Chapter 127 The Inheritance
Chapter 127 The Inheritance
Their footsteps echoed softly along the cold marble hallway. Xavier did not loosen his hold on Agatha’s waist, ensuring that every step she took was supported by the strength of his arm. Agatha exhaled a long, slow breath. The pain from her surgical stitches still throbbed whenever she moved her legs too wide.
"Are you sure you are strong enough to walk all the way there?" Xavier asked in a low voice.
"Only a few more steps, Xavier. Ugh." Agatha winced slightly as her weight shifted more heavily onto her feet.
Xavier stopped them for a moment. He wiped the cold sweat forming on Agatha’s brow. "We can do this tomorrow if you feel too exhausted."
Agatha shook her head slowly. She looked toward the large wooden door at the end of the hall. "Grandfather said this is important. I do not want to keep him waiting."
They reached the door to Cardios’s office. Xavier knocked twice. A heavy voice from within gave them permission to enter. Xavier pushed the door open slowly. The scent of cedarwood and the faint aroma of expensive cigars immediately greeted them. The room was dominated by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a teak desk that looked incredibly solid.
Cardios sat behind the desk. A warm yellow lamp cast long shadows across his wrinkled face. A very thick black leather folder already sat on the desk, with several official documents featuring gold seals peeking out from the edges.
"Sit down, both of you," Cardios said, without looking up from the documents in his hands.
Xavier helped Agatha into a plush leather chair. He chose to stand behind her, placing both hands on her shoulders to offer his support.
Cardios slid the heavy folder toward Agatha. The sound of paper scraping against the wooden desk was sharp in the silence of the room. "This is an inventory of all assets belonging to the Volskey family. Property, manufacturing companies, mines in Eastern Europe, and accounts in Swiss banks."
Agatha looked down at the pile of files. She did not touch them. Her eyes simply skimmed the list of figures and company names written on the top sheet. "What is the meaning of all this, Grandfather?"
"Everything has been transferred into your name, Agatha. You are the last remaining heir of the Volskey bloodline," Cardios answered calmly.
Agatha remained silent for a moment, her brow furrowing. She pushed the folder back toward Cardios with a slow, deliberate motion. "I cannot accept this. I searched for my biological family, but not for the sake of wealth or power."
"I know that," Cardios replied. He placed his glasses on the table. "Your mother took you away to distance you from all of this. But you returned here anyway. That means destiny wants you in this position."
"I only wanted a family, Grandfather. I wanted to know who I truly am. I wanted to feel what it is like to have parents again. Money and all these companies mean nothing to me," Agatha said, her voice trembling slightly.
Xavier squeezed Agatha’s shoulder gently. He could feel his wife’s unease. "Grandfather, perhaps this is too sudden for Agatha. She just gave birth."
Cardios let out a long sigh. He leaned back in his chair. "I am old, Xavier. My strength is not what it used to be. I cannot continue to hold the reins of all this. If not to Agatha, then to whom else should I give everything I have built over these decades?"
"Give it to someone more competent, Grandfather. I do not understand how to manage mines or manufacturing companies," Agatha countered.
"You have Xavier. He will help you. Valois and Volskey will become an invincible force if they unite," Cardios said, his eyes fixed sharply on Xavier.
Xavier gave a small nod. "I will certainly help her, Grandfather. But the decision ultimately rests with Agatha."
Cardios looked back at Agatha, his gaze softening this time. "Agatha, listen to me. Think about Arkanza, Althea, and Archeron. You may not need any of this now, but they will need it in the future. They were born with the burden of a great name on their shoulders. Without these assets and this power, they will be easy targets for the people out there."
Agatha was stunned. She remembered the faces of her three babies sleeping soundly in the next room. She imagined their future. "Can they not just live a normal life like other children?"
Cardios let out a short, dry chuckle. "The blood flowing through their bodies is not the blood of normal people. They are descendants of Valois and Volskey. The world will always be watching them. The only way to protect them is by giving them a sword and shield strong enough to withstand it."
Agatha looked at Xavier, searching for an answer. Xavier only gave her a thin, reassuring smile. "Whatever you choose, I will support you. If you wish to refuse, I will always find a way to protect them."
Agatha looked back at the black folder. She reached out and touched the cold leather surface. "Are you truly doing this for my children, Grandfather?"
"Only for them. I want to see my great-grandchildren have a solid foundation before I close my eyes for the last time," Cardios answered with a sincere tone.
The room fell silent for several minutes. The only sound was the ticking of the large wall clock in the corner. Agatha took a deep breath. She opened the folder and saw her grandfather’s signature already affixed there.
"I will accept it. But I want you to continue to guide me, Grandfather. I do not want to make a mistake," Agatha finally said.
Cardios nodded with satisfaction. A thin smile appeared on his aged face. "Of course. I will not let you walk alone. Xavier has also promised to look after you."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Agatha whispered.