Jason stared at Alice, his mind struggling to process her words. "Dad passed away."
The room fell silent. Only the soft hum of the refrigerator filled the void between them.
"How?" Jason finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alice sighed, setting down her takeout container. "Car accident. His brakes failed while driving down that winding road near the estate. The one that leads to the city."
"The same way Mom died," Jason muttered, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Must be some kind of family curse. Drive down that road and your brakes mysteriously fail." He shook his head. "When's the funeral?"
"Day after tomorrow. I've arranged a private jet for us. We leave tomorrow morning."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Us? I never said I was going."
Alice's eyes narrowed. "Don't be ridiculous, Jason. Whatever issues you had with Dad, he's gone now. You need to be there."
"Why? So everyone can whisper about the prodigal son who abandoned his family fortune to live like a commoner?" Jason stood up, pacing the small living room. "No thanks."
"I didn't come all this way just to hear you say no," Alice replied, her tone firm. "Besides, whatever happened between you and Dad is in the past. You owe it to yourself to get closure."
Jason stopped pacing and looked at his sister. Despite everything, she had always been there for him, even when he pushed everyone away.
"Fine," he conceded. "But I'm not staying any longer than necessary."
Alice nodded. "That's all I ask."
---
The private jet touched down smoothly on the runway. Jason gazed out the window at the familiar skyline of his hometown. It had been four years since he'd last seen it.
"Nervous?" Alice asked, noticing his tight grip on the armrest.
"Just tired," Jason lied. "Haven't been sleeping well."
"That's not what I asked," Alice replied, seeing through his deflection.
Before Jason could respond, the pilot announced they had arrived. As they descended the stairs onto the tarmac, a sleek black limousine waited for them.
"Still traveling in style, I see," Jason remarked.
Alice shrugged. "Some things never change."
The drive to the estate was quiet, with Jason staring out the window, watching the scenery change from urban to suburban, and finally to the exclusive neighborhood where he'd grown up. When the massive wrought-iron gates of the Harrison estate came into view, Jason felt his chest tighten.
"Home sweet home," he muttered sarcastically.
The limousine pulled into the circular driveway, coming to a stop in front of the grand entrance. The mansion stood as imposing as ever, its Georgian architecture a testament to old money and refined taste.
As Jason stepped out of the car, memories flooded his mind. Playing hide and seek with Alice in the gardens. His mother's laugh echoing in the halls. His father's rare smile of approval when Jason brought home top grades.
"It looks exactly the same," Jason said quietly.
"On the outside, maybe," Alice replied cryptically.
The massive oak doors opened, and Victoria appeared, dressed in black, her face a mask of practiced grief. Behind her stood her children, Nathan and Stacey, wearing matching expressions of disdain.
"Well, well," Victoria said, her voice honey-sweet but her eyes cold. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence after all these years."
"Victoria," Jason acknowledged with a nod. "I'm here for my father's funeral, not for a reunion."
"How touching," Nathan sneered, stepping forward. "The son who abandoned his father suddenly cares now that there's an inheritance to collect."
Jason's jaw clenched. "I don't want his money."
"Of course you don't," Stacey chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's why you lived in that pathetic apartment, working minimum wage. Because you don't care about money."
"That's enough," Alice interrupted, placing a hand on Jason's arm. "We're all grieving. Let's not make this harder than it needs to be."
Victoria's plastic smile returned. "Of course, dear. Where are my manners? Please, come in. Your old rooms have been prepared."
As they entered the foyer, Jason couldn't help but notice how lifeless the mansion felt. Despite the expensive artwork and pristine furniture, something vital was missing.
"I think I need some air," Jason said, turning toward the back gardens.
"Dinner is at seven," Victoria called after him. "Don't be late."
Jason waved a hand in acknowledgment and escaped through the French doors. The gardens, at least, felt unchanged—a sanctuary amidst the tension inside.
---
The next morning, Jason found Alice in the study, surrounded by papers and a laptop.
"Working on funeral arrangements?" he asked, handing her a cup of coffee.
Alice nodded, accepting the coffee gratefully. "Thanks. Yes, there's a lot to coordinate. Dad was well-known in the business world. We're expecting quite a turnout."
Jason took a seat opposite her. "Need any help?"
"Actually, yes," Alice said, looking surprised by the offer. "Could you go through this list and make sure we haven't missed anyone important? You might remember some of Dad's old associates that I've forgotten."
Jason took the list and scanned it. "Most of these names I don't even recognize. Four years is a long time."
"Longer when you choose to stay away," Alice remarked without looking up.
"That's not fair, Alice," Jason said quietly. "You know why I left."
Alice finally met his gaze. "Do I? Because all I know is one day, you and Dad had a massive fight, and the next, you were gone. You barely called, barely wrote. You missed every holiday, every birthday."
