Chapter 11: A Brother's Betrayal
Nathaniel POV
As Adrian Blackwood drank his coffee, the cool air mixed with the scent of roasted beans, and the morning light illuminated the horizon in shades of scarlet and gold. Across from him, Elena's emerald gaze darted between Adrian and her laptop. As she worked on some future event preparations for the vineyard, her gentle hums filled the silence.
The low grumble of an approaching engine broke the stillness of their moment. As the noise increased in volume, Adrian tensed up and narrowed his eyes. Adrian gripped his coffee cup tighter as the driver of the sleek black sedan stepped out as it came to a stop in the driveway.
Nicola Blackwood.
Adrian hadn't seen his elder brother in over ten years, and seeing him again was like seeing a ghost emerge from a long-buried tomb. The shattered relationship they had left behind stood in stark contrast to Nathaniel's fitted suit and assured gait.
Nathaniel called, "Adrian," in a nicer voice than Adrian could recall.
"Nathaniel." Adrian's voice was reserved and icy.
Elena felt the tension in the air as she looked between the two guys. She got up to go back inside and said, "I'll... give you both a moment."
Adrian answered, "No, stay," in a forceful yet compassionate manner. "You can say whatever this is in front of her."
After giving Elena a quick examination, Nathaniel nodded. "All right."
Reaching inside his pocket, he produced a clean envelope. I didn't come here to think back on the past. Blackwood Vineyard is in danger of going out of business. Our family's whole foundation will be lost if we do not take action immediately.
Adrian's mouth clenched. And what's wrong with me? You were quite clear that you didn't want me working for the family company.
To Adrian's surprise, Nathaniel acknowledged, "That was a mistake." "You see, I was mistaken. However, this is about preserving what remains of our history, not about me or you.
Reluctantly, Adrian touched the familiar Blackwood seal with his fingertips and accepted the envelope. His eyes skimmed the contents as he opened it: unpaid bills, court documents, and forecasts indicating the vineyard's impending demise.
Adrian remarked in a quiet, controlled rage, "You've let it fall apart."
Nathaniel let out a harsh sigh. "I didn't come here to get criticism. Adrian, I need your assistance. Nobody knows this industry as well as you do.
Elena moved closer and touched Adrian's arm in a comforting manner. She said, "Perhaps this is a chance to patch things up."
Adrian looked from Nathaniel to her and back again. "I'll give it some thought. However, this should not be interpreted as forgiveness.
With an inscrutable face, Nathaniel nodded. "All I can ask is that."
Nathaniel paused at the door as he turned to go. His voice became softer as he added, "There's something else." "Dad, he wanted the vineyard for you. He wanted it that way, but I... I didn't tell you.
Adrian's eyes narrowed as his breath hitched. "What just did you say?"
Unable to look his brother in the eye, Nathaniel cast his eyes downward. He was aware that you were a superior candidate for the position. However, I concealed it from you because I felt resentful.
"My inheritance was stolen by you?" Adrian's voice sounded like a dagger slicing through the atmosphere.
Defensively, Nathaniel held up his hands. I was foolish, angry, and young. It's the correct thing to do, therefore I'm informing you now.
Adrian was struck by the realization like a freight train. His thoughts whirled with recollections of his father's last remarks, his passion for the vineyard, and the resentment of his strained relationship with Nathaniel.
The oppressive stillness was broken by Elena's phone buzzing before he could reply. She scowled as she looked at the screen.
"What is it?" Adrian enquired.
With a hint of worry in her voice, Elena said, "It's from one of the vineyard staff." "An incident has occurred."
Adrian felt nauseous. "What sort of incident?"
Elena's face became white as she glanced up. "A fire." inside the primary storage facility.
Adrian's pulse was racing as he sprang to his feet. "I have to go. Right now.
Nathaniel trailed after, his face reflecting Adrian's haste. "I'll accompany you."
The journey to the vineyard was quiet and tense, and even before they got there, they could smell the smoke. Workers rushed to put out the fire as flames licked at the main storage building's perimeter.
Adrian grabbed a hose to assist put out the fire and leaped out of the vehicle while yelling commands. Nathaniel watched the mayhem unfold from a distance, his face white.
The storage building was a smoking mess when the fire was put out. With a sorrowful heart, Adrian inspected the damage. Irreplaceable inventory and years of labor are gone.
One of the firemen came up to Adrian as they were packing up. "The cause of the fire has been identified. It wasn't a coincidence.
Adrian's heart froze. "What do you mean?"
After hesitating, the fireman responded. There were indications of intentional manipulation. This area was meant to burn.
With mistrust burning in his eyes, Adrian glanced to Nathaniel as his thoughts raced. "You suddenly appear and plead for assistance, and then this occurs? What do you not tell me?
With a look of real surprise on his face, Nathaniel held up his hands. Adrian, I had nothing to do with this. I promise.
Elena screamed out from close to the burned-out remnants of the structure before Adrian could answer. "You must see this, Adrian."
She pointed to the floor, and he hurried there, gasping for air. A little, half charred envelope with the Blackwood family crest on it was found among the ashes. Adrian cautiously took it up and opened it to see a mysterious message written in strong letters:
"What you sow is what you reap."
Adrian's eyes darkened as his palm clenched around the paper. He said, "This isn't just about the vineyard." "Someone is pursuing us."
A terrifying idea dawned on him as the gravity of the finding subsided: this was just the beginning.
The enigmatic message alluded to a more serious and intimate danger, and the fire was not an accident. Was the Blackwoods being targeted by someone else, or might Nathaniel be involved? And given their shattered family history, what more truths had been hidden?