Heavens fortune system

"I've never told you who your father really is," Audrey began, her voice trembling as she rested her frail hands on her lap. "Your surname isn't Fallow. I gave you that name because it was my father's, and I wanted to protect you. But the truth is, your father is Maxwell Harrington—one of the richest men in the world."

Ethan froze, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. Audrey continued, her voice heavy with years of unspoken pain.

"I met him at a party years ago. I was a stripper back then, just trying to survive in a world that didn't care if I lived or died. That night, I went to a new club, and he called me over. He said he'd pay me well if I made him happy. I didn't know who he was, but I needed the money. We both got drunk, and he—well, it happened without protection. I didn't think much of it until I found out I was pregnant."

Audrey paused, her voice cracking. "When I told him, he laughed. He accused me of trying to trap him for his money. He told me to get rid of the baby, that he didn't need a child with someone like me—a 'prostitute,' he called me. I threatened to expose him, but he said I wouldn't dare."

Tears streamed down her face as she handed Ethan a faded photograph. "This is his old family house. He goes there sometimes when he wants to be alone. Security at his main estate is tight, so you won't get close to him there. But if you go to this house, you might find him. Ethan… your real name is Harrington."

Ethan stared at the photo, his mind racing. He felt a surge of anger toward a father who had abandoned him and respect for his mother, who had risked everything to keep him alive. "Why didn't you abort me when he asked you to? Why risk your life for mine?"

Audrey placed a trembling hand on his cheek. "Because I knew you were my hope for the future. You were my reason to keep going. And I still believe in you, Ethan."

Her voice weakened, and she coughed as she added, "Find him. He owes you that much."

Ethan nodded, his determination hardening. "I'll find him, Mom. I promise."

Meanwhile, Sophia was drowning under the weight of the Caldwell family's downfall. They had sold almost all their assets to repay loans, leaving only their family home—a property worth billions. Despite her efforts, the company continued to crumble.

One afternoon, Sophia received an invitation from Mr. Greyson, one of her father's closest friends. Hopeful that he might offer help, she went to see him.

"Miss Caldwell," Greyson began with a sly smile, "I want to propose something that will benefit us both. Marry my son Alex, and I'll save your family from this disaster."

Sophia's jaw tightened. "What? You're offering help on the condition that I marry Alex? With all due respect, Mr. Greyson, I'd never consider marrying someone like him."

Greyson leaned back, unfazed. "Your family is drowning, Sophia. I can raise $10 billion to clear your debts and save your company. Think about it. This could solve everything."

Her voice shook with frustration. "Even if my family is struggling, I won't sell my life to fix it. I'll find another way." She stormed out, furious and disheartened.

Later that day, as Sophia left yet another bank, her phone rang. It was the family lawyer. "Miss Caldwell, we have a problem…"

Her knees buckled, and the world around her went black. When she woke up in a hospital bed, her head was pounding.

"What happened?" she asked, confused.

A nurse entered, smiling gently. "You collapsed from exhaustion. You need rest."

David entered the room, placing food on the table. "Sophia, you need to take care of yourself. You've been overworking."

She sat up, rubbing her temple. "What did the doctor say?"

David hesitated. "You're… pregnant."

The words hit Sophia like a thunderclap. "Pregnant? How? This can't be happening!"

David nodded solemnly. "It's true. The doctor confirmed it."

Sophia's emotions spiraled—shock, fear, and confusion flooding her mind. Before she could process the news, the door opened, and Mr. Greyson walked in, accompanied by Olivia.

"Mom, what's he doing here?" Sophia asked, her voice trembling as tears stained her face.

"Oh, Sophia, how are you feeling now?" Olivia said with a bright smile that felt out of place amidst Sophia's turmoil. "Mr. Greyson just wants to have a quick word with you." Without waiting for a response, she ushered David out of the room, dragging him by the hand.

"Mom, what's going on?" David asked, his voice edged with suspicion as they stepped into the hallway. "Why is Mr. Greyson here, and what does he want with Sophia?"

Olivia sighed, looking at David with a mix of impatience and excitement. "You worry too much, David. Mr. Greyson has come with an incredible proposal. He likes Sophia and wants her to marry his son, Alex. He's even willing to offer $10 billion to our family if she agrees. Don't you see? He's a godsend. With that money, we can save the Caldwell legacy. Caldwell Horizon doesn't have to fall!" Her face lit up with hope, a stark contrast to David's growing unease.

David's brows furrowed, his tone turning sharp. "Mom, do you even hear yourself? You're trying to sell Sophia off for money. How can you justify this?"

Olivia's smile faded, replaced by a defensive glare. "Sell her off? What do you even know, David? What can you offer in this situation, huh? The only thing you and Lila seem capable of is spending money. You're both old enough to contribute, yet you've done nothing to help your father's business from falling apart!"

David's fists clenched as he tried to keep his voice steady. "Mom, that's not fair, and you know it. We're all doing our best to handle this mess. But forcing Sophia into a marriage with Alex Greyson just to bail us out? That's not saving the family—that's destroying it!"

Olivia's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "Don't lecture me, David. Do you think I wanted things to come to this? Do you think I enjoy seeing my family's legacy crumble? I've fought tooth and nail to hold this family together, and I finally found a solution—a real solution. If Sophia marries Alex, the Caldwell name can rise again. This isn't just about money; it's about survival."

David shook his head, his voice filled with disbelief. "This isn't survival—it's desperation. You're putting Sophia's life and happiness on the line for a quick fix. You know she'll never agree to this. And frankly, I don't blame her. Mr. Greyson isn't a savior—he's a manipulator taking advantage of our situation. Can't you see that?"

Olivia's voice softened, but her determination remained. "Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, David. You think I don't care about Sophia's happiness? I do. But what choice do we have? If we don't act now, there won't be a Caldwell Horizon left to save. Do you really want to see your father's entire legacy vanish into nothing?"

David stepped back, his face a mixture of anger and sadness. "I want to save this family too, Mom. But not like this. There has to be another way."

Olivia crossed her arms, her tone final. "If there is, then find it. But until then, Mr. Greyson's offer is the only lifeline we have."

David looked at her, his frustration clear. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Olivia standing in the hallway, torn between her determination and the growing cracks in her family's unity.