inheritance war

Chapter 5:The cost of power

The tension in the sitting room did not fade after Leo finished speaking. It only grew heavier. No one said another word. Until one by one, they began to rise from their seats and walk away, each person carrying their own fear, their own thoughts, their own version of the truth. Jane didn’t look at Leo again. She turned and left the room.

Her mind replayed everything: her father’s will, Leo’s anger, the dangerous man demanding twenty percent. This was no longer just about inheritance. This was war.

She pushed the door open to the guest room where her husband and children were staying. The moment she stepped in, her husband looked up from where he was seated beside the bed. Their children were playing quietly on the floor, unaware of the storm surrounding their family.

“Jane,” he said softly. “Are you okay?”That was all it took. Jane walked toward him and sat down, “No,” she admitted. “I’m not.”He shifted closer.“What happened?”Jane took a deep breath and told him everything.

She told him about how the company had been shared. She told him about her becoming the CEO. And then she told him about the man. The man who wanted twenty percent.The man who had worked for her father.The man who could kill without hesitation.

Her husband’s expression changed as she spoke. Concern turned into worry, then fear.

“So this man is dangerous?” he asked carefully. Jane nodded.

“Yes. Very dangerous.”

Chris asked Jane, “And Leo wants to give him part of the company? Jane replied Yes.”And you refused?”Jane looked at him firmly. I won’t continue my father’s mistakes. I won’t build my life or this company on fear and blood.

Her husband was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed and held her hand.“You’re right,” he said softly. “But that doesn’t make it safe.”Jane’s voice dropped.“I know.”Silence filled the room briefly. Then she said the words that had been weighing on her mind.

“I’m not leaving.”Her husband frowned slightly.“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Jane continued, “I’m staying here. I have to. I’m the CEO now. I can’t run from this.”He studied her face, searching for doubt, but there was none only determination.

He nodded slowly.“Then I’m staying too.”Jane blinked.“What?”“We’ll move here,” he said. “We’ll get a house in this state. Enroll the kids in a new school.”Jane stared at him, surprised. I’ll request a transfer at work, he added. “I’m not leaving you here to face all this alone.”Jane felt her chest tighten, but this time, not from fear. From relief.From love. She smiled for the first time in days and pulled him into a hug.“Thank you,” she whispered.

The following week marked a new beginning. Jane stepped into the company building not as a visitor but as the CEO. The atmosphere felt different. Employees stood a little straighter. Conversations lowered as she walked past. Eyes followed her, some curious, some doubtful, some respectful. Her brothers were already there. Leo,.Ben and both are watching her in their own ways. Jane ignored the tension and focused on what mattered.Work.She was formally introduced that morning.

Everyone, one of the senior managers announced, “This is your new Chief Executive Officer, Jane Lawrence.”A round of applause followed. Jane smiled politely, but inside, she knew this was just the beginning.Respect would not be given freely. She would have to earn it.

Days passed, and Jane began to settle into her role. She studied files. Reviewed reports. Asked questions and made changes. And slowly, she began to understand the company. One afternoon, she sat in her office reviewing a major proposal. A contract worth millions. Her heart raced as she read through the details. This was big. Very big. If approved, it could elevate the company to a new level. A fresh start. Exactly what she wanted, Jane smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Finally, something good. She picked up her pen, ready to approve it, when her phone rang.

She frowned slightly and answered.“Hello?”Don’t sign that contract.” Her expression changed instantly.“Leo?“Yes,” his voice came through, calm but firm. “We’re not taking that deal.”Jane sat up.“What are you talking about?”“I’ve already informed them,” he replied. Jane froze. You did what? “I told them we’re not interested in the contract. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. Her grip tightened around the phone.“You had no right,” she said slowly. I had every right,” Leo shot back. “You don’t know what you’re doing, Jane.”Her anger exploded. This contract is worth millions

Leo said And it’s not worth the risk!”What risk?!”You wouldn’t understand.”Jane stood up abruptly.“No, you don’t want me to succeed, “she snapped. The call ended.

Jane stood there, shaking with anger. The deal was gone. Just like that.Because of Leo. That same day, Jane made a decision. She called a meeting. Leo stood across from her in the office, his expression unreadable.

Leo, you’re fired,” Jane said coldly. The words hung in the air. Ben looked shocked. Leo didn’t move. You can’t be serious,” he said. I am,” Jane replied. “You went behind my back and sabotaged a major deal. I can’t have someone like that in this company.”Leo laughed bitterly. You think this is over?”

“No,” Jane said. “This is just the beginning.”For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Leo turned and walked out without another word.

With no job left, Leo stayed at home. But peace did not follow him. Fear did. The man had not forgotten. And neither had Leo. That evening, his phone rang. Unknown number. His heart skipped. He answered slowly.

Hello?

“I hope you haven’t forgotten me.”Leo froze. The voice.It was him.“I’m working on it,” Leo said quickly. You’re running out of time,” the man replied calmly. I said I’m handling it!”A pause. Then, let me remind you what happens when people fail me. The line went dead.

Leo stood there, his hand trembling slightly.

The next morning, the doorbell rang. Leo frowned as he walked to the door. When he opened it, no one was there. Only a box.Sitting quietly at the entrance. His chest tightened. Slowly, he bent down and picked it up. It felt heavy. Too heavy. He carried it inside and placed it on the table. For a moment, he just stared at it. But curiosity and fear pushed him forward. He opened it. And instantly, he staggered back. A scream caught in his throat. Inside the box was a freshly cut human head. Blood still wet.Eyes half open.Lifeless. Leo’s entire body shook. His breathing became uneven. Then his phone rang again. He didn’t want to answer. But he did. The voice said calmly, “It's just a warning.”Leo couldn’t speak. If you don’t give me what I want next time, it will be your head.”

The call ended.

Leo dropped the phone. His legs gave out as he collapsed onto the floor, his eyes still fixed on the box. Fear consumed him completely. For the first time, this was no longer about power, no longer about pride. It was about survival. And nowLeo knew one thing for certain. If he didn’t act fast, he would be next.