Chapter 5 The Heir Apparent

Adrian Wolfe stood in front of his apartment, with the broad Berlin city skyline below. Today, the lights, which glow like a sea of stars, brought no comfort.

The aroma of gin filled the environment as the yellowish liquid revolved round his glass, the warmth of the beverage did little to relieve the chill that was beginning to set in his bones.

He heard a faded grumble of activity behind him and this made him feel he was not alone . Her presence was as familiar to him as his own shadow, so he didn't have to turn to see her.

"You're moody again," Lila said in a soft and funny tone.

Adrian took a cup of his drink and complained before answering. "Just thinking."

Lila came closer, her image on the glass next to his. Her deep, expressive eyes looked at his face as her dark hair fell over her shoulders. "About?"

He paused, the burden of his thoughts bearing down on him. "Everything. My father, the business, and us.

She put a hand on his arm and stretched it out. "You don't have to carry this responsibility alone, Adrian."

His face softened as he turned to her. "I understand. However, there are times when I feel like I'm carrying the entire universe.

Lila's eyes were focused and steady. "Then let me help you bear it."

The pressure in his heart rested for a moment, and he let himself be energised by her. However, the break was short-lived as the truth of his problem returned with a blast.

He said the words, "My father expects me to take over the territory," with a hint of hostility. "To continue his legacy."

Lila's forehead wrinkled. "And what do you want?"

Adrian's mouth squeezed. "I don't know anymore."

Her hand moved to cup his cheek as she took a step closer. "Then perhaps it's time to find out."

The world outside disappeared for a minute as their eyes met. Adrian saw a glow of light in Lila's eyes, a covenant of something more than the Shadow that displayed over him.

However, a determined worry eroded at the back of his mind even as he bent into her contact. Would he ever be able to completely flee Victor Wolfe's legacy?

When Adrian arrived at Wolfe Industries' headquarters the next morning, the slim glass structure was a memorial to his father's drive and ruthlessness. He felt as though he was captured, with the walls closing in on him, as soon as he entered the lift.

When the doors to the executive floor opened, he saw Miriam, his father's personal assistant. Although her perfect appearance and sharp features tells professionalism, there was a hint of stress in her watch.

She said, "Mr. Wolfe is expecting you," in a hastened voice.

With a nod, Adrian walked to the large office at the end of the corridor. He breathed constantly before pushing open the double doors that overshadowed him.

Sitting back on a big mahogany desk, Victor Wolfe issued a powerful and terrifying presence. Even though he had lines from the years, his eyes were still as icy and calculating as ever.

"Adrian," his father said, his lips curving into a small giggle. "Punctual as always."

"You wanted to see me," Adrian said in a normal voice.

Victor pointed to the seat across from him. "Sit."

Adrian felt like a schoolboy at being called to the principal's office as he adhered to the command.

Victor said, "I've been reviewing the quarterly reports," with a sharp look. "There are mismatches that need to be handled."

Adrian tensed. "What kind of discrepancies?"

His father responded, "Financial irregularities," and passed a document across the desk. "Care to explain?"

Adrian looked over the papers as he opened the folder. When he recognized the figures, his gut turned.

"These transactions were approved by the finance department," he said, picking his words carefully.

Victor's eyes become stony. "Under your supervision."

Adrian refused to back down and looked his father in the eyes. "Yes."

Between them, there was a tight calmness that was heavy with unsaid accusations.

At last, Victor steepled his fingers and bent back in his chair. "Adrian, you must be more alarmed. There are always wolves at the door.

Adrian's rage simmered under the table as he gripped his fists. "I'll handle it."

His father's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he nodded. "See that you do."

Adrian was still feeling like a mere instrument in a game he didn't want to partake in when he left the industry. Any knowledge of independence was restricted by the pressure of his father's demands.

Adrian ended up in Lila's flat that night in search of comfort. A little respite from the fury raging within of him was provided by the warmth of her embrace.

With the city lights sparkling below, they sat on her balcony. With elegant and calming movements, Lila poured a glass of wine for them both.

