The Heir

chapter 6

VANESSA beckoned him to sit on the couch and ordered her secretary to prepare something to drink. She then sat on the couch across him. The look on her face made Maximillian think about what was going on inside the woman’s head. Was she trying to read him?

Maximillian cleared his throat to get Vanessa’s attention.

“Oh. I… uhm, I am sorry about that. It just fascinates me that you don’t have even a little resemblance with your father.” Vanessa cupped her mouth after realizing what she had said. “I am so sorry. I know you mentioned we should not talk about your father—oops!”

“It’s all right, Vanessa. It is impossible not to talk about him, though. I am here to inspect my properties, which technically belong to my father.” He heaved a sigh. “And don’t think about our resemblance too much. I look more like my mother.”

Maximillian was glad it turned out that way because if he looks the same as his father, he will also hate himself.

Vanessa’s secretary came in with two glasses of refreshments.

“Here is your drink. Enjoy.” The secretary put the glasses down on the table between them and left the office.

“Drink your refreshment first. The turn of events is a bit… you know.” Vanessa picked up her glass and took a sip.

“Don’t you feel bad stepping down from being president of the LS Group just for me?” Maximillian asked after a few seconds of staring at each other.

He was kinda expecting to see Vanessa react negatively toward him for asking such a question, but she did the opposite. She smiled at him instead.

“Ever since I became the president of LS Group, I prepared myself that the day will come that I have to step down and give way to the rightful owner. And that is you, Maximillian Lee.” Vanessa crossed her legs and cupped the glass with two hands. “Some may laugh at me and call me a hypocrite. But believe me, it is the truth. You know what makes it hard? It is when you do not know your place.”

“And you know yours,” he muttered.

“Exactly.” Vanessa stared at him for seconds before speaking again. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He clasped his hands together.

“Why did you take the inheritance?” There was not even a hint of jealousy in her voice. Perhaps she was just curious. “Don’t get me wrong. I heard you hate your father so much for abandoning you when you were young.”

“What do you think, Vanessa?” He leaned forward.

“I… uhm…” She shook her head and laughed. “I really don’t know. You see, I have never been in your shoes.”

“Right,” he muttered and leaned back against his seat. “I am his son, and that means I am the rightful heir to everything that he has.”

“O-oh. Of course.”

That was one reason. And Maximillian did not have to share with Vanessa that he accepted the inheritance with a motive. It would be better to keep it for himself. Alone.

Vanessa stood up and sauntered towards her table. She opened the drawer and took something out of it. When she returned to the couch, she handed him a black rectangular thing with a cord attached to it.

“What is this?” His brows furrowed.

“Well.” Vanessa sat again. “That external hard drive contains everything you need to learn about the LS Group. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.”

“So, this is you turning over the company to me.” He played the cord with his fingers. “It seems that you are well prepared.”

“Look. I told you I knew this day will come. It is better to be prepared ahead of time. This company is not a playground for me—” Vanessa’s sentence was suddenly cut off when the door opened, and her secretary came in. “What is it?”

“I am sorry to interrupt your conversation. But may I remind you that you have a meeting with Mr. Dominic Parker of the Parker Group for the renewal of their contract with us,” the secretary said politely and left.

“Oh, right.” Vanessa cupped her forehead. “I almost forgot about that.”

When she was about to stand up, Maximillian stopped her.

“No, Vanessa. The LS Group will no longer renew the cooperation with them.” He smirked. “We will let them go bankrupt.”

“Max—”

“This is my first order as the new president of this company.”

“Okay.” Vanessa stood up. “But I still have to see Mr. Parker and inform him about this.”

When Vanessa went out of the office, he just sat there comfortably.