"He disowned me, Alice. What was I supposed to do?"
"Fight for your place in the family," Alice shot back. "Instead, you ran away and left me to deal with everything. Do you have any idea what it's been like these past four years? Dad working himself to death, Victoria and her brood circling like vultures, and me trying to hold it all together?"
Jason looked down, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry. I didn't think—"
"No, you didn't," Alice interrupted, but her voice had softened. "But you're here now, and that's what matters."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Mary, their father's assistant, entered with a tablet in hand.
"Ms. Harrison, I've finalized the seating arrangements for the service as you requested," she said, then noticed Jason. "Oh, Mr. Harrison. Welcome back."
"Thank you, Mary," Jason replied, noticing her formal tone. "It's been a while."
Mary nodded stiffly. "Indeed. Four years, two months, and fifteen days, to be precise."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "You kept count?"
"Your father did," Mary replied, her expression unreadable. "He had a calendar in his office marking the days since you left."
The revelation hit Jason like a physical blow. Before he could respond, Mary turned back to Alice.
"The florist called. They can't source the white lilies you requested. They suggested white roses instead."
Alice sighed. "That won't do. Dad hated roses. Keep looking."
"Very well," Mary said, making a note. "Also, Mr. Alexander Mercer has arrived. He's asking to speak with both of you."
"Alex is here?" Jason perked up. "Send him in."
Mary nodded and left, returning moments later with Alexander. The older man, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, smiled warmly at the sight of Jason.
"Jason, my boy," he said, opening his arms for an embrace.
Jason stood and hugged him tightly. "Uncle Alex. It's good to see you."
"Though I wish it were under better circumstances," Alexander replied, his eyes sad. "Your father was a good man, Jason. Stubborn as hell, but a good man."
"Was he?" Jason couldn't help asking.
Alexander gave him a knowing look. "He had his flaws, as we all do. But he loved you, Jason. Even when he was too proud to say it."
Jason swallowed hard. "I find that hard to believe."
"Believe what you want," Alexander said, placing a hand on Jason's shoulder. "But I was there when he received the news of your arrest yesterday. He was ready to fly out immediately, despite his doctor's orders to rest. It was only the storm that prevented him from taking the company jet."
Jason frowned. "Wait, what? The accident happened yesterday?"
Alice and Alexander exchanged glances.
"Yes," Alice confirmed. "Late last night. He was on his way back from an emergency board meeting when it happened."
"So, if the storm hadn't grounded flights..." Jason trailed off, the implication clear.
"He would have been here, not on that road," Alexander finished.
The weight of this revelation struck Jason hard. His father had been trying to reach him when he died.
"I need a moment," Jason said, quickly leaving the study.
---
The day of the funeral arrived with appropriately somber weather. Dark clouds hung low, and a light drizzle fell as guests began to arrive at the Harrison estate for the service.
Jason stood in his old room, adjusting his tie in the mirror. A knock at the door drew his attention.
"Come in," he called.
Alice entered, already dressed in a simple black dress. "Almost ready?"
Jason nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"There are a lot of people downstairs," Alice informed him. "Business associates, friends, relatives we haven't seen in years."
"Vultures, the lot of them," Jason muttered.
"Maybe," Alice conceded. "But some of them genuinely cared about Dad."
"Like who?" Jason challenged.
"Like Uncle Alex," Alice replied. "He's been inconsolable. They were partners for thirty years."
Jason's expression softened. "You're right. Sorry."
Alice approached, straightening his already perfect tie. "It's okay to be angry, Jason. But today, try to remember the good times too."
Jason nodded, placing a hand over hers. "I'll try."
Downstairs, the grand hall had been transformed for the service. Rows of chairs faced a wooden podium, behind which stood a large portrait of Richard Harrison, looking dignified and commanding as always.
As Jason entered, he noticed many familiar faces, as well as many he didn't recognize. Some nodded respectfully, others whispered behind their hands. He ignored them all and took his place in the front row beside Alice.
The service began, with a series of speakers sharing memories of Richard. Business associates praised his vision and leadership. Friends spoke of his loyalty and generosity. Family members recalled his strength and determination.
When it was Jason's turn to speak, he approached the podium slowly, aware of all eyes on him. He took a deep breath and looked out at the sea of faces.
"My father and I had a... complicated relationship," Jason began. "We didn't always see eye to eye. In fact, we rarely did. But one thing I always admired about him was his unwavering commitment to his principles. He never wavered, never compromised what he believed was right."
Jason paused, collecting his thoughts.
"Many of you knew him as Richard Harrison, the business tycoon. The man who built an empire from nothing. But I knew him as Dad. The man who taught me to ride a bike. Who stayed up all night helping me with my science project. Who, despite his busy schedule, never missed a single one of my baseball games."
Jason's voice cracked slightly.
