43 ~ Ronald's Secret Assets II

Francesco 

“How could you do this to me?” 

That was the thought that crossed my mind when my father's brother told us that my father had given sixty percent of his shares to a fucking Motherless Babies Home. 

My jaw dropped, leaving my mouth hanging open in stunned silence. My eyes were like saucers, frozen in a permanent state of horror. 

I have just been rendered speechless completely, my mind reeling with the implications of what my father had done. 

He betrayed me. How can I even say that he betrayed me? I am not his biological son. I am just an adopted stranger who was brought into the family overnight.

Why should I have thought he would care about me? 

I am just here to do his dirty work, right? 

No wonder he only gave me his empire and forty percent of his shares. 

What a cruel man. 

“Your father also was responsible for the death of Marshall's father, the head of the Fernandez family.” Joshua said with a sly smile on his face. 

If there was anyone who would be much happier with what just happened, it has to be Joshua. 

When I was brought to the Dante family, I can remember vividly how he and my father — I can still call him that. Though he has betrayed me — used to fight every day. 

Joshua was not ready to bow down to my father and that led to his banishment from the Dante family after I interceded for him while he was to be executed. 

“What are you trying to say?” Mom asked, bowing her head. “Do you mean in all his properties, that is all Francesco gets?” She faced me. “He is his son. How can he do that?” 

“It is none of my business. I only did what I was asked to do. When he willed his properties, he told me to give the documents to his lawyer back in Italy. I simply did my job.” Joshua fired then he swept his gaze around. 

“I can't believe this,” Mom uttered before she stood from her seat. She darted towards Joshua in a rush and grabbed the bottle on the table. “Are all these true or fabricated?” She yelled. 

“Take it or leave it, I am not lying.” He answered, his eyes fixed on me. 

That says it. Joshua wouldn't lie. 

I gasp for air for some time but there is nothing to do left. I made my way out of the door without looking back as Brinda and Ronald's wife, Elizabeth, screamed my name. 

As I returned home, I was more like an agent of fury myself. The beating of my heart increased and my eyes darted around angrily. I simply rushed to my room where I banged my hands on the cupboard repeatedly. 

I pulled off my clothes and dashed into the bathroom to have a cold bath. I sat in the bathtub with my eyes closed and my fingers tapping gently on each other. 

At least, I need this. 

Who is my biological father? Who is my biological mother? Which family am I from? 

I can't remember anything. 

The only memory I have left is when I was brought into this mansion. One day, I heard Ronald and his wife talk about it but till today, I haven't disclosed it or shown it to them that I am aware of my birth status. 

Even if you lay down your life for a Lion, when the time comes, you will be devoured by it. 

Ronald is not my father. He never took me as his son. I was just an instrument of violence and power. Why did I fall for his useless antics?

Well… He deserves that. That is his problem. But in the midst of the revelations earlier, I forgot to ask who killed Ronald?

Then, there came a banging on my room's door. I pretended like I heard nothing and remained in my position. 

“Francesco. My son.” Elizabeth sobbed from outside, her voice was shaking as she called my name but I care less. I don't want any of them anymore. 

They are worthless and untrustworthy. 

The banging continued for about five minutes till I decided to open the door for her. I got out of the bathtub, dried my body with my towel and slowly walked out of the toilet. 

“Why are you here?” I asked as soon as I opened the door. 

Elizabeth tried to hug me but I placed my right hand in between us. She opened her mouth in surprise before a tear dropped on her cheek.

“Francesco…. You…” She stammered. 

I rolled my eyes to the left where Brinda was standing. Her head was bowed as if she felt an ounce of pity for me but it is all a lie. 

They are all betrayals, as well as her. If not, when I disappeared five years ago, she wouldn't have accepted Marshall into her life. 

“What? If you have nothing to say. Leave now!” I boiled in anger. 

They both stood there and said nothing. I slammed the door on their faces then I moved to the refrigerator. I brought out a whiskey, opened it and emptied some into the glass cup on the table. 

Am I not meant to celebrate my own victory? 

I connected my phone to the Bluetooth speaker I had bought a long time ago. Not actually bought… Ronald gave it to me on my tenth year birthday and even since then, I have kept it like my life depended on it. 

I increased the volume while music played — Almost crashing my room's wall. 

Occasionally, I gulped down the drink but I didn't stop dancing. This is a perfect way to forget my sorrow but can I actually forget. 

Fine! The crypt key. I need it back. And very soon. 

However, Marshall's men are keeping an eye on Brinda's apartment. If I send her or we go there together, there will be bloodshed and I do not want that. 

Speaking of Brinda, I think it's the best time she faced real-time punishment from me in the dark room. 

Why will she be so open with Joshua? He is an old man for crying out loud. What does he have that I do not have? 

She deserves only me and no one else.