Ch. 1..5: Inherit Billions Chapter 1-5
Chapter 1
“The results are out. Your kidney is a perfect match for Jessica. You need to get to the hospital within half an hour. The transplant surgery will start immediately.”
Seraphina Dros stood frozen, clutching her phone as her husband, Orion Dros, issued his command from the other end. His tone left no room for negotiation. She fell into silence.
“Hello? Seraphina, did you hear me?!” Orion’s voice rose impatiently.
Seraphina struggled to contain her emotions before finally responding, “Orion, I’m your wife!”
I’m your wife. How could you hurt me for a woman who came out of nowhere?
Orion’s voice turned impatient. Even though Jessica and I are not blood relatives, I have always treated her as my sister. I can’t just stand by and watch her die. People can live perfectly fine with just one kidney. You’re losing a kidney, but Jessica’s losing her life! Don’t be selfish.”
He didn’t wait for Seraphina to respond before ending the call.
Her thoughts swirled as the dial tone echoed in her ears.
The Droses’ business was vast and influential in Eldoria, where they were one of the wealthiest families in Ascotia. Even among the rich, the name Droses carried weight.
Seraphina had met Orion when she was in university. They fell in love quickly and were soon married.
She thought she’d found her happily ever after, but that illusion shattered the moment she lived with the Droses.
Orion was always busy with work and rarely came home. Seraphina spent most of her nights alone.
But that was nothing compared to the real challenge—Orion’s domineering mother, Theresa Dros.
Theresa had always felt superior, and she made it clear she didn’t like Seraphina. Theresa sees her as nothing more than a golddigger vying for the family fortune.
Shortly after Seraphina moved in, Theresa fired most of the household staff, leaving Seraphina to take over all the chores.
She claimed it was a cost-saving measure for the family, but Seraphina knew better. Seraphina’s status as the lady of the house had diminished to that of a mere slave.
Still, Seraphina could have endured it all, as long as it meant being with Orion, the man she loved.
She loved Orion and was willing to endure anything for him.
The day Orion brought home a woman she had never seen before, everything changed. He’d declared firmly, “This is Jessica Yancy. From now on, she’ll be my sister.”
A sister not related by blood?
Unlike Seraphina, Theresa adored Jessica. She even went so far as to tell visiting guests in front of Seraphina that she wished Jessica had been the one to marry Orion instead.
It was clear that Orion doted on Jessica, tending to her every need with the kind of care Seraphina had never received.
He would even drop important business matters to be by Jessica’s side in the hospital when she was ill.
Seraphina, his actual wife, had never experienced such devotion.
Now, Orion expected Seraphina to give up her kidney to save Jessica.
Anger boiled inside her, and just as her thoughts spiraled, her phone buzzed again with a new message. It was a bank transfer notification.
Orion had deposited one million dollars into her account with a note. “Surgery in 30 minutes. Don’t be late.”
This again.
This wasn’t the first time. Orion always threw money at her whenever he wanted something, as if cash could fix everything.
He really thought his money could solve every problem, didn’t he? In Seraphina’s eyes, it was as childish as a kid bragging about his toys.
She closed the notification and opened the second-to-last message on her phone. It was a picture of Orion and Jessica, asleep on the same hospital bed.
In the photo, Orion looked exhausted. He was fast asleep. Jessica rested on his shoulder, beaming with satisfaction.
Her hospital gown had slipped, revealing her bare shoulder and much of her chest.
Anyone who saw the picture would quickly draw conclusions.
And below that, Jessica had added a taunting caption. “Spent the night with Orion. Someone as useless as you should’ve known your place and left the Droses already.”
It was clear Jessica had sent the picture deliberately.
That photo and the phone call earlier had shattered Seraphina’s last bit of resolve.
Screw you! Droses! Seraphina thought furiously.
I’m done!
Taking a deep breath, Seraphina dialed a number she hadn’t called in a long time. Her voice cracked with emotion as she spoke. “Dad, I was wrong.”
