Crude Heir (Billionaire Heirs #3)

Chapter 28

Nicole

The tension inside me ratchets up as we pull in front of Addler’s house. It’s my first time seeing it in daylight, and the grandeur of the two-story home, divided into sections, is even more impressive than what it seemed last night.

Ezequiel scans the area cautiously before we can proceed. It’s a reminder that while most mansions this size sit within gated communities, this one is out in the open, without a single neighbor in sight.

“We’re good.” Ezequiel unlocks the doors. We climb out of the SUV in front of Addler’s house. His truck is already parked by the entrance.

“So the all mighty has arrived,” Derrick mutters under his breath, sarcasm lacing his words. His eyes narrow slightly as his gaze goes from Addler’s truck to the gate. The only thing separating him from Keith Kelly, his estranged father.

Taking my laptop bag, Derrick ushers me ahead of him. We follow Ezequiel as he goes through the security measures that will allow us into the house. He removes his hat, stepping in to glance around, then holds the door for me.

“Thank you.” I enter behind him. Derrick flattens his hand on the door beside me, holding it open.

“Anybody home?” His voice echoes through the spacious hallway lined with works of art.

Elena appears from a corridor to the right, her expression a mix of relief and urgency. “They’re in the study.” She glances to her left, out of the corner of her eye. “I was just showing Miss Josie some of the paintings done by Addler’s mom.”

Josephine Stockton, Derrick’s mother, emerges from behind her. She’s a petite woman, immaculately dressed, perfect makeup, and a serene expression on her face. “Nicole,” she says, sounding pleased to see me.

“Hello, Miss Josie.” I try my best to keep the nervous jolt in my stomach from showing on my face. This is another moment where I wish the ground would swallow me whole. It’s the first time I’ve seen Miss Josie in months, and I’m standing here, beside her son , in butt-molding leggings. I suddenly regret giving Derrick grief about wearing something so revealing.

“Derrick.” She cautiously moves to stand in front of her son, offering a cheek for him.

“Mother.” Though he’s stiff as a board, he dutifully drops a kiss on the offered cheek, without a hint of emotion on his face. As he straightens, I catch a glimpse of sadness in her face, which breaks my heart.

I have no words. I can’t compare this man to the one I discovered over the last few days. He’s thoughtful, teasing, passionate, and sometimes downright angry. But he’s not this emotionally void person standing in front of me.

“This is Ezequiel Mata,” Elena introduces him quickly. Derrick sidesteps letting the awkward moment pass. “He’s the Ranch Manager for La Escuadra .”

“Hello, sir.” She holds out a hand to greet him, skillfully masking her emotions.

Ezequiel runs a hand through his hair. “Ma’am,” he replies, sounding out of sorts. “I’ve been out in the field.” He squeezes his hand closed. “I’m afraid my hands are—”

“Perfectly fine for a greeting,” she interjects with a warm smile, her hand unwavering.

Ezequiel opens and closes. His shoulders drop in defeat, then he wipes his palm on his jeans a few times before finally taking her hand.

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

“You’re a nice lady, Miss Josie,” he says, relaxing.

“Not especially,” she replies. “But I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“Fair enough.” He grins.

“How about we join Addler and Mr. Kelly.” Elena leads Miss Josie toward the opposite hall from where they came. Ezequiel lags behind. “You’re not coming?” she asks.

“This may be above my pay grade,” he jokes.

“Get in here,” Addler calls out.

Ezequiel trails behind us, as if he’d rather be anywhere else but here, and just missed his last opportunity. I can’t help but sympathize. I half wish I was making an escape along with him.

His phone buzzes in his shirt pocket. He checks the screen. “Let me get this.” He seizes the chance to step away.

Mr. Kelly and Addler stand as we enter a large study, the walls lined with an impressive array of books. The comfortable sitting area, clearly arranged for more business-oriented conversation, dominates the room.

