Eloquen sighed with relief as he stepped into his serene home, the weight of recent events momentarily lifting. Straton, preoccupied with the crowd’s reaction to the ominous revelation from the pond, hadn’t pursued Eloquen as he quietly departed. Now, in the sanctuary of his enchanted fountain, Eloquen was prepared to observe Eric’s progress with renewed focus.
Eric had promised Adeline a lot in the cave, and though Eloquen believed his protégé would do everything to keep his word, he was curious about how it would unfold. Eric had added many new responsibilities to his already burdened shoulders, but to Eloquen’s pleasant surprise, Eric handled it with maturity and charisma beyond his mortal years. This boy was remarkable, thought Eloquen. “Such potential,” he mused, a faint smile gracing his lips. The protective spells he and Maris had woven were now weak threads, so delicate they could fall apart at any moment. Since Feronia appeared to have ceased her involvement in the mortal realm and disappeared, Eloquen was comfortable remaining an observer for now.
Reclined on his chaise, Eloquen’s thoughts were a mixture of pride and contemplation. Eric had once again proven to be more than a mere mortal; his resilience and leadership had shone through time and again. At Mirathrend’s Mirror, it became clear to Eloquen that the pond itself was interested in Eric, drawing the attention of even more celestials, including the strategic Straton, who had already expressed his interest in blessing Eric. Eloquen’s smile grew at his excellent choice in mortals. Eric Landin, he believed, would shine in this generation and be blessed by many of his peers, as the pond had aided in proving the young boy worthy.
“How many more of our blessings will you receive while the barriers between our worlds are weak?” Eloquen pondered aloud, his voice echoing through the marble halls. The air carried his words through his palace as if the universe itself sought to answer his question. His serene demeanor masked the intensity of his thoughts, for he knew that the choices made now, both by him and by Eric, could ripple through their realms.
Under the command of his voice, his grand fountain’s waters froze and turned into a shimmering looking glass, revealing a new scene of Eric sitting resolute beside Adeline at the Landins’ private beach, ready to share a truth that would change the course of her life. Eric appeared calm, but Eloquen knew that his young charge mirrored his own quandaries, masking the turmoil of thoughts within. The couple sat before the water’s edge, their bare feet dangling into the water off the small pier they sat on. It was high tide, and Eric had finished setting out their dinner beside them so that they could watch the sunset together. It had been just over a week since they rekindled their affections for one another.
Adeline leaned towards Eric, her head resting gently on his shoulder as she munched on a carrot stick. Her emerald eyes reflected the peace she felt, syncing with the rhythmic lapping of the water against the pier. The cool salwater between her toes added to her contentment.
Eric, however, was a stark contrast. His nerves were on edge, his appetite lost to the churning anxiety within him. Watching Adeline’s serene expression, he felt a pang of guilt. How could he shatter this tranquility with the weight of his truth? Despite Nate Descott’s approval, Eric feared the truth would forever alter their fragile relationship.
Eric took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he steeled himself for the secret he was about to share. Adeline, sensing his unease, turned to him, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. He reached for her hand, drawing strength from her touch.
“Addy,” he began softly, his voice steady but laden with emotion. “There’s something you need to know about your future, something about what your grandfather left behind.”
Adeline’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of her deceased grandfather, yet her gaze remained calm, never leaving Eric’s. “What is it, Eric? We promised to talk about everything. What haven’t you told me?”
“Do you remember when my brother Adam asked you about a Mr. Nathaniel Descott?” he asked.
She tried to recall her first meeting with his brothers. Slowly the memory came to her, and she gave him a small nod. “Yes, that name is familiar,” she recalled. “I forgot about it after your family dinner, but now that you mention it, Adam did ask me that. Do you know who this Mr. Descott is?”
Eric’s grip on her hand tightened, but his azure eyes remained fixed on hers. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat amplifying his anxiety. “Since Adam mentioned it so oddly, I made a note to remember the name and did some digging. Nathaniel Descott is an estate manager, grandson of Archibald Descott, retired CEO of Legacy Partners Realty.” He paused, watching her reaction, the gravity of his words hanging in the air.
