A/N: To be honest, i had a lot of planned twist for this story that's why i was taking my time with every chapter but i just lost my focus because of health reasons so i might rewrite this story if i had time in the future. For now, sorry but i have to cut it short and simple. Happy reading. 

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CHAPTER 65

CROSS was welcomed warmly by the people who supports him in the company and he greeted them back. Chloe did the same.

"You two really look good together, Mr. Larsen. Just like our friends here say, you really know how to choose the right woman for you." Mr. Lawrence said. One of the major stockholders of Larsen Corp.

Cross gazed at Chloe full of pride. "Of course. I'm very fortunate to have her in my life." That made Chloe smile.

"I feel the same about you, cariño." She whispered and that made his heart swell in so much happiness.

He looked for his father and his family but for some reason, they were nowhere to be found.

"Wow. So, it wasn't only a rumor. You're indeed his boyfriend. But did she really choose you to be his boyfriend? I mean, no offence meant, Mr. Larsen. There's just a rumor circulating around saying that you just forced her to be with you." Mr. Peterson, one of the few journalists that were invited to cover the event, said which made his eyebrows arched.

"Rumors? I've never heard any rumors about that. Sometimes, rumors are just a product of lies of an insecure people. Whoever they were, just ignore them. It's not worth giving them your time."

"Well, your brother was the one who told us so we kinda believed it because, well, he's your brother." Instead of getting mad, Cross maintained his composure.

He was about to comment about it when Chloe spoke. "Excuse me, but no one forced me to be with Cross. I love him and he loves me. That's all that matters. For now, ignore those rumors because it obviously just wants to destroy Cross' reputation."

"So, Mr. Vito Larsen was just lying, Ms. Rosenberg?"

Chloe raised her head. "Absolutely, yes. I don't know why he's spreading such false rumors though, if he really was the one who's spreading it. I guess, he's just bored." Everyone laughed and Cross couldn't suppress his chuckle.

He could tell that she was kinda pissed but managed stay composed.

"That's good to hear. I mean, even if it's just a rumor, I don't want the company's reputation be tainted just because of this false rumor. You know how people are. They can create their own version of the story on the internet just to destroy their enemies. We don't want this to happen to Larsen Corp." It was Mr. Samson. One of the board of directors.

"Of course. But rest assured because everything is fine." Cross assured him. The older gentleman was about to answer when someone cleared their throat. Everyone's attention went to the newly arrived person.

"Good evening, gentlemen. I'm glad, you came." It was his father.

"Dad." Cross gave his father a hug. He was still in a wheelchair but it didn't matter because his recovery was faster than expected. Ever since he woke up from that coma, their relationship as father and son improved a lot and he was undeniably happy about it.

His mom and uncle were invited but they chose not to attend the event for some reason. He talked to his mother last night, trying to convince her to attend the party but she said that it would be better for them to not come because she didn't want to get in the way of his plans...

"Mom, this is not like you. We've been waiting for this for so long and now that we're almost there, you're going to miss it? Why?"

"Because I know myself. I might lose myself if I saw those people in right in front of me. I might do something that could potentially affect your plans.

"Just go with Chloe. But promise me that you will do this the right way so that no one else would get hurt, especially Chloe." That surprised him.

"You're worried about Chloe?"

"Of course. I've never had any ill feelings towards her from the beginning and you know that. I just didn't want her to get involved about our mess. Now that she's pregnant with your baby, make sure to double your efforts on protecting her. Not just double but triple." That made him smile.

"Thanks, mom. You don't know how much hearing that from you means to me."

"Take care, okay?"

"Take care too, mom. Love you." Now, everything about him and his mother was fine. There was only one thing left to do to complete his mission in life...

"Good afternoon, Mr. Larsen." Cross got out of his reverie when he heard Chloe greeted his father politely which made him smile. The others greeted him as well so he engaged in short pleasantries with them.

"May I have a moment with you, son?" He then asked him after a moment of talking with his friends and business associates. Cross' eyebrows creased but didn't ask anymore questions and just nodded his head.

"Of course, dad." He looked at Chloe. "Cariño, wait for me at our table, okay? This will be quick."

She smiled. "Okay. Take your time. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." He kissed Chloe on the forehead, following her with his gaze until she sat at their table before shifting his attention back to his father.