Mr. Kelly smooths down his tie, the coat of his suit set aside for a more informal discussion. Part of me wants to reach out and take Derrick’s hand for comfort, though I’m not sure if it would be for his comfort or mine.

“Sir.” I manage a smile.

“Nicole,” he says warmly then turns to his son.

* * *

Derrick

The atmosphere in the large study is thick with tension, setting the stage for a confrontation long in the making. Keith Kelly stands to greet us. His presence, as always, fills the room with an unspoken authority.

“Derrick,” he addresses me, sounding both relieved and fatigued. Taking a closer look, it seems that even the silver in his hair looks less vibrant now.

“Sir,” I respond, my voice measured, barely able to mask the underlying resentment. I could be speaking to a perfect stranger as I put Nicole’s computer bag down.

To his credit, he maintains his composure. “I understand you’ve been investigating the embezzlement issue,” he begins, as if he’s trying to downplay the severity.

“I’ve only became involved in the last few days.” I can’t hide my frustration as his nonchalance. “Nicole has spent countless hours chasing down the source so you can get your money back. At this point, the total goes well into the tens of millions.”

Keith shifts his gaze to Nicole, his expression softening with a note of gratitude. “Thank you, Nicole, for your dedication. You continue to produce the exemplary work that you’ve become known for.”

“I’m glad we could help, sir.” Nicole, always gracious, nods. “Everyone here has had a hand in reviewing cost going back to before the project started. Bill, Sage, and Ezequiel have been a tremendous help in locating the missing items. I’ve started putting together anything this Sunny Hearst touched, for further scrutiny.”

He looks across the four of us. “Thank you, all of you, for your time and efforts.” He takes a deep breath. “But I’ll ask you to stop your investigation.”

Nicole’s gaze finds mine, a mix of confusion and disappointment in her eyes. Unfortunately, I don’t have any more answers than she does. “Yes, sir.” She lowers her head as if she’s done something wrong.

If nothing else has pushed my temper past the breaking point, this has. I put my arm around her. “Listen here—”

“I’m aware of the situation,” Keith interjects, his gaze dropping to the floor for a second. Is he trying to figure out what to say? “I’ll be returning the funds to the account after one last bit of business,” he declares, his voice firm.

His statement sets me back on my heels. It’s just like Addler said; he’s keen to avoid any scandal that might arise from the theft. Even if it’s costing him a bundle.

Before I can process this, Simon Kelly storms into the room. His entrance is anything but subtle. His usual, haughty demeanor showing a blatant disregard for the gravity of the situation.

“I should have expected it,” he sneers. “The first thing you do is chip away more of my inheritance.” His words are laced with bitterness over his perceived loss.

My mother, ever the peacemaker, moves to stand beside Keith, placing a hand on his arm. “Please try to stay calm,” she urges gently. A reminder of his recent health scare.

“I swear, the only thing you care about is your precious company.” His lip curls. “I’m your son.” He slams his hand into his chest. “Your actual son.”

“Simon—”

“And you left me with your whore ,” he says, overly emphasizing the word, “of an ex-wife.” His gaze slips to her. “Only to go to your next whore,” he spits out.

If he thinks I’m going to put up with his insult, to my mother, he’s a fucking lunatic. Before the word is done coming out of his mouth, I’m moving, anger propelling my actions.

“Simon!” Keith’s voice is a muted bellow somewhere in the background.

“Who was smart enough,” Simon continues, oblivious to the danger he’s in, “to pop out—”

His eyes widen as he finally sees me barreling down on him. He retreats behind a chair, looking shocked that Addler isn’t coming to his rescue.

I pull back my arm and swing, my fist connecting with a solid, satisfying punch. Simon goes down, and I follow. The second blow, fueled by anger, is just as good.

“Do something, you idiot,” he demands of Addler, from where he’s curled into a fetal position. “This animal is trying to kill me.” He tips over the chair, scrambling to cower behind the next one, and eventually moving behind his father.