Searching Adeline’s face for any sign of understanding or distress, he continued. “Yes, they are the famous estate managers who have been prospering from their involvement with the founding families. Legacy Partners Realty was founded with the support of these families, who trusted Archibald Descott for his aptitude in managing estates. Our families and the Descotts have prospered together and continue to do so today.”
As Eric paused again, Adeline took a moment to process the information. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the implications of what Eric was saying. The sparkle faded from her eyes, and her brow furrowed deeper in confusion. “What does that mean? Why did Adam ask me about him? My father is the O’Cean family head; I shouldn’t be working with the Descotts until I take over.”
“I don’t believe your father works with Legacy Partners Realty. He inherited your family’s assets much sooner than expected and rejected their guidance,” Eric revealed, his tone steady despite his racing heart. He could feel the weight of the secret pressing down on him, the fear of her reaction gnawing at his confidence. “Your father is indeed stubborn, and because he has refused counsel from anyone outside the family, he likely doesn’t know the significance of the Descott legacy and how closely it is tied to all our families.”
Careful not to overwhelm Adeline, Eric decided to reveal this information slowly. After letting her think over his reply, he continued, sliding closer to offer support. He could see the confusion and worry in her eyes, mirroring his own internal turmoil. “The reason Adam asked you about Nathaniel was because there’s a piece of land that they were interested in, and they realized Nathaniel managed that property in a trust,” he explained, noting the change in her demeanor. “True to the O’Cean legacy, who once owned most of Golden Rivers and the surrounding area, Nathaniel now manages these properties as well as many others still owned by your family.”
A wave of emotions flashed through Adeline’s features as she tried to make sense of Eric’s words. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of questions and fears. “Why doesn’t my father manage that land? What do you mean Nathaniel still manages many O’Cean properties? Was it not all given to my father in my grandfather’s will? If not, who owns it now?”
Eric felt her pulse quicken with each question. He took a deep breath, his own nerves unraveling at the edges. Gently, he pulled her into a reassuring hug, whispering, “One question at a time, Addy. I promise I won’t hold anything back, but please let me finish speaking.”
His voice calmed her heart as she pulled away to meet his gaze, her eyes full of curiosity and resolve. “Okay, please continue,” she said.
Eric held Adeline’s gaze and continued. His words were heavy, each one a potential bombshell. “Your father doesn’t manage or know about that land because your grandfather created a generation-skipping trust to be released in time,” he disclosed, watching her reaction. “Your grandfather trusted and worked with Legacy Partners Realty just like his father and grandfather. The solicitor for your grandfather’s will did not disclose or release all the O’Cean properties to your father because the trusts were already in place through Legacy Partners Realty. These trusts were no longer part of your grandfather’s estate. Nathaniel, who had recently taken a position at the firm, was given the generation-skipping trust as his sole priority.”
Feeling parched from the weight of the conversation, Eric reached for a bottle of water, pouring himself a glass. His hands trembled slightly as he took a couple of large gulps, the cool liquid doing little to slow his racing thoughts. Adeline watched silently, her hand still clutching his, a silent anchor amid the turmoil. “This was a test for Nathaniel to prove himself to the company and board members. What he managed was substantial enough to keep him busy. The O’Cean portfolio has increased in size and value since he took over. Nathaniel Descott is a highly driven and talented man who may very well exceed his grandfather’s legacy.”
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Adeline’s gaze flickered with anticipation and fear, her hand damp with sweat. Her mind was a storm of emotions, each revelation adding to the chaos. Eric swallowed a small sip of water, readying himself for the finishing blow. “Addy,” he began, his gaze and tone mirroring the weight of this secret. “When you turn 21, Nathaniel Descott was instructed to find you and disclose the legacy your grandfather left you. The generation-skipping trust was created for you…” He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. “This trust contains approximately sixty percent of the O’Cean assets, but in reality, it’s probably more in just non-liquid assets.”
The weight of his words settled over Adeline like a heavy blanket. Her heart raced, her thoughts swirling with the implications. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she whispered, her voice a mix of hurt and confusion.
