Chapter 0848
“Where the hell am I?” Lucius muttered, waking from his forced sleep.
“You’re in my house. And you better behave, because I’m not a very patient man. I promised to look after you, but your mother isn’t here anymore, so she won’t know if something happens to you,” Anthony Moriarty said, his piercing gaze locked on Lucius.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Lucius asked, still groggy and disoriented.
“I just told you–you’re in my house. Why wouldn’t I be in my own damn house?”
“Yeah, I got that. My question is–where is my mother?”
“She’s fine. But she made her choice. She wants you to be free, to finish your studies, to become a good man. She doesn’t want to hold you back. That’s what she told me, at least. I don’t know her well. You do,” Moriarty replied calmly.
“How is the young man doing?” Angela Moriarty asked as she entered the room.
“He’s fine. He’s awake.”
“Well, thank God! I was starting to get worried. Now, you leave him alone. And wipe that intimidating look off your face. Go check on Valentina. I’ll stay here and keep the boy company. He looks scared stiff with that heavy aura of yours,” Angela said, waving her husband away.
“Be careful with him. And if anything happens, call me immediately.”
“Yes, yes, now go! Let the poor boy eat in peace,” Angela insisted, making shooing gestures toward her husband.
Once Anthony was gone, Lucius turned to Angela, eyeing her warily.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Angela Moriarty, wife of Judge Anthony Moriarty. Nice to meet you, Lucius Palmer!” she said, extending her hand with a smile.
Lucius was surprised by how casual and open she was. Hesitantly, he shook her hand.
“Alright, Lucius. Let me guess–you must be starving and exhausted. The medication they gave you was strong, but if you drink plenty of water, you should flush it out naturally in a few hours.”
“You know what happened to me?”
“Lucius, you don’t need to be a genius to figure it out. They drugged you. And I apologize on my husband’s behalf, but that was the only way your mother would be able to leave the way she wanted.”
“You know where she is?”
“The truth? No. That information was hers alone. We’re just covering the costs to make sure she’s well taken care of. But we have no idea which country she chose. I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you, Lucius. But my husband is right–your mother entrusted you to us. You’re a smart young man. Consider this a fresh start.”
“A what?”
“What my wife means,” Anthony interrupted, reentering the room, “is that from this moment forward, you’re getting a new identity. As of today, Lucius Palmer no longer exists.”
“Anthony! I wanted to be the one to tell him!” Angela scolded.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0848
“Sorry, but the boy asks too many questions. Besides, Valentina is already asleep.”
“Ugh, you ruined the best part of the news! Now you finish explaining it!”
“Alright, bossy,” Anthony muttered before turning to Lucius. “Lucius, your mother arranged for you to inherit all of Frank Levett’s fortune–your grandfather’s legal assets, that is. The illicit funds were seized, but what remains is still millions. Enough for you to live comfortably for at least two decades.”
“What?!” Lucius exclaimed, completely caught off guard.
“Yes. Your grandfather’s legal wealth is now yours. But–and this is important–my wife, Angela, has volunteered to be your legal guardian to ensure you don’t squander it. Because from today onward, you’re no longer a Palmer. You’re a Sinclair.”
“What the hell are you talking about?!”
“Hey, watch your language! There’s a lady in front of you, Moriarty warned. “According to the agreement with your mother–and your own words–you didn’t want anything to do with the Palmers. So, she requested that we give you a new identity. From this moment forward, your name is Sebastian Sinclair. Legally, you’re the younger brother of my wife, Angela Sinclair–now Moriarty.”
“Moriarty, you’ve completely lost your mind! How the hell am I suddenly your wife’s brother? And rich?!”
“I told you to watch your mouth! You’re not in some shady bar! This was the only condition your mother set, and it’s my duty to carry it out. Now, I have a list of places for you to choose from–Romania, China, Russia, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland. Where do you want to live?”
“Where do I want to live? Are you serious?!”
“Yes. It’s obvious I don’t want you living here in my house. So, pick a country. We’ll buy you an apartment there, and you’ll attend university.”
“Anthony! Stop being so harsh! This is exactly why I wanted to talk to Lucius first!” Angela scolded.
Anthony Moriarty wasn’t entirely comfortable with the deal he had made with Alexia, but he was a man of his word. He had promised to look after Lucius, and he would at least for as long as life allowed it. He also knew that this kid wouldn’t make things easy for him, which was why he had to establish control from the very beginning.
“I’m just being honest and making it clear that I’m not here to play games,” Anthony said firmly.
“Don’t mind him, Lucius. Well, actually, do listen to him, but don’t let his ‘scary‘ face fool you. Deep down, my husband has a heart of gold,” Angela chimed in with a small smile.
