INHERITANCE OF DECEIT

THE RETURN

Ethan Jenkins gazed out the plane window as the Singaporean skyline gave way to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. He was leaving behind the safety of his adopted city, where he had spent the past six years trying to escape the pain of his mother's tragic death.

Now, at 24, Ethan was returning to America, determined to uncover the truth and reclaim his birthright. The Jenkins Company, his family's conglomerate, beckoned. With interests in finance, tech, and real estate, it was a global powerhouse.

As the plane crossed the international dateline, Ethan's thoughts turned to his father, Lewis Jenkins. Would he welcome his son back, or had Sophia Laurent, his stepmother, and her son, Alexander, manipulated him against Ethan?

Sophia, his mother's best friend, had married Lewis shortly after Catherine's death. Ethan's gut twisted at the thought. Was it a convenient marriage or a calculated move?

The plane began its descent into John F. Kennedy International Airport. Ethan's heart quickened as the Manhattan skyline came into view. The gleaming skyscrapers seemed to pierce the sky, a symbol of his family's wealth and influence.

Ethan collected his luggage and cleared customs. The humid summer air enveloped him As Ethan stepped out of the terminal, a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class pulled up alongside him. The chauffeur, Ray swiftly collected his luggage.

"Mr. Jenkins, welcome back," Carlos said, his expression unreadable.

Ethan nodded, recognizing the familiar face. Carlos had been Ethan PA ; he had been Ethan's eyes and ears in New York, keeping him informed about the goings-on at Jenkins Company.

"Thanks, Carlos. It's good to be back," Ethan replied, sliding into the luxurious interior.

Carlos had been Ethan's trusted ally, feeding him information from the shadows. Ethan had been texting him regularly since his decision to return.

As the Mercedes-Benz glided through Manhattan's congested streets, Ethan's mind raced with questions. What had changed since his departure? Had Sophia and Alexander solidified their grip on Jenkins Company?

Ava Thompson trudged through the cramped Brooklyn apartment, her heart heavy with worry. Her father's coma had left them drowning in debt, her mother's desperation palpable.

Her brother, Davis, worked tirelessly to make ends meet, but every dollar seemed to slip through their fingers. Her sister, Piper, squandered what little they had, blaming their circumstances on fate - and Ava.

"You're the one who's supposed to take care of us," Piper snapped, her eyes flashing with resentment. "If you were smarter, you'd get a better job, or marry someone rich. But no, you're stuck in this dead-end café job, wasting your life."

Ava bit back her retort, knowing Piper's frustration stemmed from their hopeless situation. But Piper's words stung.

"You think it's that easy, Piper? You think I'm not trying?" Ava asked, her voice trembling.

Piper scoffed. "Trying? You call this trying? You're just going through the motions, Ava. You're useless."

Their mother intervened, her voice weary. "Piper, stop. We're all doing our best."

But Piper's words lingered, poisoning the air.

After a tense morning, Ava headed to her part-time job at Mrs. Patel's small café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her as she entered.

Liya Ava best friend noticing Ava's worn expression, asked, "Ava, dear, how's your father?"

Ava forced a smile. "No change, Mrs. Patel. Thanks for asking."