The Heir

MAXIMILIAN Lee took a deep breath as he entered the old lady Griffith’s house. The plain and boring place that he used to know looked different from the last time he had been there. There were decorations such as balloons and flowers all over the house; cars parked inside and out of the residence. It was the old lady Griffith’s birthday. It has been the family’s tradition to be present on that special occasion. The first to the third generation of the family will be attending. Of course, Maximilian himself had to attend, for he was married to one of Griffith’s grandchildren.

“Max!” He looked in the direction of the voice and found his wife Victoria walking towards him. She went there ahead of him to help with the preparations. “What took you so long? I’ve been calling you, but you’re not answering your phone.”

“I’m sorry. I was in the middle of driving when you called.”

“Oh.” Victoria adjusted her tie. “Why didn’t you wear the suit that I bought for you?”

“You know I feel bad whenever you buy me a new suit.”

“You can’t stop me, though.” She smiled at him. Maximilian grabbed his wife’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Let’s go. The party started minutes ago.”

Victoria clutched on his arm and ushered him to the banquet.

The children and grandchildren of Mrs. Griffith were already presenting their gifts to the old lady when they got to the backyard where the banquet was being held. His wife leaned closer to him and whispered, “You should accompany me when I give my gift to Granny.”

“I will just wait

conceded. After all, his wife could not force him. He preferred to

he does not belong with them. They saw him as a loser, a waste, just because he was an orphan. He has nothing to give his wife, unlike the other sons-in-law of

waited for Mrs. Griffith’s

the courage,” he said after one big gulp of champagne from the flute.

and loosened his tie. He was not sure how

finished a bounty meal fit for a queen

birthday, Mrs. Griffith.” He smiled, but

just looked at him with a crooked brow. Well, he was not even expecting her to say thanks. Maximilian pulled the chair across the old woman and sat there. He stared at Mrs. Griffith straight in the eyes. It

but I’m desperate right now, and you’re the only person I know who could be of help.” Maximilian took a deep

looking at them now. “And who do you think you are to ask me for such amount of

hands clenched and unclenched above the table when he saw the old woman’s family walking towards them one by one, including his wife Victoria, who

Victoria