“Of course,” Addler replies smoothly. “I’d be happy to hold you down if Derrick feels he needs a hand.” His tone is dry, but his message is clear—no man tolerates insults to his mother.

“Derrick, please.” It’s my mother’s voice that halts me, her plea for calm cutting through my rage. I stand there, anger coursing through me, the urge to defend her honor wrestling with the need to keep the peace.

“Derrick.” Nicole’s gentle tug on my arm brings me back to my senses.

Simon’s face contorts in shock, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “You’re animals...” he stammers, looking from the blood he’s just wiped away from his mouth to Keith, “you’re all a bunch of animals!”

“Get up.” Bill steps in to help him to his feet.

“Look at this.” He holds out the bloody wrist again. “This is why he needs to go,” Simon cries, “Why he doesn’t deserve to get anything.”

“Simon.” Keith turns on his son, his voice low and dangerous. “None of this is an excuse for your thievery,” he says, the accusation hanging heavy in the air.

Simon? He’s the thief? But he’s the heir apparent. Why would he steal from himself? I catch Nicole staring in disbelief, out of the corner of my eye. I’m focused on my mother’s shocked expression. She didn’t know, either.

The room falls deathly silent, every eye on Simon, waiting for his response to the damning allegation. His hostile glare fixes on me, full of resentment, the void between us growing even larger.

He turns to Keith. “You’re going to tell me you aren’t planning to give him part of the company?” he practically spits at me. “Admit it!”

Keith stands his ground, his voice unwavering. “Kelly Oil and its assets are mine, not yours, Simon. This company, which I built with my own hands, will be dealt with as I see fit,” he states, authority echoing every statement.

“Admit it, you bastard,” he says, turning on Keith. “You gave your…bastard, what’s mine.”

“There’s no question of his parentage, boy,” Keith blusters. “Derrick is 100 percent my son. He’s had a trust since before he came into the world.”

I can only grind my teeth at the fact he’s done that, but this isn’t the moment to tackle that conversation.

“Right now, his accounts have more than yours,” Keith announces. Simon’s back stiffens. “Because while you’ve taken money, even before this mess, Derrick hasn’t touched his accounts. Even now, that he knows what he has.” Keith looks up, sadness in his gaze. “He won’t take anything that’s rightfully his.”

“Simon,” she addresses him. “Please, your father’s not well.”

Simon scoffs, his disdain palpable. “As if I would listen to your, your... lover ,” he sneers, thinking better of his word choice.

“She is my lover,” Keith interjects, not shying away from his feelings. “She’s the love of my life, the only one by my side through thick or thin,” he says, a subtle softness entering his voice as he speaks of my mother.

“You bastard.” Simon’s words drip with loathing. “You only—”

“It’s time for you to leave, Simon.” Keith cuts him off, his gaze steady.

He pushes past Keith, stopping when he catches sight of Nicole. “And you.” He turns to her. Instinctively, I step in front of her, trying to shield her in case he was to make another stupid move. “You little thief. You can’t have any of it.” He points at his chest.

“Shut the fuck up, Simon.” Not that I think it’ll stop him.

“I know,” he says, spouting venom. “Nicole, the real Nicole, is dead.”

Silence descends upon the room as Nicole leans into me, having lost all strength in her body. I immediately wrap my arms around her, holding her against me.

Keith, undeterred, repeats his command. “Leave, Simon.”

“Let’s go, Simon,” Bill snaps.

Simon retreats, turning to Bill with a haughty stare. “You’re fired.”

“I don’t work for Kelly, Simon,” Bill reminds him.

“That’s okay, Bill,” Keith interrupts, “Neither does Simon.”

“Bastard,” Simon mutters, glaring at Keith. His bottom lip sticks out and I’d swear he’s about to burst into tears.

Did he really think he could continue as CFO of the company once his secret came out?

“And if you do anything toward this young lady,” Keith says in a hardened voice. “You will regret it.”

“The only ones that will regret anything are those two.” He lifts his chin, indicating us. “Just wait and see.”