I Inherited Trillions, Now What?

As Gretha spoke, the room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone knew exactly what she was implying—she wasn't even attempting to veil her accusations. Her pointed words hung in the air like a challenge. Determined to make her point crystal clear, she added, "Aren't the Blackwells—who are massive beneficiaries of this situation and likely contributors to the aggravated killings—more deserving of the label 'terrorist' than the so-called terrorists we hear about? But, sadly, history won't reflect that. At least, not yet."

Her gaze locked onto Caroline's icy blue eyes, daring a response. The room seemed to hold its breath, but finally, a voice broke through the tension.

"I disagree with you, Gretha. The Blackwells are investors. They wouldn't have had the capability to orchestrate something like this. And, even if they did have say in those companies, the killings in Congo began long before they were involved," Daphne said, her tone steady but defensive as she stood up for her friend.

Before Gretha could respond, Li Wei, who had been quietly observing the conversation, decided to interject. "I disagree with you, Morgan," he said calmly, earning a sharp glare from Daphne. But he didn't falter as he continued, his tone measured and deliberate.

"The Blackwells are far more than just investors. Their reputation precedes them, and we all know how they operate. They don't just buy shares—they gain influence, maneuvering their way into decision-making positions within the companies they invest in. It's a strategy they've perfected for decades. But under the leadership of the current CEO, they've taken things further, consolidating control and steering those companies in their chosen direction. So yes, they do have the power to issue directives—or at least make suggestions that hold significant weight.

"And as for your second point," Li continued, his sharp eyes now on Gretha's side of the argument, "while it's true the killings in Congo began long before the Blackwells became involved, Gretha made a valid observation. The situation has intensified in recent years. And those years just so happen to coincide with when the Blackwells consolidated their influence over the relevant companies. A case could be made to investigate whether their involvement has exacerbated the situation or contributed to the crimes."

Li's words hung in the air, precise and cutting, as if he'd placed the entire discussion under a magnifying glass. His calm yet pointed delivery left no room for easy dismissal, and his balanced reasoning added weight to Gretha's earlier accusations.

"That's rich coming from you," Li heard. Turning his head slightly, he saw Caroline staring at him, her eyes alight with defiance. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air as she continued, "We talk about multinational corporations benefiting from the instability and exploitation there, and the nations that supposedly 'keep them that way,'" she said, her gaze flicking briefly to Noah and Ekaterina before landing back on Li. "But isn't it funny how the biggest beneficiary of Congo's underdevelopment,"—her words deliberate, dripping with disdain—"is China?"

Li's expression remained stoic, betraying no emotion, but Caroline didn't pause.

"China has always been the one reaping the rewards from the chaos in Congo," she said pointedly. "Yet here you are, sitting there, making a case, judging me and my family, when you and your country benefit the most from the very same system you criticize." Her voice was steady, but her words carried an unmistakable weight.

Then, her attention shifted. Her eyes scanned the room briefly before settling on Gretha. "And as for you," she said with a sharp edge, "you sit there on your high horse, spouting these fairy tales and conspiracies, but that's all they are—conspiracies."

Caroline leaned forward slightly, her tone dropping but gaining intensity. "And it's almost laughable that you're the one making these accusations. Tell me, Gretha, how exactly do you think the Rothschilds built their massive fortune?"

The room went utterly still. Everyone understood the implications of her words. The Rothschilds had historically amassed much of their wealth and power by financing opposing sides during the two World Wars. They were widely regarded as the ultimate beneficiaries of conflict, making billions in the aftermath.

Caroline's words lingered, heavy and charged.

Gretha's jaw clenched as she heard Caroline's words, her piercing glare meeting Caroline's icy blue eyes. "Well, that's the difference between us," Gretha began, her voice steady but brimming with restrained anger. "I recognize my family's legacy—every piece of it. And instead of running from it or glorifying it, I've chosen to stand against it. I've gone around the world, dedicating my time, my energy, and yes, even their resources, to try and make this place better than I found it. I'm not blind to where the money comes from, but at least I'm using it to make things right—something none of you seem to care about." She glanced at everyone in the room, her words slicing through the silence like a blade.

But Caroline wasn't done. She let out a sarcastic scoff. "Oh, cut the righteous act, Gretha," she said, leaning forward, her voice dripping with venom. "You claim you don't partake in it? Then please, enlighten all of us—how exactly did you fund all those trips around the world? Those 'foundations' and 'donations' you're so proud of? Where did the money come from?"

Gretha's glare intensified, but Caroline didn't falter. Her voice dropped lower, carrying a sharper edge. "You're just a hypocrite," she spat. "You use your parents' money—the very same fortune your ancestors built—and then you sit here acting holier-than-thou. Unlike you, I won't diminish how my family earned its wealth. I don't see it as something to be ashamed of. They made that money through their abilities and knowledge, and I'm proud of it. But you?" Caroline paused, her gaze cold and unyielding. "You're a disgrace. Parading around with their hard-earned money, all while shaming where it came from. Weak-minded and self-righteous—that's what you are."

The room fell into a heavy silence, all eyes darting between the two. Gretha's face was a mixture of anger and hurt, but she didn't back down. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the weight of their words. Everyone knew this confrontation had gone beyond a debate—it was personal now.

This chapter is dedicated to Jbp2k24—thanks so much for the golden ticket! You're the reason this extra chapter is here, and I appreciate your support more than words can say. I'll try to get another chapter out for you later today as a token of my gratitude. You rock, bro! 🕺✨

To everyone else, if you're enjoying the story and want to help me keep it going, feel free to support by donating power stones, golden tickets, or even gifts. Every bit of support means the world to me, and it motivates me to keep delivering chapters for you all. Thank you so much!