Robert was taken aback. He stopped in his tracks and stared at the old man, unable to comprehend what he was saying.
"Young Master? You must be mistaken. I'm not a young master," Robert said bitterly, brushing the tears from his eyes.
The old man straightened up and smiled faintly. "My name is Gregory Lane. I am the house steward of the York family in West Hill. We have been searching for you for a long time."
Robert frowned. "York family? You've got the wrong person. The Yorks abandoned me long ago. To them, I am worthless."
"Not anymore, Young Master," Gregory spoke firmly. "The patriarch of the York family, Mr. York, has passed away. According to his will, you are the sole legitimate heir. The assets of the Yorks, worth billions, now belong to you."
Robert felt like he had been struck by lightning. "What?! This can't be true. The Yorks threw my father and me out like outcasts. Now they want me back?"
Gregory sighed, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes. "The patriarch kept tabs on you in secret, Young Master. He deeply regretted allowing Evelyn to mistreat you and Mr. Seth. Before he died, he commanded that you be brought home to claim your rightful inheritance and restore the honor that was taken from you."
Robert clenched his fists as memories of his childhood clouded his mind. The scorn, the frame, and the contempt. His father's death, the cries of his sister in the hospital bed, and the desperation that had almost pushed him to the edge.
"Why now?" Robert asked hoarsely. "Why wait until everything is lost?"
"It was the patriarch's wish, Young Master. He tried to make amends. Will you accept?" Gregory offered a black leather briefcase. "Inside is the deed to the York family's main estate, documents for your succession, and an advance bank card with ten billion dollars. You can use it immediately for any urgent needs like your sister's medical expenses."
Ten billion dollars seems like a mirage. Robert fell to his knees feeling dazed. The sheer weight of despair he had felt moments ago started to lift.
"Jenna…" he whispered. "You can be saved."
He took the briefcase and looked up sharply. "I accept. Not for the Yorks, but for myself, for my sister, and for my father's honor."
A hint of relief crossed Gregory's stern face. "Excellent choice, Young Master. The car is ready. We can take you to the hospital immediately."
Robert rose with courage in his eyes. The boy who had been humiliated and thrown out was gone. In his place stood the rightful heir of the York family, a man about to rise from the ashes.
"Eric, Tracy, Roseline, Clark… All of you, wait. The days when Robert Cruise can be trampled upon are over!"
With Gregory by his side, Robert stepped into the Rolls-Royce. The engine came to life, and as the car pulled away from the construction site, Robert felt a strength he hadn't felt in years.
The Rolls‑Royce drifted smoothly down the dark streets. With Robert sitting quietly in the back seat, gazing out of the window. Memories of countless nights struggling to make ends meet came rushing back. But tonight was different. Tonight he held the key to a new life, and he swore he would use it wisely.
"Sir, I have arranged a private ward for Miss Jenna," Gregory said from the front seat. "The best specialists are on standby."
Robert felt a lump rise in his throat. "Thank you, Gregory. Let's go to the hospital. I want to see my sister first."
"As you wish, Young Master," Gregory replied, making a quick call.
A short while later, the car pulled into the best hospital in North Coast. The moment Robert stepped out, a team of doctors and nurses lined up, bowing respectfully.
"Mr. Cruise, this way, please," the hospital director said hastily.
He led Robert to the intensive care unit where Jenna was resting. Robert stood at the door, looking at his sister through the glass. She was pale and fragile, but she was breathing steadily.
Tears streamed down Robert's face. "Hang in there, Jenna. I'll never let anyone hurt you or make you suffer again," he promised quietly.
The doctor stepped closer. "Sir, we can proceed with the surgery tomorrow morning as soon as you make the payments and sign the documents."
"Do it. Whatever it takes, I will pay." Robert said firmly.
He signed, handed over the documents with his bank card, and watched as the medical team wheeled Jenna into the operating room in preparation for the surgery tomorrow.
Robert stepped out into the hallway, where Gregory was waiting. "Young Master, the rest can wait until Miss Jenna is stable. But if you wish, we can settle some old scores tonight."
Robert clenched his fists, a burning light in his eyes. "Eric. Tracy. The Browns. They treated me like a dog. They neglected my sister and humiliated us. The debts must be paid, Gregory. But we will do this properly. They deserve to know that Robert Cruise is no longer the man they can walk over."
A faint smile appeared on Gregory's face. "Very well, Young Master. What are your orders?"
"Send someone to keep an eye on them. In the coming days, I will walk through their door. Let them see the face of the man they cast out and then they will understand the price of greed and cruelty."
"As you command, Young Master."
Robert clenched his fist. The boy who had been humiliated and abandoned would rise as a king, and those who scorned him would soon learn to fear the name Robert Cruise.
He stepped out of the hospital, looked up at the midnight skyline of North Coast, and spoke to himself, "Tomorrow, the world will witness the rise of Robert Cruise. No one will ever make my sister cry again."
The humiliated son‑in‑law was gone forever. In his place, the heir of the York family had returned, and the era of reckoning had just begun!