INHERITANCE OF DECEIT

THE RETURN

Liya's expression softened. "You're doing your best, Ava. That's all anyone can ask."

Ava smiled weakly at Liya, grateful for her friend's concern. Liya returned to wiping down the counter, her eyes flicking toward Ava with sympathy.

As Ava began her shift, her mind wandered back to her family's struggles. Piper's harsh words still lingered, making Ava question her own self-worth.

A customer entered, breaking Ava's reverie. She forced a friendly smile, ringing up the purchase.

But her thoughts drifted again, consumed by worries about her father's coma, their debt, and Piper's resentment.

The customer lingered, browsing the shelves, but Ava's attention remained elsewhere.

Just then, Mrs. Patel stormed out of her office, her face twisted in annoyance.

"Ava! What's taking so long?" Mrs. Patel barked, her voice echoing through the café.

Ava flinched, startled. "Sorry, Mrs. Patel. I'll wrap this up."

Mrs. Patel strode over, snatching the customer's receipt from Ava's hand.

"You're slowing down business, Ava. Get it together!" Mrs. Patel snapped, her eyes flashing with anger.

The customer shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension.

Liya intervened, her voice calm. "Mrs. Patel, Ava's just having a tough day."

Mrs. Patel rounded on Liya. "Mind your own business, Liya. You're not paid to coddle Ava."

Ava's face burned with embarrassment and hurt.

The customer hastily paid and left, casting a sympathetic glance at Ava.

As the door closed, Mrs. Patel turned on Ava.

"You're lucky I don't fire you on the spot. Shape up, or ship out!"

Ava bit back tears, feeling trapped and helpless.

Liya placed a reassuring hand on Ava's shoulder.

"Hey, we'll get through this together.

The next day
Before Ethan's arrival, the press had been discreetly invited to Jenkins Company. Reporters and camera crews swarmed the lobby, eager for a scoop.

As Ethan stepped out of the Mercedes-Benz, a sea of flashing cameras greeted him. He strode into the building, his confident stride devouring the distance.

Employees whispered, shocked by the sudden media frenzy. "Who's that?" someone asked.

Sophia Laurent, Ethan's stepmother, rushed into the lobby, her face pale. "What's going on?" she demanded.

Alexander, her son, followed closely behind. "What's happening, Mother?"

Sophia's eyes locked onto Ethan, her expression darkening. "It's Ethan. He's back."

Ethan's gaze locked onto his father, Lewis Jenkins, standing across the room.

"Dad," Ethan said, his voice firm. "I'm back."

Lewis's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes.

Ethan continued, his voice echoing through the lobby. "I've come to reclaim what's rightfully mine. My mother's will left me the controlling shares of Jenkins Company."

Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "You have no right to this company!"

Ethan's jaw clenched. "My mother was the true owner of our family's wealth. Her will is clear."

The press conference erupted into chaos as reporters shouted questions.

Ethan's determination hardened. He would fight for his legacy, no matter what

Meanwhile, Ava wiped down the counter at Mrs. Patel's café, her mind drifting to her family's struggles.

The TV mounted on the wall caught her attention, broadcasting breaking news.

"...Ethan Jenkins, Heir to the Jenkins Company fortune, has returned to take what is rightfully his."

The news anchor's voice was filled with excitement.

"According to sources, Ethan Jenkins claims his late mother's will left him the controlling shares of Jenkins Company, making him the rightful owner."

Ava's curiosity piqued, she watched as Ethan confidently addressed the press.

"I've come to reclaim my family's legacy," Ethan declared. "My mother's will is clear."

Liya, her best friend, sighed beside her. "What a spoiled brat."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

Liya rolled her eyes. "He's from the richest family in the world . What does he have to complain about?"

Ava shrugged. "Maybe he's trying to prove himself."

Liya snorted. "Prove himself? He's got everything handed to him on a silver platter."

Ava smiled wryly. "You don't know his story, Liya."

Liya's expression softened. "You're right. But still, it's hard to relate to someone with that much.

Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "You have no right to this company!"

Ethan pulled out a document from his pocket. "This is my mother's last will and testament."

The room fell silent as Ethan began to read:

"...I, Catherine Jenkins, leave my entire estate, including controlling shares of Jenkins Company, to my beloved son, Ethan Jenkins."

Sophia's face paled. "That's not the real will!"

Lewis intervened, his voice calm. "Ethan, we need to verify the authenticity of this document."

Ethan nodded. "I expected as much. I'm willing to cooperate."

Sophia whispered urgently to Lewis. "We can't let him just waltz in here with a fake will. We need to protect our interests."

Lewis's expression turned thoughtful. "Sophia's right, Ethan. We need to ensure this will is genuine."

Ethan agreed. "Fine. I'll wait a week for verification. But I assure you, this is my mother's true will."

Unbeknownst to Ethan, Sophia had manipulated Lewis into doubting his son's claim.

As the press conference ended, Ethan left the building, determined to gather more evidence.

But he know, Sophia had already set a plan in motion to discredit him.