On the other end of the line, her father, Emeris Cross, sighed heavily. He said, “If you know you were wrong, then come home. We’ll talk about everything when you get here.”
Chapter 2
Hidden Identity
Emeris Cross was founder of the Cross Group and the richest man in the world. He oversaw an empire that spanned industries like military, healthcare, aviation, media, and other advanced technologies across the globe.
Everyone knew Emeris had three handsome and capable sons, but what they didn’t know was that he also had a daughter.
As the world’s wealthiest man, Emeris had always protected Seraphina. After all, the world was full of opportunists looking to bypass hard work and make a quick fortune through shortcuts.
To shield her from such attention, Emeris kept her identity a secret, publicly declaring only his sons.
Without the public eye following her as the daughter of the richest man alive, Seraphina was spared from countless troubles.
Emeris planned to let her quietly finish her education before easing her into the family business. Once she was ready, he’d reveal her true identity.
But things didn’t go as planned. The problem lay with Seraphina herself—she had fallen in love with Orion.
She was even willing to give up her rightful place as heiress in order to be with him.
This infuriated Emeris.
Despite their wealth and prominence in Ascotia’s elite circles, the Droses were insignificant to the world’s richest man.
How dare a family like theirs think they can marry my daughter? He thought enraged.
After Seraphina finally admitted her mistake and returned home, Emeris felt both relieved and pained. Someone must have mistreated his daughter in the Droses household.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Orion furrowed his brow as he stared at the lab results. He turned to the doctor and asked, “Is Seraphina’s kidney the only one that’s a match for Jessica? Are there really no other possible donors?”
The doctor glanced at Jessica, who was lying on the hospital bed, and replied, “You know Jessica’s blood type is rare—RH-negative. None of the other available kidneys would match. Coincidentally, the only person whose blood type is compatible is your wife. She’s the ideal donor.”
Orion fell silent for a moment, then asked, “If we widen the search beyond Eldoria, can we find another match? I’m sure the right price would convince someone.”
The doctor was about to explain how difficult it was to find a living donor. Jessica, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up.
She said weakly, “Orion, don’t bother with this. Just take me home. I don’t want you to hurt Seraphina for my sake.”
Orion’s voice softened, and he said, “Jessica, you’re too kind. Seraphina will understand. Aside from that, it’s just a kidney. The doctor said living with one kidney won’t affect her much. Once you’re better, we’ll thank Seraphina properly.”
Jessica nodded, a sly gleam flickering in her eyes.
The doctor interrupted, “In theory, there are a number of RH-negative people in the country. The Red Cross should be able to help you get in contact, but it will take time, and Ms. Yancy can’t afford to wait.”
“Then get the surgery ready,” Orion ordered, no longer hesitating.
He pulled out his phone and called Seraphina, “Where are you? Why aren’t you here yet?”
“Orion Dros! You filthy b*stard! Go to hell with your damn kidney surgery! I want a divorce!”
Seraphina’s furious voice boomed through the phone.
“Seraphina, what’s gotten into you?” Orion’s tone turned cold, his brow furrowing. “Come to the hospital and get the surgery done. I’ll handle whatever amount of money you need afterward.”
“To hell with your filthy money! The divorce papers are ready. I’ll see you at court tomorrow!”
Seraphina snarled before hanging up.
Orion’s expression turned grim. Jessica sneakily glanced at him, feigning innocence. She asked weakly, “What’s the matter? Did Seraphina refuse? Maybe we should drop it. I don’t care if I die. Your happiness with Seraphina is what’s most important.”
Orion didn’t respond, but after a moment, he made two more calls. “I want Seraphina brought to the hospital within ten minutes. And freeze all her credit cards.”
One by one, the orders were issued, and Orion finally let out a breath of relief.
All of Seraphina’s credit cards and bank accounts were sub-accounts linked to the Droses. With a single command, he could turn her from a wealthy woman to someone with nothing.
