SHATTERED CROWNSUpdated at Nov 2, 2024, 01:38
Setting:
SHATTERED CROWNS is a unique novel set in the contemporary world, concentrating on second chances in life while exploring the dynamics of power and love in the corporate world. The narrative follows two families intertwined by fate; The opulent family of Declan Alexander Montgomery, an ex-political figure and self-made tycoon, and the middle class family of the late Derek Pearson, a lawyer who worked for Declan until his abrupt death.
Plot:
Due to Declan's rapid ill health, he is forced to name a successor among his four sons to continue his legacy. However, he's conflicted as he finds all four of his sons unworthy; John, the eldest, is an entitled son controlled by his materialistic wife with her own hidden agenda. Henry, the second son, is a drug addict in dire need of rehabilitation. Marcus is gay, a preference that Declan refuses to accept. Luke, an illegitimate son whose existence is a threat to Declan's corporation. Despite all the efforts Luke makes to build a father-son relationship with his father, Declan refuses to acknowledge him unless his skills as a legal adviser to the corporation are required.
With time running out and no preferred heir to leave his legacy, Declan marries his personal assistant Olivia Pearson, the daughter of the late Derek Pearson and the fiancée to none other than Luke. This decision unravels hatred from Declan's wife, Meredith, who liaises with her sons to take out Declan and Olivia, along with Luke, who she detests since he is the son born out of a secret affair.
Olivia is conflicted. Her love for Luke is stronger, yet the desire to secure her future grows even stronger considering Luke is an illegitimate son who might end up inheriting nothing.
Luke is distraught when he finds out his fiancée has decided to marry his father. To take revenge on Olivia and his father, he seduces Emma Pearson, Olivia's blind sister, and uses her brilliance to steal the Montgomery Real Estates Corporation from his father. It's a conflicting decision, he's grown fond of Emma. He questions himself,but the hatred he harbors for Olivia and his father proves stronger than the affection he feels for Emma. He dedicates himself to his revenge plan.
Unable to watch Luke take over the company, Meredith tells the whole world he is an illegitimate son. Completely ruining his image. Declan stands up for Luke, showing his vulnerable side to his illegitimate son. This shocking turn of events has Luke wondering if he has a chance to have a real relationship with his father.
Unable to conceive, Olivia is mistreated by Declan. She regretfully blames her mother for misguiding her into marrying Declan, instead of the love of her life, Luke. She goes above and beyond to get Luke back, while digging into the truth about the cause of Declan's ill health and the death of her own father. She uncovers a horrifying truth but keeps it a secret, using it as a weapon to be made the CEO of Montgomery corporation.
Declan's health declines rapidly and he is bedridden. Leaving Olivia to manage everything.
Unaware of Luke's plans, Emma loves him deeply, making up for a long-lost love interest whom she blames herself for letting go of. However, her dreams are quickly shattered when Olivia, driven by jealousy, reveals to her that Luke has been using her all along. Broken and betrayed, Emma picks herself up against her mother's constant criticism. She is motivated to get surgery to gain her sight, and work on herself. She coincidentally meets Martin, her past lover, and considers starting things where they left off.
Having lost Emma, Luke no longer cares about his revenge. He strives for Emma's forgiveness and a second chance. He rejects Olivia, declining her offer of the corporation.
Touched by Luke's decision to turn away from his revenge, abandoning even his desire to be accepted by his father just to be given a second chance. Emma forgives Luke and agrees to try again, but sets conditions of her own.
Feeling dejected, Olivia accepts that Luke no longer loves her. She realizes she is going to die alone. She makes up with her sister, asking for forgiveness. She tells her mother the truth surrounding their father's death. Her mother is distraught and asks Emma for forgiveness. Emma is filled with joy knowing she was never responsible for her father's death. Olivia leaves the corporation to Emma and Luke as a show of good faith. She goes off to travel the world seeking healing and true happiness.
Together, Emma and Luke work on their love. Declan, on his deathbed, acknowledges Luke as his son and the true successor to his wealth. He tells Luke about his mother, and the deep love he had for her. He reveals his deepest regret, failing to fight for the woman he loved over wealth . He gives Luke his blessings and passes on peacefully. They go on to build their own legacy freely. They build a new company merging it with Emma's law firm.