Perched atop a gentle hillock on the banks of the Potomac, Le Chateau de Fortier stood as a beacon of elegance, a 4-story masterpiece clad in French-milled limestone. Originally the home of a Middle Eastern royal couple, the Maryland estate was sold to Alain Fortier in 1994 following the joyous news that his son, Angus, and daughter-in-law, Leona, were expecting their first child.

  After securing that plot, Alain discreetly acquired six adjacent parcels of land, expanding the estate into a sprawling 15-acre riverfront haven. It was a home built not just on stone, but on legacy and ambition.

  This Sunday evening, the Fortier family congregated for their regular end-of-month dinner, a tradition that had been upheld for decades. The grand halls of the chateau buzzed with laughter and chatter as Alain, the patriarch, and his wife, Amélie, graciously hosted Alain’s siblings, their spouses, and the next generations in their home.

  Outside, the Potomac flowed calmly, its serenity a counterpoint to the tension simmering beneath the surface of the gathering.

  Alain’s younger brother, Leo, and his wife, Margot, arrived much earlier, their life as retirees affording them plenty of time to enjoy the estate. They were later joined by their son, Lyon, his wife, Faye, and their daughter, Lena. Shortly after, Alain’s younger sister, Maelle, and her husband, Vonne Rousseau, arrived with their son, Marcel, his wife, Chloe, and their son, Maxim. The last to arrive was Maelle and Vonne’s daughter, Vivienne, accompanied by her husband, Guy Gautier, and their daughter, Vera.

  After dinner, the younger generation, all in their 20s, moved to the entertainment space, eager to unwind. Their parents and grandparents, however, adjourned to the parlor, where the real discussions were about to begin.

  Alain’s voice broke the murmur of conversation. “There are two matters I’d like to address this evening. First is the succession of the family head. Does anyone have anything they’d like to share?”

  Leo spoke up immediately, “Alain, ideally, Angus should be the next head. But given his current condition, we should pass the mantle to Leona. She’s proven herself, and I have no doubt the Fortier legacy will flourish under her charge.”

  A wave of agreement rippled through the crowd, everyone except for Leona, who was deep in thought.

  Alain inclined his head thoughtfully. “Amé and I also believe that, given Leona’s personality, dedication, and capabilities, she’s well-suited to ensure the Fortier name and legacy continue to thrive. She’s poised to pave the way for the next generation.”

  Turning toward his daughter-in-law, Alain softened his tone. “We’re not pressuring you, Leona, but we’d like to hear your thoughts.”

  Leona drew a steady breath, lifting her gaze to meet his. “Dad, as Angus’s wife, if the position of matriarch is what the family expects of me, I will bear that responsibility to the best of my ability.”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  A collective sigh of relief swept through the room before Maelle chimed in, “Leona, it has been hard on you these past decades. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help ease your burdens.”

  Leona’s eyes glistened, grateful. “Thank you, Aunt Maelle. Although Angus is still in a coma and Landry is missing, I’m blessed to have such supportive in-laws.”

  Amélie’s voice rang out, sharp with fury. “That bastard got off easy! I hope he burns in hell for eternity!”

  Bitterness hung heavily in the parlor, grief thickening the air. Alain slipped his arm around Amélie’s shoulders. “Amé, since I made the public announcement, there have been a few recommendations for healers. Many people have also come forward to undergo DNA testing. It’s only been a few months, but I’m quite optimistic. Let’s not dwell on things we can’t change.”

  Amélie rested her head on Alain’s shoulder, resigned.

  Alain cleared his throat, the next issue looming. “Now, let’s talk about the presidency. Any thoughts?”

  Lyon leaned forward, his words measured. “Uncle Alain, there’s a reason why Marcel and I didn’t apply. I don’t want Leona to feel burdened, but since she’s been your right-hand woman all this time, don’t you think she’s the right candidate?”

  Marcel chimed in, “Uncle Alain, Lyon’s right. We’ve seen Leona handle challenges in the corporate world like no one else. We’re happy to support her presidency. I’ll be her right-hand man, and Lyon will be her left.”

  Alain sat back, his gaze contemplative. After a long pause, he said, “I’ve interviewed many candidates. They all had impressive credentials, but either their values or vision didn’t align with mine.”

  Turning back to Leona, his expression warmed. “Leona has been learning from me all these years. She’s proven she’s more than just a stand-in for Angus.”

  Then he looked at his nephews. “Lyon, Marcel, if you’re serious about assisting her in addition to your current portfolios, how about I make you both SVPs at Kaléido Corp? I’ll also increase your salaries by 20 percent and allocate two percent more shares for the SVP positions. What do you think?”

  Before anyone could respond, Leona spoke, calm but resolute. “Dad, Lyon, Marcel, I’m deeply honored by your confidence in me. But I don’t need the five percent shares accorded to the new president. I’ve earned plenty over the years and never spent any of it. Dad, I’d rather you take that five percent and distribute two percent each to Lyon and Marcel, and give Vivienne the remaining one percent.”

  Vivienne, caught off guard, shook her head. “Thank you, Leona, but I’m just a homemaker. The dividends I receive from Kaléido Corp shares are more than enough for my family. Besides, Vonne also provides for us.”

  Lyon echoed the sentiment. “Leona, Uncle Alain, there’s no need for additional shares. We already live comfortably. The current share dividends are more than enough.”

  Marcel agreed. “That’s right, Uncle Alain. We’re not celebrities or the type to flaunt our wealth. What we have now is enough for several generations. We don’t need more.”

  Alain exhaled deeply, the weight of years and family responsibility pressing heavily on him. “Leona, Lyon, Marcel, I know your characters well. But the allocation of shares is about showing the corporate world that we are united in this transition.”

  He paused, his voice cracking with emotion. “We’ve all amassed so much wealth, but there’s nowhere to spend it. I’m already pushing 75. How much time do I have left? I would give everything if Angus could wake up and Landry could be found.”

  He paused, grappling with the betrayal that had scarred them all. “I would have given Kaléido Corp to that demon if he had just asked. He needn’t have plotted against my son and grandson.”

  Alain’s despair felt suffocating, and for a moment, the concerns of business and succession fell away, leaving only the shared ache of treachery and loss.