He believed that without access to her money, she’d come to her senses. No matter how angry she was, the surgery had to happen today.
Ten minutes later, a call came in from his staff. “Boss, we’ve searched everywhere, even contacted the police, but it’s like she vanished. There’s no trace of her.”
“What?” Orion’s brow furrowed deeper. Could she have left early?
It didn’t matter, he thought. They could track her credit card purchases to see where she went.
A second call came in with an update. “Boss, as per your order, we have frozen all her accounts.” But there’s something odd. None of the cards have had any spending activity in years—just incoming transactions.”
A long list of bank statements followed, proving what his assistant had said. There were only deposits, no withdrawals.
And the most recent transaction? The million he had just sent her half an hour ago.
She hadn’t spent a penny in years? How is that even possible?
Chapter 3
He Doesn’t Know His Wife
Staring at the long string of numbers in his account balance, Orion found himself deep in thought.
“Doctor, how much longer does Jessica have?” Orion turned to the doctor with a grave expression.
The doctor looked troubled. Earlier, when Orion made the call, he didn’t bother to hide it from him and Jessica. Both had heard everything—Seraphina had disappeared, and the surgery wasn’t happening.
The doctor had previously informed Orion that Jessica was running out of time and that the surgery was necessary today. His words had been absolute, but now he found himself in an awkward position.
He glanced at Jessica for help. She gave him a reassuring smile and spoke softly, “Actually, I don’t feel as awful as before. Could you check me again?”
“Yes, yes, let’s check again!” The doctor echoed quickly.
The test results, unsurprisingly, showed that Jessica was much better. The surgery was no longer urgent.
As Orion let out a sigh of relief, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Wasn’t this a little too coincidental?
Jessica quickly explained, “Orion, don’t blame the doctor. They often exaggerate the severity of a patient’s condition just to get more money out of the family.”
Orion accepted her explanation and said, “He deceived you like that, and yet you’re not angry, Jessica. You’re too kind.”
Meanwhile, back at the Cross Estate, Seraphina had gone home. For Emeris, the richest man in the world, hiding someone’s whereabouts was a piece of cake.
He had sent a private helicopter to fetch her.
As soon as Seraphina stepped off the helicopter, she saw her father and her older brother, Sivir Cross, waiting for her.
“Dad! Sivir!”
The moment Seraphina saw them, her eyes turned red and welled up with tears. She threw herself into Emeris’ arms.
“There, there, welcome home,” Emeris said, gently stroking her hair and letting out a deep sigh.
He had mixed feelings about his daughter—both sorry and frustrated with her.
Since she was young, Emeris had protected Seraphina fiercely. Though he never publicly announced her identity, she never lacked anything. Even the lives of some royal princesses paled in comparison to the luxury Seraphina enjoyed.
And yet, she had chosen to leave that princess-like life behind, to live in the Droses household, where she was looked down upon and mistreated.
Sivir chimed in, “Seraphina, the Droses will regret how they’ve treated you.”
“That’s right! No one messes with my daughter. One day, that boy will be on his knees and begging you to go back to him,” Emeris added with a steely voice.
“Don’t worry,” Seraphina said, her voice firm. “When that happens, I won’t take him back.”
Emeris had gone as far as opening a company in Golden Bay, overseen by Sivir, solely to keep an eye on and protect Seraphina from a distance.
When he learned how she was being treated in the Droses household, Emeris had often threatened to make them pay for their actions. Each time, Seraphina stopped him.
“Oh, and here,” Emeris pulled out a document and handed it to Seraphina. “Take this.”
“What’s this?”
“Your divorce papers. Take them to that boy and have him sign them tomorrow.”
“Oh,” Seraphina took the papers casually, then asked, “You had this prepared so quickly?”
“Not really,” Sivir chuckled. “Dad had the divorce papers drawn up on the day you got married.”