"I can see that you really love Chloe. Look at the way you look at her. I've never seen you look anyone like that before. Now, I understand why you weren't yourself when you two got separated for a while."

That made Cross smile. "She's the most amazing woman that I've ever met, dad, and I can't live without her, especially now that a blessing is on the way."

"A blessing? You mean..."

"Yes, dad. Chloe and I are soon to be parents. You're going to be a grandfather soon." His father was obviously surprised of the good news.

"Really? Oh, son! You have no idea how happy I am! This is such a great news!" His father hugged him and he could feel how happy and excited he was. He didn't expect him to be this happy upon hearing it. "I didn't expect this but now, I am already so excited to see my grandchild."

"Me too, dad. Before I met Chloe, I wasn't sure if I would want to have my own family someday because of some circumstances that I experienced in my life but everything became different when Chloe arrived in my life. Now, I can't wait to see the fruit of our love to be born into this world."

His father's eyes suddenly turned somber. "I'm sorry for those circumstances, son. Whatever it was, I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you to help you in a way. Maybe, this happened to me because of karma for the wrong things that I've done in my life. I can't take back all my shortcomings to you but I promise to you that from now on, I will always be here and try my best to be a good father and grandfather to you and your family." Suddenly, the happiness on Cross' face was replaced by worry and confusion.

Yes, he was happy hearing what he said except for the karma thing.

"What karma are you talking about, dad? Whatever it is, just forget about it because the most important thing is the present." His father was emotional but managed to force a smile.

"Yes, the present is important but it let's not forget that is always the product of the past. The past that should be corrected now."

"Corrected?"

"You'll know soon, son. Very soon. For now, I just want you to know that I will correct everything that happened in the past. Now that God has given another chance to live, I will not waste it by doing what's right. Whatever happens, you will always be my son. Remember that." That made Cross emotional.

"Thank you, dad. I appreciate it." They embraced each other tightly, both emotional.

"Okay, this is enough. We should be happy and celebrating right now." His father said while chuckling upon pulling away from him and Cross chuckled as well.

"You should go back to Chloe." Cross' eyebrows knitted together.

"But I thought you were going to discuss something with me, dad?"

"It's okay. I already told you what I wanted to say."

"You're acting weird, dad. Please, tell me if something happened. You're making me worry." He chuckled and patted him by the shoulder.

"Everything is okay, son. Anyway, I want you to listen to my speech later. I don't want you to miss it." Even though Cross was still confused, he nodded his head.

"Okay, dad. I—" Whatever he was about to say was cut short when someone arrived.

"Dad, you're needed there. The program is about to start." It was Vito. Even though he didn't say anything, Cross caught the weird stare that he gave him. But just like this past month, he chose to stay calm and ignore it.

"Take care of dad, Vito."

"You don't need to tell me that. I know what I'm doing." Cross saw their father shake his head but didn't say anything as Vito pushed his wheelchair away from there.

Shortly after that, the party officially started. Everyone was happy for his father's recovery and celebrated with him. It was such a happy party. His father spoke his welcoming remarks but didn't say anything else.

He thought, his father must've just wanted him to see how happy he was that was why he told him to listen.

He shrugged his shoulders and enjoyed the party with Chloe and his friends. Nothing happened that he needed to worry about. Beatrice and Vito seemed like they didn't have any plans of pissing him of like they usually do which was new.

Though, he made sure to be on guard, waiting for the right time.

Interestingly, nothing happened until they reach the ending of the party. He was about to stand up, planning to execute his plans when everyone was surprised because his father went up the stage and said that he had something to say before everyone goes home.

With furrowed eyebrows, he sat back again.

"What's happening?" Chloe asked.

"No, idea, cariño. Maybe dad has an important thing to say." He answered and kissed her temple.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a very special night not because of my fast recovery but because something happened which prompted me to arrive to a decision that I wanted to share with all of you. As you all know, my son, Cross Miguel, here is the current CEO of Larsen Corporation, the company that I have dedicated my life in.

"Recently, an unfortunate thing happened and I ended up hospitalized. I thought, I was done for but still a lucky old dog to have survive it. But I wasn't just lucky to be able to survive but lucky enough to have discovered what was really happening right under my nose.

"Because of what happened to me and everything that I learned and discovered these past two months, it made think that life really is so short. Even if you're trying to take care of yourself in order to be healthy to live longer, in just one snap of a finger, you could still lose your life through accidents, etc." He heaved a sigh.