"After my mother died, things changed. We both changed. And eventually, those changes drove us apart. I left, thinking I could escape his shadow, prove something to myself. Now I realize I was running from the pain of losing him too, even while he was still alive."
Jason looked at the portrait of his father.
"I never got to say goodbye. Never got to tell him that despite everything, I loved him. I hope, wherever he is now, he knows that."
A heavy silence filled the room as Jason returned to his seat. Alice squeezed his hand, tears streaming down her face.
After the service, guests mingled in the main hall, sharing memories and condolences. Jason found himself approached by countless people, many claiming to have been close to his father.
"Jason," a voice called. He turned to see Alexander approaching. "That was a beautiful speech."
"Thanks, Uncle Alex," Jason replied. "I meant every word."
"I know you did," Alexander said. "Your father would have been proud."
"Would he?" Jason asked skeptically.
"Without a doubt," Alexander assured him. "You know, in the last few years, he talked about you constantly. Always wondering what you were doing, if you were happy."
"Really?" Jason was surprised. "Alice said he had a calendar counting the days since I left."
"He did," Alexander confirmed. "Not out of anger, but as a reminder of his greatest regret—letting you walk away."
Before Jason could respond, the family lawyer approached. "Excuse me, Mr. Harrison. We're ready for the reading of the will, if you'll join us in the study."
Jason looked to Alexander. "I don't need to be there. I don't expect anything from him."
"Nevertheless," the lawyer insisted, "your presence is required. Your father was quite specific about that."
Reluctantly, Jason followed the lawyer to the study, where others had already gathered. Victoria and her children sat on one side, looking expectant. Various relatives and business associates filled the remaining seats. Alice patted the empty chair beside her, and Jason sat down.
"Now that everyone is present," the lawyer began, "I will proceed with the reading of Richard Harrison's last will and testament."
The room fell silent as the lawyer adjusted his glasses and began to read.
"To my dear friends, Jonathan Miller and Peter Thompson, I leave my yacht, 'Sea Venture,' and my collection of vintage sports cars, to be divided between them as they see fit."
The two men nodded solemnly.
"To my nephews and nieces," the lawyer continued, "I leave fifty thousand dollars each."
A few murmurs of satisfaction spread through the room.
"To my stepchildren, Nathan and Stacey," the lawyer read, "I leave fifty thousand dollars each."
"That's it?" Nathan exclaimed, outraged. "After everything we've done for him?"
Victoria hushed him quickly.
"To my wife, Victoria," the lawyer continued, unperturbed by the outburst, "I leave two hundred thousand dollars."
Victoria's face turned ashen. "This must be a mistake," she protested.
"There is no mistake, Mrs. Harrison," the lawyer assured her. "To continue: To my daughter, Alice, I leave twenty-two million dollars and ten percent of my sixty percent share in Harrison Technologies."
Alice gasped softly. The lawyer waited for her to compose herself before continuing.
"And finally," he said, turning to Jason, "to my son, Jason, whom I have wronged grievously: I leave the remainder of my estate, including all properties, bank accounts, investments, and the remaining fifty percent of my shares in Harrison Technologies, making him the majority shareholder and, by extension, the new CEO of Harrison Technologies. The total value of this bequest is approximately three billion dollars."
The room erupted in chaos. Victoria shot to her feet, face contorted with rage. Nathan and Stacey began shouting accusations. Relatives who had received comparatively little looked stunned. But Jason heard none of it. He sat frozen, unable to process what he'd just heard.
"This is outrageous!" Victoria's voice cut through the clamor. "Jason abandoned this family years ago! He has no right—"
"Mrs. Harrison," the lawyer interrupted firmly, "the will is quite clear and legally binding. Mr. Richard Harrison was of sound mind when he made these arrangements, just six months ago."
"Six months?" Jason finally found his voice. "He changed his will six months ago?"
The lawyer nodded. "Yes, Mr. Harrison. Your father updated his will shortly after learning of your current circumstances. He expressed deep regret for the rift between you and wished to make amends in the only way he knew how."
Jason looked to Alice, who appeared just as shocked. "Did you know about this?"
Alice shook her head. "I had no idea, Jason. I swear."
Alexander, who had been quiet throughout the proceedings, now approached Jason. "Your father made the right choice," he said quietly. "The company needs a Harrison at the helm."
"But I don't know the first thing about running a tech company," Jason protested.
"You'll learn," Alexander assured him. "And you'll have help." He glanced at Alice. "From those who have your best interests at heart."
As the reality of his new situation began to sink in, Jason realized that his life had been irrevocably changed once again. Four years ago, he had walked away from all of this. Now, it had been thrust back upon him—along with responsibilities he never wanted and power he never sought.
"What happens now?" Jason asked no one in particular.
"Now," Alexander replied, placing a hand on his shoulder, "you become the man your father always believed you could be."