The Leicester Heir

Chapter 3

Few hours later….

Back at the Jenson estate, a golden convoy drove in and stopped at the Lechester's mansion.

The arrival of the gold convoy had caused quite a stir among the crowd present. Ava, who had been in her room went towards the balcony as she looked out downstairs at the hall,only to be met with the sight of several servants unloading several extravagant gifts.

"What in the world is going on?" she was curious, as she didn't fully understand .

Ava's grandmother, who thought maybe it was for her birthday gift was also surprised because she didn't know of anyone that was rich enough to afford all this.

“Who are they?” Mrs Jenson spoke to Ava who had rushed downstairs towards her grandmother.

"Grandma, I don't know to.. I'm equally as shocked a-”

Before she could finish her sentence, the butler stepped forward, holding a list in his hands.

"Madam, on behalf of the Lechester family, we are pleased to present this betrothal gift for your granddaughter, Ava Jenson."

The butler then proceeded to list the items: "A set of solid gold jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet; a brand-new luxury sedan; and a substantial sum of cash $20 million”

It was equivalent to a year's worth of the Jenson family's annual income.

The Lechester family was rated as the top 1 family in Emberhaven. One that that set them apart from other elite families was that they controlled power from the shadows.

The true extent of the Lechester family’s net worth was a matter of speculation. Financial analysts had tried for years to piece together their assets, but every attempt ended in frustration. The conclusion remained the same: the Lechesters’ wealth could not be quantified. They were too vast, too interconnected around the world.

"I... I don't understand. Why would the Lechester family, one of the most prestigious families in Emberhaven, offer such an extravagant gift to you?" Mrs Jenson stood up from her sit, as she was shocked, she turned to stare at Ava who was entirely dumfounded.

Just then, Ava's sister, Sarah, and her husband, Arthur, entered, their eyes drawn to the commotion.

"What's going on here?" Sarah asked.

The butler turned to address her. "The Lechester family has sent a betrothal gift for your sister, Ava Jenson."

Sarah's expression changed as she was totally confused, "But... that can't be right. I'm the eldest daughter. Shouldn't the gift be for me?"

"Sarah, my dear, I don't think you should be making such claims, you're married to me. It can't be you" Arthur her husband, placed a hand on her arm as he wasn't expecting his wife to say that.

"Enough, Sarah. This gift is clearly intended for Ava, you're married, and I will not have you making a scene." Ava's grandmother raised a hand, silencing her.

"Tell me, who exactly sent this generous betrothal gift? Surely it must be some mistake." Sarah turned her attention to the butler as she felt like a million knifes stab her over and over.

"I can assure you, Madam, that there is no mistake. The gift was sent on behalf of the Lechester family, specifically from the current heir, my young master Mr. Lechester himself." He stood his ground.

"The Lechester family, huh? Well, I must say, I'm quite impressed. They are one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Emberhaven. To receive such an extravagant gift from them is... quite remarkable." Ava's grandmother had a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Ava, my dear, it seems you have caught the eye of the Lechester family. I must admit, I'm not entirely sure what to make of this, but it is an opportunity we cannot ignore." She turned to Ava, who had been standing quietly

"Grandma, I... I don't understand. Why would the Lechester family choose me over Sarah?" Ava's brow furrowed, and she glanced nervously at the extravagant gifts.

“I must insist that you consider divorcing your husband, Ray, and accepting the Lechester family's offer.”

"No! No!, Grandma, I will not divorce Ray. He is my husband, and I love him. I won't simply abandon him for the sake of these gifts." Ava's took a step back, shaking her head.

"Ava, are you countering my order? The Lechester family is one of the most influential in Emberhaven. To refuse their offer would be a grave insult, and it could have dire consequences for our family's standing."

Ava stood her ground,"I don't care, Grandmother. Ray is my husband, and I made a vow to him. I won't betray that, no matter the consequences."

Sarah, who had been watching the exchange, suddenly spoke up. "Grandmother, I'm willing to divorce Arthur if it means I can accept the Lechester family's offer."

"Sarah, No..you will do no such thing" Her grandmother turned to Sarah,

Sarah's face fell, and she opened her mouth to protest, but she knew talking further would just make her grandmother more angrier.

"Sarah, what are you saying? You can't possibly be thinking of divorcing me." Arthur was shocked as he couldn't believe it.

Sarah shrugged off his touch, "And why not, Arthur? Clearly, the Lechester family sees more value in me than Ava. I deserve those gifts, those opportunities. And if divorcing you is the way to get them, then so be it."

"Sarah, how can you say that? I've always done everything in my power to provide for this family. What have I done to make you hate me so much?" Arthur street at her trying to look into her eyes as she said it, but to his astonishment Sarah gazed at his eyes as she continued.

"It's not about what you've done, Arthur. It's about what you haven't done. You've never been able to give me the kind of life I deserve, the kind of status and influence that the Lechester family can provide."

"Shut up! Sarah! You're not divorcing your husband it's Ava who is" Their grandmother shouted as she was pissed off.

"Grandmother, I cannot divorce Ray. He is my husband, and I love him. I won't abandon him, no matter the consequences." She remained persistent. But her Grandmother immediately went up and landed a slap on her cheek.

*Paaaaaaah!*

"Stupid girl! If you refuse to divorce your husband, I will see to it that your shares in the company are stripped from you entirely."

Tears ran down Ava's eyes and she felt her heart sink as she held her cheek,

"Grandmother, you can't be serious! The company is my inheritance, my livelihood. You can't take that away from me."

"I can, and I will, if you continue to defy me. The Lechester family's offer is simply too good to pass up, and I will not let your foolish stubbornness jeopardize it.” Her grandmother's gaze hardened