Seraphina was speechless.
She knew her father disliked Orion and had never supported her marriage.
But she hadn’t expected him to be planning her divorce on the very day of her wedding.
Chapter 4
Confrontation
Back at home, Seraphina chatted with her father and brother for a while before heading off to bed.
In the early hours of the next morning, Seraphina and Emeris arrived at the courthouse with the divorce papers in hand.
She dialed Orion’s number directly and said, “Orion, I’m at the courthouse now. Just come over.”
“Seraphina! Where were you yesterday? Do you have any idea how long I’ve been looking for you?” Even over the phone, Seraphina could sense Orion’s barely contained anger.
“Where I go is none of your business!” Seraphina snapped back.
Orion’s breathing grew heavier, like a beast barely holding itself back. His voice dropped low, seething, “I can’t leave the hospital right now. If you’ve got something to say, come here in person. Even if it’s for signing the divorce papers, you’ll have to do it here.”
Despite searching for Seraphina the entire night, Orion had never left the hospital.
He’d been spending nights in Jessica’s hospital room because the doctors had painted her condition as dire, making it sound like she could die at any moment. He couldn’t leave her side.
Years ago, when Orion was young, he had a phase where he dreamed of joining the military. Acting on impulse, he enlisted in the Marines.
Like many passionate young men, he quickly faced reality.
On a mission to clear out a Valoria cartel, Orion found himself in the enemy’s crosshairs. He was sure his life was over—until a fellow soldier threw himself in the line of fire, shielding Orion with his own body.
With his dying breath, the soldier made a final request, stating that he hoped Orion could take care of his sister.
That sister was Jessica.
Orion had made it his mission to care for her. He genuinely sees her as a sibling.
Jessica didn’t see it that way. She had no interest in being a sister without blood ties—what she really wanted was to become the mistress of the Droses.
Hearing Orion insist on signing the papers at the hospital, Seraphina suspected he was still hung up on the idea of getting her kidney.
She wasn’t worried. As long as she disagreed, no one could take it from her.
And now that both Jessica and Orion were at the hospital, Seraphina figured it was time to settle everything once and for all.
“The hospital? Fine. Wait for me.”
Seraphina hung up and turned to Sivir. She said, “I’m heading to the hospital. You don’t have to follow me.”
Sivir nodded as he trusted his sister’s judgment.
If it hadn’t been for her misguided love, Emeris might have already put her in charge of her own company, just like him.
“Alright, I’ll have people wait outside the hospital, just in case,” Sivir said.
“Good. And the things we prepared yesterday? They’ll come in handy.” With that, Seraphina stepped into the waiting luxury car and sped off.
Today wasn’t just about severing ties with the Droses—it was about helping Seraphina reclaim her dignity. Everything had been arranged.
Instead of taking the car to the hospital, Seraphina hailed a taxi and made her way to Jessica’s private room. Without knocking, she pushed the door open.
Inside, a group of doctors and nurses hovered around Jessica, nervously asking if she was feeling any discomfort.
Jessica’s eyes flickered when she saw Seraphina enter the room, and a bright smile immediately spread across her face.
“Seraphina, you’re finally here. I feel awful.”
Her voice was soft, filled with a pitiful, almost childlike vulnerability, as if she were some abandoned child.
Seraphina’s gaze remained cold as she looked at her. This woman might appear delicate, but Seraphina knew her well. Jessica was cunning and calculating—something Seraphina had learned the hard way over the past three years.
Seraphina smile. Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she asked, “If you’re feeling that bad, why not just die and get it over with?”
Jessica’s smile faltered, clearly not expecting such a blunt response. In the past, Seraphina might have hidden her disdain, but now? She wasn’t holding back.
The doctors and nurses around them were equally stunned. Mrs. Dros’ audacity was shocking.
Orion burst in, his eyes flashing with anger. He asked, “Seraphina, what did you just say?”
