Riven
Together.
I put the phone down and closed my eyes.
In two days, everything would be different. I just had to be brave enough to let the change happen.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
RIVEN
The lawyer’soffice was located right in the heart of downtown. It was all glass and steel with expensive views of the skyline, the kind of place that seemed to charge you just for walking through the door.
I had reached out to August separately and asked him to come along. This conversation needed both of us to be present. It was about the hospital and the family issues we had been avoiding ever since our father passed away.
August was already there when I walked in. He was standing by the window in his usual expensive suit, his jaw set, his posture deliberately composed.
“Riven,” he greeted me.
“August,” I replied.
We didn't bother shaking hands or pretending this was a friendly social visit.
Sebastian Cole entered the room shortly after. He was in his sixties with graying hair and patient eyes. He had been managing the estate for nine months while I ignored every single one of his phone calls.
“Gentlemen, please take a seat.” He pointed toward the large conference table. “I'm honestly glad we're finally sitting down to have this talk.”
We sat down on opposite sides of the table, with Sebastian at the head. He began spreading out a variety of folders and legal documents.
“Let’s start with the basics.” Sebastian opened the first file. “Your father was the sole owner of Obsidian Hospital. He bought it thirty years ago when it was failing and turned it into the institution today. According to the will, ownership now transfers to you, Riven, as the eldest son.”
The words landed like physical weight against my chest. I officially owned a hospital. I technically owned it for nine months, but I had refused to acknowledge the responsibility or accept what it actually meant for my life.
“There are also various investments, properties, and other assets.” Sebastian slid several papers across the table toward me. I saw long lists of numbers, bank statements, and property deeds. “The total value of the estate is substantial. It’s likely much more than you have ever considered.”
I looked at the figures and tried to process them. My father had built a massive empire, brick by brick and surgery by surgery. Now, I had inherited all of it.
I pressed my palms flat against the table and forced a slow breath through my nose.
“Why are you doing this now?” August asked. His voice was steady and measured. “You have spent nine months avoiding this room. I want to know what finally changed your mind.”
That was a fair question. I could tell him the absolute truth. I could say that the woman I loved was facing a career-ending investigation because of me. I could admit that I needed this power to protect her.
However, that felt far too personal and raw to share with him.
“I have my own reasons for being here,” I said.
“That isn't a real answer, Riven.”
"It's the only one you’ll ever have."
August’s eyes narrowed slightly. He could probably guess what it was. But he didn't push me further, at least not yet.
Sebastian cleared his throat to break the tension. “Perhaps we should focus on the practical matters first. We can save the emotional talk for another time.”
But August wasn't ready to move on. “You let this estate sit in a legal limbo for months. The hospital needed a leader to make decisions about expansion and hiring. You ignored all of those responsibilities.”
“Yes, I did,” I admitted.
