Chapter 5 The Unidentified Heir

• Seven brothers were sitting around a big table at the Royal Whitfield Global Conglomerate. General Hilton Whitfield, their father, spoke gravely.
• “News from old master Rudland says that Melissa passed away long ago,” General Whitfield announced in a grave voice.
• The brothers’ hopeful expressions faltered, replaced by sorrow. It was a solemn gathering, each aware of the business for the day. Yet none seemed prepared for it.
• “However,” the General continued, lifting their spirits again, “we believe she left behind a child.”
• “Where is the child? We should bring them to Willowy Heights immediately,” Captain Dixon, the eldest son, interjected.
• The General gave a headshake. “At the moment, I can't answer that. We’re not even sure of the child’s gender.”
• Another wave of frustration swept through the room. The brothers exchanged uncertain glances. Without more information, how could they find their niece or nephew?
• “We need to figure out the name and identity of the man she was with,” Dixon said, thinking hard but coming up with nothing. “Old master Rudland’s men should definitely have something on him.”
• Melissa Whitfield, their only sister, had disappeared over twenty years ago with a man the family disapproved of. At the time, the Whitfields were preoccupied with a bloody war. They assumed Melissa’s affair was fleeting and that she would return once she ran out of money or realized her mistake.
• Days turned into years, and when the family finally decided to look for her, it was too late. They had no details about the man she had run off with.
• Captain Briggs, the second son, stood abruptly. “Father, we need the army. We must search the entire country until Melissa’s child is found. Spare no expense.”
• The Whitfields were a military family, with all seven brothers holding the rank of captain. General Hilton Whitfield was the only six-star General in the country, a title he earned after winning the decades-long war.
• Their influence had extended beyond the battlefield to the corporate world through the Royal Whitfield Global Conglomerate, a company founded by Major Whitfield, their patriarch.
• Royal Whitfield Global Conglomerate was set up over fifty years ago after Major Whitfield retired from the army. Thanks to the stronghold the family already had in the entire country, the company soon gained an enviable spot in the corporate world.
• General Whitfield sighed heavily. “Fortunately, I’ve gathered some information about the man. He married Melissa after returning with her.”
• Briggs sat back down, surprised. “You do?”
• The General nodded. “He was from the Peak Coastal Region, possibly Providence. It’s believed he died a long time ago.” The General’s voice wavered slightly, revealing his deep regret over Melissa’s tragic fate.
• “Providence…” the sons murmured.
• The General, determined to find his lost grandchild, in the hope of atoning for the years of guilt that had weighed on him., commanded. “Prepare yourselves. Once we confirm these details, Dixon and Briggs will head to Providence. Half of Royal Whitfield Conglomerate belongs to Melissa, and her child is the rightful heir.”
• Back at the ranch, Alora paced restlessly. The money I have won’t be enough to get far, she thought. She hoped she could collect the cash stashed in her room, but it was too risky.
• She brought up a crumpled pamphlet: The Royal Whitfield Global Conglomerate. She gave a thin grin. She had wanted to work there for years. She was closer now than before.
• Carefully, she tucked the pamphlet back in. She approached Tev, her horse, and stroked its white coat. She said, "I can't take you, Tev." "It is too risky. However, I will return at some point. I promise.
• As Tev nuzzled her hand, tears welled up in her eyes. The horse seems to understand.
• Wiping her tears, her resolve hardened. I’ll return one day and claim what’s mine.
• Her heart racing, she left the ranch. She was at last free, but she had no idea what lay ahead.
• Bam!
• A reckless driver swerved and collided with the wrangler John was driving. John braked sharply. “Who drives so carelessly?!” His skill had prevented a disaster. Hanson furrowed his brows, unimpressed by the chaos that greeted him in the new city.
• The other driver emerged from his car, looking helpless. “I’m so sorry, I was in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention.”
• Amidst the altercation, an elderly man with long brown hair stepped out of the car, and the driver quickly rushed to him. “Sir Cliff, you shouldn’t be out.”
• “Give him enough to take care of the damage, Andrew,” Sir Cliff whimpered sharpy. “Gentleman, we need to get to the hospital quickly,” Sir Cliff pleaded with John, his face pale and breathing labored.
• “You won’t make it in time to the hospital,” Hanson said, approaching them.
• Sir Cliff scowled. “What do you mean?”
• “Our car’s fine—you don’t need to pay,” Hanson replied, turning to leave.
• But Sir Cliff stopped him. “Please, save me. I know you can. I’ll pay you handsomely.”
• Andrew hesitated. Hanson appeared so ordinary, and a look at him would tell he knew nothing about medicine, let alone complex situation like Sir Cliff’s situation. Yet, seeing the situation, he became positive. “If you could diagnose Sir Cliff’s condition at first glance, then you must know how to help him. We’ve spent a fortune on treatments to no avail,” he begged.
• Hanson studied Sir Cliff. “The injury in your master’s right lung has reached its final stage. In no time, he’ll have difficulty breathing and could suffocate to death.”
• Sir Cliff gasped and began coughing violently. He had been concealing the severity of his condition for too long.
• “He’s a good man,” Hanson said softly. “I’ll help him.”
• Hanson immediately went into action, pressing his fingers into key acupoints on Sir Cliff’s body. Within moments, the elderly man’s breathing steadied.
• “I’ll prescribe some herbs and medications for you. Don’t overexert yourself. You should find a permanent cure soon.”
• Sir Cliff’s improvement felt miraculous and he couldn’t contain his excitement. “Tell me your price, sir. I’ll give you anything.”
• “My name is Hanson, and my price is that you forget me.”
• Hanson’s friend, Old man Clive taught Hanson all he knew about martial art, weapons, nature, and traditional medicines.
• Since then, Hanson had been putting his medicine skills to use only when he felt it was necessary. This he does absolutely for free and with no expectations whatsoever.
• “But… I can’t, not after—”
• “That is my only demand,” Hanson said firmly.
• Reluctantly, Sir Cliff nodded, deeply intrigued by the young man who had just saved his life.