A Gift from Father

Chapter 7

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Arthur scanned the document as quick as possible, though he was certain Kyle was his grandson, but he couldn't help but feel anxious.

"I knew it." He punched the air. Then, he looked up at Kyle with pure joy.

"Kyle," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's you. You're the one we've been searching for."

Kyle froze, the weight of the words sinking in. "I'm... really your grandson?"

Arthur stood up, his excitement barely contained. "Yes! The test confirms it! You are my son's child."

For a moment, the room was still. Kyle couldn't speak, his mind whirling with disbelief. He had spent his entire life with his grandmother, never knowing anything about this hidden legacy. And now, with a simple test, everything had changed.

Kelly raised an eyebrow, her expression softening slightly as she studied Kyle with newfound interest. "Well, that's unexpected. I'll admit, you're different from the others. Most of the men who showed up here pretending to be family were eager to claim their inheritance, but you... you weren't."

Kyle shrugged, trying to push down the nervous energy that buzzed through him. "I didn't even know I was supposed to be part of this family. This is all... it's a lot to take in."

Arthur walked over to Kyle, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand. But there's no rush. What matters is that you're here now. And as my grandson, there are certain responsibilities—and rewards—that come with your position."

"Responsibilities?" Kyle echoed, his voice uncertain.

Arthur chuckled. "Yes, Kyle. You are the heir to the Howard fortune. Our family owns properties, businesses, and assets that span across the country. But more than that, you'll inherit a legacy that goes back generations."

Kyle blinked, his mouth suddenly dry. "What... kind of fortune?" Though he was brilliant and have heard about the Howard empire maybe once, he was not the type to bury themselves in news and gossips. He was a nerd at school known for studying all day long if not at work. The issue he had with Tara was just an interest that came out of the blue while he was trying to test the waters.

Arthur motioned toward a large window overlooking the sprawling estate. "This mansion, for one. But it's just the beginning. Our family owns hotels, resorts, and estates around the world. In New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai... the list goes on. And that's just real estate."

Kyle's head spun as his grandfather continued.

"We have holdings in tech companies, stock in major corporations, and exclusive partnerships with global firms. There are accounts—offshore and domestic—worth billions. And soon, it will all be yours."

Kyle's breath hitched. He had grown up scraping by, worrying about paying for college, barely able to afford necessities. And now... billions?

Arthur smiled at Kyle's astonishment. "I know it sounds overwhelming. But this is your birthright, Kyle. You'll be taught how to manage it all, of course. You won't be alone in this."

Kyle swallowed, his mind still reeling. He looked around the room, taking in the opulence he had once only seen in magazines. The luxury was suffocating, yet thrilling. How could this be his life now? How could everything change in an instant?

"I don't know what to say," Kyle muttered, his voice barely audible.

Arthur's smile softened. "You don't have to say anything now. Just know that you're home. You belong here, with us. Patrick will now be at peace that I have found his son and brought him home."

Kelly finally spoke again, her tone less harsh than before. "Grandfather's right. This is your family now, Kyle. Whether you like it or not, you're one of us."

Kyle let out a shaky breath. It was too much to process. His whole life, he had felt like an outsider, never knowing his place in the world. And now he was being told that he was part of a dynasty—one that could offer him everything he had ever wanted.

But even as the promise of wealth and power loomed before him, Kyle couldn't shake the feeling of unease. There had to be a catch. There always was.

"Alright," Kyle said quietly. "I'll give it a shot. But I need time to figure this out."

Arthur nodded, his expression understanding. "Take all the time you need. Just know that whatever you decide, we're here for you."

Kyle nodded back, though his mind remained clouded with doubt. As he looked around at the luxurious surroundings, one thought lingered in the back of his mind: Was this really where he belonged?

Kyle couldn't believe the turn his life had taken in the span of a few hours. His mind was still reeling from the conversation with his grandfather, the lavish surroundings, and the promises of wealth that had been dropped on his lap like some fantastical dream.

'Take over the consortium after graduation...' the words echoed in his mind. A business empire would be his. And as if that wasn't enough.

"Your father left you a gift." Arthur had cut him off from these thoughts. Kyle raised an eyebrow as Arthur signaled to a man who had been standing beside the door all this while. Suddenly the door opened, and a medium-sized box was brought in and placed before him. Arthur gestured for him to open the box, and when he did, he saw several documents, albums, and much more, but a small mini black box caught his attention.

He was hesitant to pick anything from the box, but Arthur gave him a small, reassuring smile while Kelly, who was still seated, chorused out. "Come on, man, it's all yours."

Kyle picked up the black box, and when he opened it, he saw a golden card. As he picked up the card, still confused at what it was. He had a gasp from the woman across him.

"Wow!! Is that a platinum card?" She asked Arthur, who nodded.

"Yes, it is. Your father left you all his wealth and assets. And that card is limitless." Kyle's heart began to palpate, and his hand trembled. "Every other thing you needed to know about all your father had left you is in that box, and there is also a safe in Italy he had left for you. Here is also a card for you as the heir to the Howard empire. Only the two families possess this card in the whole world." Arthur finished as he handed him a sleek black card.

Kyle was speechless; he has been handed enough money to support ten lifetimes. Kyle stared at it, dumbfounded, the weight of it heavy in his hand.