CHAPTER 4 — The Sister Who Walked Into the Funeral
The attack changed everything.
Alexander could no longer pretend this was simply about money.
Someone wanted an entire bloodline erased.
Three days later, the Blackwood family gathered again.
This time...
For a funeral.
Officially, it honored Alexander's late grandfather.
Unofficially, it served another purpose.
The board intended to announce Alexander's permanent removal as Chairman.
Still seated in his wheelchair, Alexander entered the cathedral in silence.
Victoria stood beside him, dressed in black.
She leaned close and whispered with a smile.
"You should enjoy today."
"It's your last appearance as a Blackwood."
Alexander didn't answer.
He noticed something else instead.
Seven men inside the cathedral wore identical raven rings.
They weren't trying to hide anymore.
They believed they had already won.
The chairman opened the meeting.
"Due to Mr. Blackwood's condition, the board unanimously recommends transferring executive authority to Ethan Blackwood."
Applause filled the hall.
One by one...
Directors signed the resolution.
Then the massive wooden doors opened.
Every head turned.
A young woman stepped inside wearing a dark coat.
She looked no older than thirty.
Long dark hair.
Gray eyes.
A small scar beneath her left eyebrow.
Alexander stopped breathing.
It was like staring into a mirror.
The resemblance was undeniable.
Gasps echoed through the cathedral.
His mother dropped her purse.
His uncle turned pale.
Victoria's smile disappeared.
The woman walked calmly toward the altar.
Without saying a word...
She placed an old silver locket beside their grandfather's portrait.
Inside the locket was a faded photograph.
Two infants.
One labeled Alexander.
The other labeled Emily.
The entire room froze.
His uncle suddenly shouted,
"Security! Remove her immediately!"
Before anyone could move, the woman spoke.
"My name is Emily Blackwood."
"And twenty-nine years ago..."
"You sold me."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Then she reached into her coat and removed a thick envelope.
Birth records.
Hospital documents.
Bank transfers.
Signed adoption contracts.
Every page carried authentic government seals.
She looked directly at Alexander for the first time.
"I've spent my entire life searching for my brother."
"I never knew..."
"...he was still alive."
Alexander felt something he hadn't experienced since childhood.
Hope.
But before he could stand and embrace her...
A deafening gunshot echoed through the cathedral.
The stained-glass windows exploded.
Guests screamed.
Chaos erupted.
A sniper's laser sight settled directly on Emily's chest.
Alexander didn't think.
He rose from his wheelchair for the first time in public.
In one explosive movement, he threw himself toward Emily, knocking her to the marble floor just as the bullet ripped through the podium behind them.
The entire cathedral fell silent.
Hundreds of horrified eyes stared at Alexander.
The billionaire everyone believed was paralyzed...
May you like
Was standing.
And now every enemy in the room knew they had been deceived.
