Whitney Houston’s ‘Son’ Will Get Riches

Although never formally adopted, he would call her “Mum” and was treated like her own by caring Whitney, 48.

He also became a “brother” to the singer’s 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina and featured in touching family photos.

Although Whitney struggled for cash later in life as she battled debt and drug problems, she is still believed to have left an estate of around £20million which has been boosted by increased record sales following her death.

Now Nick is set to get a share.

A source close to the family in Atlanta said: “Nick was family, she loved him as much as any mother could love a child.

“If he is not written into her will and everything goes to Bobbi then it will only be because it was written before she took Nick into her family.

“If that’s the case, Bobbi will make sure Nick is taken care of because it’s what her mum would have wanted and he’s like a brother.” But Nick has had his problems too. In 2011 he was charged with gun possession in Roswell, Georgia, after a night out with his sister.

He was accused of trying to stop a fight between Bobbi and her ex-boyfriend by pulling the gun.

The same night Bobbi was arrested for possession of alcohol while a minor.

But Whitney stood by Nick. The source added: “Whitney wanted to save Nick — even if she couldn’t save herself.”

The superstar was found in her hotel bathtub on the eve of the Grammy Awards earlier this month after taking a cocktail of prescription pills.

Afterwards Nick tweeted: “Rest in peace. Thank you for all your support.

“The legend will always and forever live on.”