Born to Be Wealthy

The Mastermind Revealed

David’s face was pale, his voice trembling as he turned to Doctor Sykes. “Doctor, what is happening to my son? Tell me the truth.”

Doctor Sykes, calm and deliberate despite his age, raised a hand. “Let me examine him first.” His wrinkled fingers pressed gently against Nathan’s wrist, feeling for the pulse. He studied Nathan’s breathing, the faint twitch of his eyelids, then finally spoke. “Lord William, your son is not gravely ill. He is exhausted. But with the strength of his body, it is unusual for him to faint so easily. This suggests something deeper—perhaps extreme fear or overwhelming stress.”

David’s shoulders sagged, guilt washing over him. “Perhaps it is my fault. We left him with Aunt Dasy for twenty years, and then suddenly revealed the truth of his lineage. The shock must have been too much.”

Aunt Dasy, who had been brought by Dylan, stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. “And yesterday, Nathan lost his beloved scooter. It was his treasure, a gift from my late husband. That scooter carried his memories. And lately, Nathan has been bullied at his workplace.”

David’s eyes widened. “What? He lost his scooter? And he was bullied?”

“Yes, Lord,” Aunt Dasy replied gently. “But I taught Nathan not to be easily offended, to forgive, to endure. He has carried those lessons with him.”

David exhaled slowly, his heart easing. “Doctor Sykes, how long until he wakes?”

“Not long,” the doctor assured. “Perhaps a few minutes.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. A voice, frantic and trembling, pierced the air. “My son! Nathan! What has happened? How is he?”

It was Lady Hilda, Nathan’s mother. She had rushed home from the company upon hearing the news, her heart pounding with dread. She could not bear the thought of losing her son again.

David stepped forward, trying to calm her. “It’s alright. He only fainted. He will wake soon.”

Relief flooded her face. “Oh, thank heavens.” She clasped her hands to her chest, tears brimming.

Doctor Sykes handed David a small vial of medicine. “Give this to him when he wakes. It will ease his nerves.” With that, the old physician bowed and departed, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor.

Minutes later, Nathan stirred. His eyelids fluttered open, his vision hazy. The first thing he felt was warmth—his mother’s arms wrapping around him, her voice trembling with emotion. “My son, what happened? Tell me.”

Nathan blinked, overwhelmed. He had never known this kind of love before—the fierce, protective embrace of a parent. For years, he had lived without it, surviving on Aunt Dasy’s care and his own resilience. Now, he felt something new: the undeniable bond of blood.

“I’m fine, Mother,” he whispered. “I was just exhausted… I had to face many people, and I ran.”

David’s voice was proud, almost relieved. “You were brave, Nathan. To face them alone—it shows your strength.”

Nathan looked around, confusion dawning. “Where am I, Father? Why is this place so luxurious?”

David smiled softly. “This is your room, Nathan. We prepared it long ago, waiting for the day you would return.”

Nathan’s eyes widened. “Truly?”

“Yes, my son,” Hilda said, her voice tender.

Nathan turned to Aunt Dasy, guilt flickering in his gaze. “Forgive me. I must have disappointed you and Uncle Stuart. I earned my black belt, but I couldn’t defeat them.”

Aunt Dasy’s smile was gentle, her eyes shining. “Don’t speak that way, Nathan. What matters is that you survived. Stuart would be proud of you.”

Nathan’s lips curved into a faint smile.

After half an hour of conversation, David rose. “Nathan, stay here for a few days until your health recovers.”

Nathan frowned. “But what about Aunt Dasy? Who will protect her?”

David’s voice was firm. “Do not worry. Dylan has already assigned guards to watch over her. She will be safe.”

Nathan nodded slowly. “Alright, Father.”

When they left the room, Nathan lay back against the pillows, sinking into the softness of the bed. “This bed… it’s so comfortable. And the room is enormous. If I had known I was wealthy all along, perhaps I wouldn’t have been mocked so much.”

He paused, his thoughts turning inward. “But now I understand. My parents didn’t want me to grow up spoiled. They wanted me to learn humility, to endure hardship. If I had lived in luxury from the start, I might have become lazy… arrogant.”

In another chamber, David convened an emergency meeting with his advisors. His voice was sharp, commanding. “Find those who attacked my son. I want every one of them captured.”

He announced a bounty: ten thousand dollars for each attacker caught. With nearly fifty assailants, the reward promised riches for anyone who succeeded.

The news spread across the province like wildfire. Citizens, driven by greed and loyalty alike, hunted the culprits relentlessly. One by one, the attackers were captured. They were former employees of Nathan’s old company, bitter and desperate.

Soon, fifty men were imprisoned, shackled in a dark, filthy underground chamber. The conditions were harsh—no baths, little food, the stench of despair filling the air. Days passed, their spirits breaking under the weight of confinement.

Finally, one prisoner cracked. His voice was hoarse, trembling with desperation. “Please, release me! I’ll give you all my wealth!”

The guard snarled. “Silence! You will not be freed until Lord William commands it. Your wealth is nothing compared to my salary here.”

The others shivered, fear gnawing at their hearts.

The desperate man tried again, his tone pleading. “What if I tell you the truth? What if I reveal who orchestrated this attack?”

The guard hesitated, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “What do you know?”

The prisoner leaned forward, seizing the chance. “I know much. But I want a guarantee. Release me, and I’ll tell you everything.”

The guard considered, then nodded curtly. “I’ll inform Lord William.” He hurried to David’s chamber, breathless.

“Lord, one of the prisoners claims to know the mastermind behind the attack. He demands release in exchange for the truth.”

David’s eyes narrowed, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior. He rose, his voice thunderous. “Take me to them. I will hear this myself.”