Lila and Adrian Wolfe sat on her balcony while Port Harcourt's city lights flickered below. They sipped their wine, the rich aroma blending with the cool evening wind, while the soft hum of nighttime traffic served as a calming background.

With her eyes focused on the horizon, Lila reclined in her chair. "You know," she said quietly, "I sometimes contemplate what it would be like to simply abandon everything. Go somewhere new and start over.

There was a slight smile on Adrian's lips as he turned to face her. "And where would we go?"

With a cheeky gleam in her eyes, she shrugged. "Anywhere. Everywhere. as long as it's in your presence."

He extended his arm and grasped her hand. "That sounds like a dream."

Lila's face became grave. "Adrian, it doesn't have to be a dream. We have the resources. We could bring it to pass.

With a sigh, Adrian ran his thumb over the back of her hand. "Lila, it's not that easy. The future of the business, my father's ambitions... Everything is entangled.

Pressing his hand, she looked into his eyes. "How about your happiness, though? Doesn't that make any difference?

Her comments balance hard on his shoulders, and he turned his head away. "I don't know if I have the splendor to think about that."

Lila got up and walked to the banister, where she could see the city below. "I cherish you, Adrian. However, I can't stand by and see you give up your soul for someone else's legacy."

He put his arm around her waist and joined her at the banister. "I don't want to lose you, Lila." He speaks in a soft tone.

Her voice was barely loud above a whisper as she bent into him. "Then don't."

Board meetings and strategic planning sessions filled the next few days. Adrian noticed that he was becoming more and more sidetracked, his mind returning to his discussions with Lila. He began to doubt his course the more he thought about what she had said.

He was in his office one evening going over financial records when his phone buzzed with a message from an unidentified number. He opened it out of curiosity and saw only one sentence: "Join me at the old warehouse on Dock Street. midnight.

His heart pounded. The old warehouse, a remnant of the city's industrial heritage, has been deserted for years. Why would anyone want to go there to meet him?

Adrian chose to go against his better judgment. This could be his chance to obtain the answers he needs.

Adrian reached the warehouse just as midnight rolled around. The smell of rust and saltwater filled the air. The creak of the ancient wooden planks reverberated across the large room as he entered.

A dark-clad man stepped out of the shadows. "Adrian Wolfe," said the rich, nearly musical voice.

"Who are you?" Trying to maintain a steady tone, Adrian demanded.

A woman with remarkable features and piercing eyes emerged as the figure moved into the weak light coming in through the broken windows. "Naya is my name. We must speak.

Adrian's forehead wrinkled. "About what?"

Naya's eyes remained fixed. "About your father's involvement in Project Blackthorn."

Adrian's face lost its color. In the company's archives, he had discovered mentions of Project Blackthorn, but each time he tried to learn more, he had encountered opposition. "What do you know about it?"

Naya moved in closer. More than you might think. However, we are running out of time. They're observing us.

Adrian's thoughts whirled. Would he be able to trust her? What was she aware of his father's clandestine activities?

The sound of approaching footsteps reverberated throughout the warehouse before he could reply. Naya's gaze expanded. "We must leave. "Now."

She held his hand and pulled him to a side departure without waiting for his response. Adrian couldn't get rid of the feeling that his life was going to transform permanently as they ran away into the night.

After locating the city's maze-like alleyways, they stopped in a quiet courtyard. Breathing deeply, Naya let go of his hand. "I guess it's safe here, for now."

Adrian tried to regain his breath by leaning against a wall. "Who are you? Furthermore, how did you find out about Project Blackthorn?

Naya looked him in the eye, her face solemn. "I found pieces of a covert project known as Project Blackthorn while looking into the Wolfe Syndicate's servers. It suggests that your father's dominion was more deeply corrupted.

Adrian's thoughts whirled. Despite the size and power of his father's empire, he had always accepted its validity. "What kind of corruption?"

Naya paused, then answered. Human trafficking, illegal arms sales, and political killings. The hands of your father are not at all clean.

A knot tightened in Adrian's stomach. Is it possible? Had he spent all these years unaware of his father's true character?

A hand was placed on his shoulder by Naya.