Cross was kinda confused what his father was trying to say but he remained patient while waiting for what he had to say next.

"I am already old and yet, still every fortunate to be standing in front of you all tonight." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Before my announcement, I would like to thank everyone who's been true, loyal and honest with me. Through thick and thin, I know that I could count on you. I really am lucky to have people like you in my life. Anyway, I won't make this long." To Cross' surprise, he looked at his direction.

"Cross, son, join me here." He and Chloe shared a look.

"Go, cariño." He nodded his head and did as he was told.

"What's happening, dad?" Cross whispered to his dad the moment he got on the stage with him. He just smiled at him and patted him by the shoulder but didn't answer his question.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a lot of shortcomings when it comes to my son, Cross, but this decision of mine wasn't solely based on that. I've considered a lot of important things and I want you all to be a witness to that.

"I don't know how long will I last in this world so I will do this now so that no one could ever question this decision of mine the moment I leave this world." That made him furrow.

"What are you talking about, dad? You're still young and healthy, for goodness' sake."

"I have to do this, son. So just listen. I already told you that." He then proceeded.

"In case I leave this world, I will leave the half of my wealth to my son, Cross." Cross was shocked of his revelation. He noticed that Vito stood up from his seat, obviously angry. "And the other half will be given to someone as equally important as him." That was when Beatrice stood up in rage.

"What the heck are you talking about, Mikael? That equally important is Vito, right?" She was obviously trying to hold back herself from exploding in rage.

"No, Beatrice. Vito will not get anything from me. Even you." Everyone gasped in shocked, including Cross.

"What the hell are you talking about?! After what you've discovered about this guy, you still give him the fifty percent of your wealth?! Have you gone mad?! And what about Vito?! May I remind you that he's your one and only legitimate son!" She was already screaming in so much anger and disbelief, didn't care if people were staring at her.

"Dad, why are you doing this to me? What's happening?" Vito asked full of resentment but there was anger too. Even Cross was at a loss for words for what was happening because he never expected this turn of events.

"We're going to discuss about this ourselves after the party. For now, I've made my point and I will not change it no matter what happens." His father answered callously and then looked at the visitors who went silent while witnessing the drama that was unfolding in front of them.

"That's all what I wanted to say, evening. I hope that you enjoyed this party. Enjoy the rest of the night." He then looked at Cross. "Let's go, son." Cross was about to push his father's wheelchair when Beatrice shouted.

"No! This is not finished yet! I am your wife, Mikael, and Vito is your son! We have every right to your wealth whether you like it or not!" She then faced everyone. "I don't know what Cross has done to my husband but I don't agree with all this! I'm sure that he's managed to pollute my husband's mind and now, he's treating us outsiders!"

"Beatrice, that's enough." His father's voice held warning but Beatrice didn't stop.

"No! I'm going to wake you up from this nightmare and make you realize that you're being used by Cross! He's not even Cross Miguel! You know that very much and yet, you're giving him the half of your wealth and the other half to someone else, leaving Vito with nothing! Have you lost your mind?!"

"Don't give me that, Beatrice. You know what you did so don't act like you're the victim here. I can't believe that you still have the audacity to ask me questions when you know what you've done in the past." That surprised Cross.

"D-Dad...You mean..."

"Do you see that, Cross?! Are you happy now?! I will never let you have everything when you don't even have the right to! What you heard was right, everyone! This person in front of us is not the real Cross Miguel Larsen. He's nothing but a con artist, an impostor!" Cross was stunned but it was just for a second or two.

"What are you talking about, mom?" Vito asked his mother confusedly and then looked at Cross' direction once again.

"You heard me, son. He's not the real Cross Miguel. He's nothing but a fake that's why he doesn't have any right to our family's fortune! Never I will let him have everything that's rightfully belongs to us!" Everyone's gaze focused on Cross, confused, but instead of panicking about the fact that his secret was out, he just smiled triumphantly.

This wasn't included in his plans but at least, he didn't have to exert an effort just to bring these people down. Now, it's time for them to suffer too. It's been long overdue.

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What do you think of this chapter, Amores? 

If the 50% of Mikael's wealth will be given to Cross, who do you think will be the beneficiary of the other 50%? 

What do you think is the reason why Mikael will not give any inheritance to Vito and his mother?

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