Page 79 of Checkmate

Even when we get home, I sit in the kitchen as Creed makes us lunch. I keep staring at the envelope I refuse to put down. I should just read it and get it over and done with. What could he possibly have to say that would change how I feel about him and what he has done to all of us? I rip the side off the envelope and pull out the single piece of paper.

To my beautiful daughter. If you're reading this then I'm gone, but I wanted to be able to say I did love you in my own way and I hope you like my parting gift.

All I ever wanted to do was create a legacy. Everyone may have seen me as the villain, but I can assure you that isn't the case but a title I was willing to wear for the greater good.

I beg of you not to trust my brother, he isn't as he seems. I wish for you to continue my legacy. I know that Case had information that led you all to believe I left the entire company to “The Order.” Now you know that isn’t the case at all. I just knew I could trust them not to hand my company over into the wrong hands. I worked hard to build Olympia from the ground up. Ziyon could have been by my side but he didn’t want that. One day he will have to face the truth of what he did. He can blame me but our fall out was all on him.

As for Melinda, my "dead wife" who is not dead at all. Remember there isn't anything that I don't know, I didn't get to a position of power without intelligence. I’ve known that she was alive this entire time, but chose not to intervene. She made her choice but I still loved her.

As you now know, I have left the entire company to my grandchildren. Until the time that they are ready to take over, it’s on you to run the business and I trust you will do good things with it.

I hope with the life of these new babies that you can see my vision come to life and what you do with that information is now entirely up to you.

I hand picked and created all of this for you and in memory of your departed sister. And you can do the same for your children.

I’m sure you’re freaking out about the news of having children, but don’t, I made sure that you would have all of the support you needed. It takes a village and that you have my dear.

Those boys will follow you wherever you go and help you succeed in this business and in life. Brennan will guide you with his knowledge. Boston will keep you on your toes. Creed will always be the tender love that you need, Laughn will help you accept the darkest parts of your soul. Chester will protect you. Marlow will make sure you take time for yourself. Trace will always have your best interests in mind. Davis will question everything for you. Kai will make you laugh. And Case loves you so deeply that you will never forget it.

So take that with you and be great and achieve everything that I couldn't. I just wish I could have been here to see it with my own eyes but sacrifices needed to be made.

With love.

Mr. Z

P.s. Don’t kill Betty, she holds all of the information you’re going to need.

What the hell does he mean by babies? I look down and hesitantly place my hand on my stomach.

"What the hell did he do?" I whisper.

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