The Abandoned Heir

The weight of realization pressed heavily on my chest, but before I could process it, I heard approaching footsteps. I quickly set the package down and adjusted my expression just as my mother appeared at the doorway.

She forced a smile, but the corners of her lips trembled slightly. "Owen, when did you go out? I've been so busy I didn't even notice." Her eyes flickered to the half-opened package and for a brief second, panic flashed across her face. "These are just some office supplies for your dad. They must have been sent here by mistake. Don't touch them. Come on, I'll help you inside so you don't hurt yourself."

She spoke hurriedly, her words piling on top of each other as if she was trying to drown out any further questions. But I didn't ask anything. There was no point.

I nodded silently and followed her back inside.

Later that evening, I ate the warm soup she had specially prepared for me, but my heart had already turned ice-cold.

For the next three days, my parents were busy preparing a grand celebration banquet for Ethan. They spent their time coordinating with the hotel, finalizing the guest list and arranging the perfect event. To them, nothing was more important.

Meanwhile, I drank the medicines my parents gave me—though I already knew they had been switched with just vitamins. I quietly made the final revisions to my proposal, checking and rechecking every detail. But no amount of preparation could have readied me for what happened next.

***

The day of the shareholders' meeting arrived. I dressed carefully, making sure I looked as professional as possible. Even if I couldn't stand, I wanted to be taken seriously.

But they never even left me with the last shred of opportunity.

Ethan was the first to present. I listened absentmindedly at first, assuming his proposal would be the typical corporate nonsense. But the moment his project proposal appeared on the massive screen, I froze.

It was identical to mine.

Every. Single. Detail.

A chill spread through my veins. My mind went blank for a second, refusing to process what was happening. My fingers clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms.

How? How did he get it?

When the presentation ended, the entire room erupted into applause. My father was the first to stand, clapping enthusiastically, his expression brimming with pride. His smile stretched wide, his satisfaction almost glowing.

Everyone praised Ethan for his talent, calling his project innovative and promising. They spoke of his limitless future, his potential to lead the company into a new era.

And me? I wasn't even given a glance.

My throat tightened, but before I could do anything, Ethan walked toward me and gripped the handle of my wheelchair, pushing me toward the stairwell. His grasp was firm as he maneuvered me into the isolated space.

Once we were alone, his mask slipped.

He glanced down at my legs, his lips curling into a contemptuous smirk. "What's the matter? Even after becoming a cripple, you still refuse to stay put? You just had to come out and steal the spotlight?"