fear. But then, his expression changed, replaced by a calculating calm.
“Ah,” he said. “You’re smarter than I thought. But do you have the guts to see this through?”
I hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead. But I knew one thing.
Marcus leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face.
“You see, Lucinda was just a pawn in a much larger game,” he said.
“A game of power, of influence, of control.” He continues.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What was he talking about?
“The Shadow Syndicate,” he continued.
“A group of wealthy and powerful individuals who manipulate the system from behind the scenes. They use their wealth and influence to bend the rules, to silence their enemies, and to get what they want.”
I was stunned.
“And Lucinda was a part of it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marcus nodded.
“She was one of their key players. She used her business empire to launder their money, to fund their operations, and to further their interests.” He says.
“I am definitely not going to be one of this.” I said to myself.
I felt a wave of anger wash over me. How could Lucinda have done this? And what did it mean for me, now that I had inherited her empire?
“What do you want from me?” I demanded.
Marcus leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity.
“I want you to continue Lucinda’s work,” he said.
I was horrified. I couldn’t be a part of this. I couldn’t be a pawn in their game.
But as I looked into Marcus’s eyes, I saw something that chilled me to the bone. I saw a warning, a warning that if I didn’t comply, I would suffer the consequences.
And in that moment, I knew I had a choice to make. A choice that would determine my fate, and the fate of those around me.