Understanding the emotions that reflected through her demeanor, Eric tightened his grip slightly, his eyes filled with cautious determination. He could feel her pain, and it tore at his heart. “I wanted to, but this information is highly confidential. I approached Nathaniel Descott to confirm the details and ask his permission. It took me a while to convince him it was pertinent for you to know,” he explained, his heartbeat picking up to match hers. “You and I were having issues, and you seemed overwhelmed by your family’s legacy. I needed to be sure you were ready to handle this information.”
Adeline tried to pull her hand from his, but he held on, his eyes pleading with her to listen. He could see the conflict he feared in her eyes, the struggle to understand and accept. “From what I could gather from Nathaniel, your father’s assets include his own trust fund from your grandfather, the bank account with the O’Cean liquid wealth, the O’Cean Mall and Park, your ancestrial home, and all the physical non-liquid assets contained in your home, safe and safety deposit boxes,” he recounted as if reading off a list. “You and your sister already have a trust fund with liquid funds accessible to you both upon your eighteenth birthday. That doesn’t change, but the generation-skipping trust contains non-liquid assets such as properties, which will only be given to you on your twenty-first birthday.”
Again, Adeline tried pulling her hand unsuccessfully from his. Her frustration and confusion were written all over her face. “Addy, please,” his voice filled with sadness. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise you, I’ll be here to help you. We can figure this out together. You can still find your own destiny.”
Her eyes brimmed with angry tears, the weight of this words pressing heavily on her chest. “How can you say that, Eric? Do you even understand what this means for me?”
Eric enveloped her hands with his, nodding apologetically. He could feel her pain, and it tore at his heart. “I know. When this is revealed on your 21st birthday, you will own more than your father, making you the legitimate O’Cean family head. It won’t be easy for your father, possibly destroying your relationship but still making it hard for you to escape your family’s destiny.”
“Can’t I just return it all back to my father? Delay the inevitable?” Adeline asked, hope lacing her words. Her voice sounded foreign to her as it trembled with desperation, clinging to any chance of normalcy.
Eric shook his head. He hated having to crush her hope, yet he had promised honesty. “I wouldn’t advise that, and I don’t think Nathaniel would either. There’s a reason your grandfather chose to leave most of his estate to you and not your father,” he implied with a soft voice. “If you just returned it all back to your dad, you would be undoing everything your grandfather worked so hard to arrange.”
Adeline finally managed to pull her hands free from Eric’s grasp. Feeling trapped and overwhelmed, she stood abruptly and began pacing the pier, her wet footprints trailing behind her. “But what about what I want?” she cried, frustration lacing her voice. “Why did my grandfather burden me with this? How can I find myself with these chains around me?” Pivoting back to Eric, she turned with an accusatory look as a thought came to her. “Other than his interest in a property that’s going to be mine, why was Adam so interested in me?”
“Well,” Eric started, watching her wet footprints evaporate in the evening air. He shifted to sit on his hands, trying to hide his trembling. His mind raced, trying to find the right words. “Nathaniel has done extremely well managing your assets. When this gets out, he will be sought after more than his father, the current president of Legacy Partners Realty. This puts Nathaniel in a position to challenge his father as the new president.”
“What does that have to do with me?” Adeline asked, raising an eyebrow as she stared Eric down. Her gaze was sharp and cutting.
“The founding families are closely tied to Legacy Partners Realty. We have great influence over who leads the firm, and the president is normally the one who has the trust of these families,” Eric continued despite the lump in his throat. He felt exposed, vulnerable under her scrutiny. “As you know, my father hasn’t named his successor yet. To win my father’s recognition, both Adam and Phillip are hoping to show their aptitude by not only gaining Nathaniel’s trust but yours.” The words tasted bitter in his mouth, and Eric could tell that Adeline felt the same way.
“You’re saying Adam and Phillip interest in me has to do with gaining my support in their bid for the Landin legacy?” Adeline’s question was so heavy it caused her to collapse onto the ground. Her world felt like it was crumbling around her. She started doubting everything she knew.