Seraphina grunted coldly and didn’t even acknowledge him. Her sharp gaze remained locked on Jessica. “Stop pretending. I don’t have time for your little act.”
Chapter 5
Expose
Jessica’s face turned pale as she bit her lip in grievance. She questioned, “Seraphina, how could you say that? It’s all because of me that Orion’s been ignoring you. I feel so terrible.”
Seraphina didn’t want to waste any more time with her. She turned directly to the doctor standing nearby and demanded, “I want to see her test results for today.”
The doctor was stunned and hesitated to react. After all, the test result was a matter of patient privacy.
Orion glanced at the doctor and spoke in a calm tone. He commanded, “Show it to her; Seraphina isn’t an outsider.”
Jessica’s expression turned grim, but Seraphina merely smirked. She soon held the report in her hands.
She scanned it quickly, her face showing nothing.
There was nothing wrong with the report. Jessica had severe kidney failure, and she was recommended for an immediate transplant of a healthy kidney.
The doctor spoke up from the side. “The patient’s condition is very serious. If she doesn’t get surgery soon, her life will be in danger.”
Orion added, “Seraphina, if you’re willing to donate a kidney to Jessica, you’ll get half of the family assets after the divorce.”
Jessica glanced at Orion, shocked by his words, before quickly responding, “No, no, Orion, you’ve already sacrificed so much for me! I can’t drag you down any further!”
Orion was deeply moved. He said, “No. Your brother gave his life to save me. I won’t abandon you!”
Seraphina sneered coldly as she watched the scene unfold.
Honestly, from the start, she hadn’t believed Jessica’s claim of kidney failure. As a woman, she could tell that Jessica’s pale complexion was nothing more than makeup.
If she were truly that ill, why would she bother with cosmetics?
But none of that matters now. She could play along.
“If your condition is so serious, then let’s go ahead with the surgery right away,” Seraphina said abruptly.
“What? Are you saying you’ll donate your kidney to Jessica?” Orion asked with a pleasant surprise.
Jessica was equally shocked. She wanted to say something, but Seraphina cut her off. “Of course, but not with me. I’ve already brought someone with RH-negative blood, so don’t worry. I’ve made sure there won’t be any complications.”
Ever since Emeris discovered his daughter possessed the uncommon RH-negative blood type, he has closely monitored individuals with the same type across the country. That way, in case of an emergency, there would always be a match.
Among them were a few struggling financially—people willing to exchange a kidney for the right price for a more comfortable life.
“Really?” Orion’s face lit up with relief. Seraphina wouldn’t have to sacrifice herself with this arrangement, and Jessica would still get the treatment she needed. It was the best possible outcome.
Jessica’s expression darkened. Her illness was fake. It was merely a ploy to get rid of Seraphina. She had already arranged for the attending doctor to stage the surgery, but only gave her a fake scar. The plan was to sell off Seraphina’s kidney!
Seraphina’s scheme collapsed when she found another donor.
Seraphina’s next words plunged her into utter despair.
“Oh, I didn’t trust the doctors here, so I called Professor Stanley from the Serenity Health Institute in Marisol. He’ll be performing the surgery himself. He’s currently in the director’s office. “I’ll get him.”
Jessica’s attending doctor instinctively wanted to protest, but at the mention of Professor Stanley, he immediately fell silent.
There was no arguing with that. Stanley was a world-renowned urologist, the top in his field. The attending doctor couldn’t compete.
Jessica felt uneasy. At this point, even if she wasn’t sick, she might just fall ill from fear alone.
Were they really going to perform a kidney transplant on her after replacing her attending physician?
Her concern wasn’t unfounded. Stanley gained global recognition for his expertise in kidney transplants. His surgical skills were unmatched, with a near-perfect success rate. His extensive knowledge of transplant procedures made him an authority in the field.
If Stanley truly took charge of the surgery, Jessica had no way out. She had only bribed the attending doctor—there was no chance Stanley would play along with her schemes.