The Abandoned Heir

My father's words were calm, rational even, as if he truly believed what he was saying.

"Rather than letting Owen get beaten down, it's better to hand everything over to Ethan. At least Ethan is capable and once he takes over, he won't mistreat Owen." My father let out a deep sigh, as if he had made a noble sacrifice. "This is the best solution—I'm doing this for Owen's own good."

My mother remained silent. Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing.

The lawyer, caught in the middle of this cold, calculated betrayal, seemed to hesitate. But in the end, he quickly excused himself, leaving the room without another word.

I pressed my trembling fingers against the wall, trying to steady myself, but my breath came in ragged gasps. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, my father pulled out his phone and took several photos of the equity transfer agreement before forwarding them to Ethan.

His voice softened, dripping with pride as he made a call.

"My good son, I've already spoken with the shareholders. The meeting has been postponed for three days. Owen won't be able to recover in time to attend, so you'll be the only candidate. Do well and I'll have a celebration banquet waiting for you when you return."

My nails dug into my palm.

"The car accident was a great idea." My father chuckled. "I don't need to tell you what to do next, do I? Make sure to switch Owen's medicine to vitamins—don't harm his health."

The call ended. The sound of his voice still echoed in my ears.

Tears slipped uncontrollably down my face.

So, the car accident wasn't an accident at all. It was planned. Meticulously. Heartlessly. By the very people who were supposed to love me.

Five years ago, the Griffith Family had brought me back from the orphanage. I still remembered that day—the warmth of my mother's embrace, the way my father had held me firmly by the shoulders, looking at me as if he had finally found something precious he had lost. They had sobbed uncontrollably, saying how much they regretted everything.

"Owen, we've wronged you. We should have looked for you sooner."

"We'll make it up to you. You'll never feel unwanted again."

I believed them.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn't just an abandoned orphan. I felt like I belonged somewhere. I thought I had finally found my place, that I was a prince in a fairytale who had been lost but was now home.

They tried to make up for the fifteen birthdays I had spent alone, gifting me fifteen presents as blessings. My mother had personally picked them out, her face filled with guilt and love.

"These are all for you, sweetheart. To make up for the years we weren't by your side."

Not wanting to disappoint them, I had worked desperately hard. I threw myself into my studies, into business, into everything they wanted me to be.

I only wanted to be worthy enough to stand by their side.