Chapter 5 Interrupted Will

Esther's eyes widened the moment she noticed the familiar black car pulling into the estate.

Her husband was back.

Ezra had returned from the hospital far earlier than she expected. She hadn't even had time to fully process the news of the divorce between Jordan and Zoe, much less prepare herself for his reaction.

Without hesitation, she turned sharply to Jordan who was still standing by the corridor, calm and unbothered.

"You, go back to your room this instant," she hissed. "You don't need to be seen here. Not now."

Jordan looked at her, his gaze steady, almost unreadable. Then, without saying a word, he shook his head.

Before she could snap again, he walked past her and headed straight for the front entrance, where the car had stopped.

Esther stared after him in disbelief.

Was this the same Jordan who used to lower his head whenever she walked past? The same man who used to stammer apologies even when he wasn't wrong? Now, he was ignoring her orders like they meant nothing.

She watched from the balcony as Jordan reached the car door and opened it.

Ezra stepped out slowly, supported gently by one of the family drivers. He still looked pale, the hospital stay having drained him of much strength, but there was a calm determination in his movement.

Jordan held him by the arm, steadying him as he walked.

"Thank you," Ezra said quietly, patting Jordan's hand.

Esther turned away, furious.

*********************************

Not long after Ezra settled in, one of the maids went around informing everyone that Mr. Bennett had asked to see the whole family in the living room. That included Jordan.

Esther frowned deeply at that.

Even now? After the divorce? After all that happened?

Still, she said nothing.

They all gathered in the wide, elegant living room, the chandelier above casting a warm but serious glow. Ezra sat on the long couch near the centre, flanked by his lawyer and doctor.

His health was still fragile, but there was a certain fire in his eyes that hadn't dimmed.

Zoe walked in with David right beside her.

Jordan stood by the wall, quiet, watchful.

Ezra's gaze immediately moved to the unfamiliar man seated beside his daughter. His brow furrowed slightly. The face seemed a bit familiar but he was really curious to know who he was.

"Who are you, young man?" Ezra asked, voice calm but firm.

David straightened, about to speak, but Zoe cut in quickly.

"He's just a friend," she said. "He came to spend some time with us. Nothing more."

Ezra's eyes lingered on David for a moment longer, as if trying to place him.

David Blake-son of Chief Nathaniel Blake, one of the wealthiest oil tycoons in the city. Known for his father's empire and his own reputation in elite social circles. A name that came with power, but also scandal.

Ezra didn't press further. His instinct told him something wasn't right, but he simply nodded and turned back to Zoe.

"Can you ask him to excuse us for a while?"

Zoe hesitated. "Daddy-"

"Now," Ezra said, firmer this time.

She forced a smile and turned to David. "I'll come find you later."

David scoffed a little under his breath, stood up, adjusted his wristwatch, and left the room without a word.

As the door closed behind him, Ezra leaned back slightly, took in the room again, and cleared his throat.

"I asked all of you to come because there is something I need to say," he began, voice steady despite his weakness. "Something that cannot wait anymore."

Everyone leaned in.

Jordan remained still.

Ezra continued. "You all know how much Bennett Industries means to me. I built it from scratch, through sweat, risk, and sacrifice. And now, with the way my health has been going... it's time I made a final decision on who takes over."

Esther sat straighter.

Zoe blinked but kept her face unreadable.

Jordan lowered his eyes, unsure of what was coming.

Ezra reached for a folder beside him, the same one his lawyer had brought. But just as he tried to open it, his hand froze mid-air.

A cough escaped his lips.

Then another.

This time, stronger.

His body tensed and he leaned forward, gripping the armrest tightly.

"Daddy?" Zoe called, her voice sharp with fear.

Ezra coughed again, this time, violently and a stream of blood shot from his mouth.

Gasps filled the room.

"Daddy!" Zoe screamed, rushing forward.

The lawyer and doctor jumped to their feet as Jordan was already beside Ezra, holding him steady.

"Call the ambulance!" someone shouted.

Ezra's face was pale, his lips trembling, and blood stained his shirt.

The room turned to chaos.