A Wealthy Businessman Offered a Poor Mechanic Millions, Unleashing a Lifetime Secret — Part 2

Previously: When billionaire Edward offered a young mechanic ten million dollars to fix his luxury car in five minutes, he expected a quick repair. Instead, a sudden engine blast exposed a shocking family secret.

The Mist Clears to Reveal a Ghost

Edward coughed violently, waving his hands through the dissipating white vapor. His pristine navy suit was damp and wrinkled, and his face was flushed red from the sudden heat. Pedestrians paused to stare, but Edward barely noticed them. His heart hammered against his ribs, not just from the scare, but from a sudden, overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

Chloe immediately dropped her wrench and rushed to his side, her initial confidence replaced by genuine concern.

"Are you okay, sir? I'm so sorry, the pressure valve must have been completely shot,"

she said, reaching out to help him steady himself.

As she leaned over to support his arm, the zipper of her grease-stained hoodie caught on her collar, pulling it open. A heavy silver locket, suspended by a worn leather cord, slipped out from beneath her shirt and swung into the open air. The clasp was weak, and upon hitting Edward's chest, the locket popped open, revealing a tiny, faded photograph inside.

Edward’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at the photograph, his eyes widening in absolute disbelief. The face looking back at him from the faded paper was Arthur—his younger brother who had passed away in poverty ten years ago. Next to Arthur in the photo was a laughing toddler with the exact same piercing blue eyes as the young woman standing in front of him.

Decades earlier, Edward had manipulated their father's will, hoarding the entire family fortune and leaving Arthur with nothing. It was a secret Edward had buried deep, a guilt he had drowned in luxury. Now, standing on a chaotic city street, the past had literally collided with him.

"Arthur..."

Edward whispered, his voice cracking as he looked from the locket to Chloe's face.

"You... you are Chloe. Arthur's daughter."

Chloe froze, her hand dropping from his arm. The concern on her face hardened into a cold, calculating mask. "So, you finally recognize me, Uncle Edward," she said quietly.