CHAPTER 1 – The Funeral That Turned Into a Battlefield
The rain hadn't stopped since dawn.
As the black limousine pulled away from the cemetery, the four Whitmore siblings stood silently beside their father's freshly covered grave. Their tears had barely dried before cold stares replaced grief.
Richard Whitmore—the billionaire founder of Whitmore Holdings—was gone.
And everyone knew what came next.
The inheritance.
Inside the family's century-old mansion, the atmosphere became suffocating. Expensive paintings covered the walls, but the room felt colder than the grave outside.
The oldest son, Daniel, broke the silence first.
"We've mourned long enough. Dad's lawyer should be here any minute."
His younger brother Michael laughed bitterly.
"You mean you're tired of pretending to be sad."
Across the room, their sister Emily slammed her wine glass onto the table.
"Stop acting innocent. Dad planned to leave everything to Daniel. We all know it."
Daniel smirked.
"Because I built this company with him while the rest of you enjoyed his money."
Before anyone could respond, the massive oak doors opened.
Attorney James Holloway walked in carrying a thick leather briefcase.
"I have your father's Last Will and Testament."
Every heartbeat seemed to stop.
The lawyer slowly unfolded the document.
"Richard Whitmore leaves behind an estate worth approximately $3.8 billion..."
The room exploded.
Michael stood up.
"Three point eight billion?"
Emily gasped.
Even Daniel couldn't hide his excitement.
James raised his hand.
"Please let me finish."
Silence returned.
"The estate will NOT be divided today."
Every face froze.
"What?" Daniel shouted.
"The inheritance will go to only ONE child..."
Emily nearly dropped her glass.
Michael clenched his fists.
"...but only after completing the challenge Mr. Whitmore prepared before his death."
"A challenge?" Emily whispered.
James nodded.
"He believed none of you deserved his fortune."
The room erupted into furious protests.
"You've got to be kidding!"
"This is insane!"
"He can't do this!"
James calmly placed four identical black envelopes onto the table.
"Your father personally sealed these."
Each envelope contained only one sentence.
'Find the person I trusted most... before your brothers and sister do.'
No name.
No address.
No explanation.
Daniel immediately grabbed his coat.
Michael snatched his envelope.
Emily hurried toward the door.
Within seconds...
The grieving family transformed into ruthless competitors.
None of them noticed the old housekeeper quietly watching from the hallway.
May you like
She softly whispered...
"You still don't understand what your father was trying to protect..."