Eric wanted to rush to her side, but her stare stopped him from moving. “Well, with you set to inherit most of the O’Cean legacy, you will be in a position powerful enough to destabilize Golden Rivers. You would have the most successful and adept asset manager working with you and be the youngest matriarch to take over. If anyone were to align with you, their influence could quickly change here,” Eric said, his voice serious but his gaze unchanged as it met Adeline’s. Her eyes reflected the pain and betrayal he assumed she would feel, and yet it still tore at him. “If any of the founding family members were to build a strong bond with you, either through your trust and friendship or through marriage, the political landscape in the city would drastically change. You know how much sway our families hold here.”
Adeline remained silent, digesting the revelation and his explanation slowly. Thoughts, questions, and conflicting emotions flashed through her mind. Eric could see the wheels spinning in her head. “Is that why you’re with me?” she choked, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
“No,” Eric exclaimed immediately, devastated that she would even ask him that. His heart ached at the thought of her doubting his love, yet he was rooted and unable to comfort her. “I’ve loved you for years, long before I knew all this, long before I knew the existence of Nathaniel Descott. This changes nothing. Have you truly started doubting me?”
The fear in her voice was palpable, and it struck Eric to the core. He felt helpless. “How can I trust you? How can I trust anyone? I don’t know what’s real and what’s just…” Adeline’s words trailed off, her voice caught in her throat, unable to continue.
Eric slowly inched towards her, his jeans rubbing against the wood planks making the pier. Despite his fear of her rejection, he muttered, sincerity filling his voice. “Addy, you have to trust yourself first. Your instincts, your heart – they’ve led you well so far. I’m not going anywhere. If you don’t think you can trust me, I’ll stay back until you’re ready,” he promised, his words firm yet hopeful. “I want to protect you, to show you the world, but I don’t want to control you or prevent you from finding your own answers. If you want me, I’ll be here. If not, I’ll be waiting patiently until you call for me. I hope in time I can prove myself to you.”
A tear trickled down Adeline’s cheek, but before Eric could reach out to brush it away, she wiped it with the back of her hand. His heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest as another tear fell. Drowned by this newfound information, the affection Adeline felt for Eric seemed insignificant compared to her social position and looming responsibilities. “I need time,” she said finally, her voice trembling. “I need to think about everything you’ve told me.”
Eric nodded, a pang of sadness piercing his heart as his worst fear took hold – the fear that he might be losing her again. “Take all the time you need, Addy. I’ll be here, always,” he muttered, watching her stand and gather her belongings from the pier.
Turning to him, she spoke with resolute coldness in her voice. “I’d like to go home now.”
“Of course,” Eric rushed to his feet, leaving everything on the pier to focus on Adeline. His mind raced with thoughts of how to make things right, but he drew a blank. “I’ll take you home right now.”
She nodded, refusing his assistance as she slid into the passenger seat. Eric watched her stare out the window as he started his SUV and drove away from his family’s private beach. The silence between them was deafening, each moment stretching painfully. The ride to the O’Cean estate was filled with the soft music that played from his speakers, yet all Eric could hear was his thundering heartbeat.
Adeline had refused to look at him the entire ride. Her mind was full of thoughts and emotions, each one more overwhelming than the last. The bond they had only just repaired was now strained by distrust and fear. Eric hoped he was making the right choice, giving Adeline the space to find her own truths. He prayed that this action would show her that he truly loved her and was willing to give her the freedom she needed to find her own path. For the first time ever, when Eric parked his vehicle in front of the O’Cean home, Adeline exited without a word or glance back at him. Her actions were hurtful for Eric, but he swallowed his insecurities, resolving to stand by her even if it was as a silent guardian from afar.
As she rushed from his vehicle, a profound sense of loss washed over Eric. He watched her disappear into the house, the door closing with a finality that echoed in his heart. He remained motionless in the SUV, the silence amplifying the weight of the evening’s revelations upon him. He felt helpless, even though he had done what he thought was right, but the uncertainty of her response gnawed at him.