Chapter 8: The Return of the Forgotten Heir
Chapter 8: The Return of the Forgotten Heir
The next morning, the Valmont estate received an unexpected visitor.
A black luxury vehicle stopped outside the gates.
The staff watched as a man stepped out.
Tall.
Confident.
Cold.
He carried himself like someone who belonged there.
Because he did.
Adrian looked out the window and froze.
"No..."
Mariana turned.
"What?"
Adrian didn't answer.
The man entered the mansion.
Everyone became silent.
"Adrian."
The voice was calm.
Almost familiar.
Adrian walked downstairs slowly.
"Damien."
Mariana looked between them.
"Who is he?"
Damien Valmont smiled.
"Someone your husband forgot existed."
Adrian's face hardened.
"You left."
"Yes."
"Six years ago."
Damien nodded.
"And now I'm back."
Mariana studied him carefully.
There was something about him.
Something dangerous.
"Explain."
Damien looked at her.
"So you're the famous Mariana Vale."
She didn't react.
"You know who I am?"
"Everyone knows."
He smiled.
"Not everyone knows you're Victor's chosen heir."
Adrian immediately stepped forward.
"How do you know that?"
Damien looked at him.
"Because Victor told me."
Silence.
Mariana's expression changed.
"Victor knew you."
Damien laughed softly.
"Of course he did."
He walked toward the fireplace.
"Before Adrian became the next Valmont leader, Victor had another plan."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"What plan?"
Damien looked at him.
"To remove you from the family business."
The words hit hard.
Adrian stared.
"Why?"
"Because Victor knew you were too easily controlled."
Mariana looked at Damien.
"And you?"
Damien smiled.
"I was supposed to inherit everything."
The room became tense.
Then he added:
"Until Victor met you."
Mariana understood.
Victor had changed his entire plan because of her.
Not because she was richer.
Not because she was more powerful.
Because she was trustworthy.
Adrian looked away.
The truth hurt.
His father had chosen Mariana over him.
But before anyone could speak, Damien placed a folder on the table.
"I didn't come here to discuss inheritance."
He opened it.
Inside were documents.
Old documents.
"The person who helped Vivienne steal from the family..."
He looked directly at Mariana.
"...is still working inside Valmont Holdings."
Mariana frowned.
"Who?"
Damien smiled.
"You already know him."
Adrian looked confused.
"Who?"
May you like
Damien slowly turned toward him.
"Your closest friend."
