The Consortium's Heir

Chapter 311

What shocked Maurice more was that he felt a surge of warmth in his veins when Edward forced his head to lower apologetically at Darius.

He rolled his eyes before ultimately giving in, adopting a sincere and formal tone as he declared aloud, "Don’t worry, Mr.Reid.I can attest to everything Mr.Elliot, who I’m making my mentor now, has said.Alongside what he promised, I swear this under God’s witness—I’m pledging loyalty to you now.If I ever harm you or your family, the Lord is free to condemn me with eternal punishment."

The 15-year-old boy’s promise rang out clearly and with great strength.

Darius gradually opened his eyes, turned his head, and shot a raised brow at Maurice.

It shocked him to receive such an intense promise because he had never thought about training Maurice Anderson or other strangers to become the Reid family’s bodyguard.

Thus, it took him aback to hear Maurice willingly wanting to become his bodyguard.

"Not to mention, this kid is swearing his future away to me while knowing he's the Anderson family’s only male heir," Darius thought.

His features softened ever so slightly as he massaged his temples.

Still, he kept a composed look while asking, "Are you aware of how your promise affects your future?"

Maurice nodded solemnly.

There was even a trace of excitement flickering in his eyes.

"I know, Mr.Reid.It means I'll become a piece of property owned by the Reid family, and any of the Anderson family’s wealth will have nothing to do with me."

While speaking, he suddenly adjusted his feet to get on one knee in the car.He then placed his right hand on his chest and locked eyes with Darius.His gaze brimmed with so much sincerity that it never once shrunk away.

Following that, he spoke with gravity.

"Dearest Mr.Reid, I haven’t lived well in the past years of my life.No one cared about me or paid any attention to my needs.All they did was punish me whenever I got mischievous or made mistakes.Their punishments have lessened over the years as I’ve grown older, but I know it's because they want nothing to do with me anymore—they’re trying to distance themselves.Truthfully, today was the first time anyone ever showed concern for me, all thanks to Mr.Elliott."

"I want to stay with the people who show me kindness and warmth."

His eyes were full of tears as he looked at Edward.

Then, he turned back to face Darius and said, "And that includes you, Mr.Reid.You paid attention to me and realized what I lacked—a role model and some guidance to go on the right path.You even tasked Mr.Elliot with fulfilling those tasks for my benefit.I can never ignore all that you've done for me."

A smile broke out on his face while he continued, "I also heard that the Reid family treats their subordinates well.I don’t have high expectations for life, nor do I hope to gain many materialistic things —having my basic needs fulfilled is more than enough.Based on the average salary given to the Reid family’s staff, I’m sure I can use the money modestly and keep most of it as savings.A life like that means I won’t have to worry about much and will undoubtedly live a happier life.That’s far more beneficial than if I inherited the Anderson family's wealth.Besides, there’s no guarantee I can live long if I try to take over the Anderson family.I’m only 15, after all.Without anyone backing me, I’ll have to

navigate everything alone, which makes my future seem bleak and full of challenges.Even if I sacrifice everything I have and work hard, the money I earn may not necessarily be mine—I’d have to share it with others, something I refuse to do."

Maurice paused to catch his breath before resuming, "Moreover, my so-called dad, William, has bred four other children apart from myself and Kate.Since Kate was born legitimately through William's former wife, and I—er, Austin— got acknowledged on my behalf as an official family member, it’s only fair that the other four get accepted too.However, I believe this is a price the Andersons can’t afford to pay —both in terms of reputation and money.As for me, I don’t wish to claim William's ex-wife as my mother on paper just to inherit the Anderson family’s wealth.My birth mother died when I was little, but she left me a letter.I could tell from her scribbled message that she was likely in great pain when writing it."

At that moment, Maurice’s voice grew hoarse while the rim of his eyes turned red.It even sounded like someone was pinching his nose as he spoke.

Nevertheless, he firmly went on.

"Her letter proves that she loved me dearly.It’s something that boundless wealth can never give me."

His eye hardened by then.

Raising his head to meet Darius at eye level, he said, "There’s no reason why I shouldn’t join the Reid family to stay by yours and Mr.Elliott's side.novelebook Similarly, I see no point in fighting over the Anderson family’s inheritance."

Finally, Darius beamed with pride.

He looked and waved at Felix, who was still in the driver’s seat.

"You can start driving now."

Edward then hopped into the backseat while Felix nodded, stepping on the pedal.

Meanwhile, Maurice’s eyes sharpened like daggers in the backseat.

Felix sensed a vicious aura piercing into the back of his head and knew it was Maurice. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Brows furrowing, he wanted to call out the latter but dared not upset Darius.

Thus, he took a deep breath in and suppressed his annoyance.

That was when Darius opened his eyes, lips pursing as he sensed the tension from the man beside him.

"Maurice, if you wish to serve the Reid family, thuy you must first learn to conceal your emotions better and not make everyone uncomfortable."

Maurice lowered his head and respectfully replied, "Yes, Mr.Reid.I understand."

Felix never thought Darius would defend him.

In truth, he was secretly planning to complain about the boy to Darius.

Yet, when he heard Darius’ stern reminder to Edward earlier, he knew Darius favored Maurice over him.

"Darius would never waste as much time as he did on that child with me," Felix thought.

It was then that Darius’ calm voice spoke up.

"Felix, I believe you should work on yourself too.novelebook At the very least, ensure you don’t get distracted when driving.Because I feel you’re unworthy of joining the Reid family if it's so easy for you to lose focus."

Felix immediately fell deadly silent and paid attention to the road ahead.