Chapter 119"I'm actually surprised you never told us of this place. I mean, Mia and I have been to your family's beach house at Long Island but I didn't know you guys also had a place here in Miami," Steph said."Really? I didn't know you guys were unaware but that's probably because this place is really special to my family. It was built specially to honor my father. He loved Miami a lot," Lilian replied."That's so sweet," Steph replied and looked towards the house. "I can't wait to see the inside.""You all will, for sure. And we can even go for a swim tomorrow morning when the sun comes up. But for now," Lilian paused and smiled adventurously.Caleb who was close to Jane, leaned toward her and asked in a hushed whisper "Hey, Lilian, you didn't tell me you were coming with "FRIENDS" he sighed and looked at the girls who were obviously enjoying themselves. "Yeah, I just had to ask them to come. I couldn't stand Bianca and Stella, and you're always clinged to Jane. I was bored" she
CHAPTER 120Jane's brows creased."What are you doing here?" She asked and made her way around to the sink."Enjoying this pleasant bottle of wine," Stella waved the bottle of Tanqueray. "What about you?""What does it look like I'm doing?" Jane rolled her eyes and turned on the tap."No need to be so harsh, darling. This is really good wine, do you want to have a taste?""I don't. Suit yourself," Jane replied without turning. She wanted to leave as soon as possible now that Stella seemed to be the only one present."Hmm," Stella moaned as she gulped down another glass. "I remember when Caleb and I used to share this while we watched the sunset."Jane paused for a second but said nothing, pretending she hadn't heard what she said."We used to be so happy, you know," Stella continued."I'm glad you said that in past tense," Jane replied and picked up the other vase when she was satisfied that the first one was sparkling clean."Past tense, indeed! Things went sour along the line but I'
Chapter 121Their flight back from Miami was just as seamless as it had been when they arrived.Jane had yet again eased herself into Caleb's lap, fully aware that Stella was closely watching them from where she sat.Stella's lip pressed in a hard line as she watched them from the corner of her eyes, hating Jane even more and desiring to have Caleb by all means.Bianca and Lilian were officially not on speaking terms and Lilian was very sure that her constant laughing with her friends during her video chat irked Bianca to her bone marrow."Home sweet home," Lilian said with a grateful sigh as they landed at the airport and their car arrived.---It seemed like forever since Jane had come to the office. Nothing had changed yet everything seemed so different. Even Brian had grown a stubble on his chin."Brian!" She said excitedly when they met and then suddenly felt guilty. She had not called him to thank him since her unfortunate incident with Marcus. Everytime she remembered to do so,
CHAPTER 122The board members diligently filled him in on all that had been going on while he was away.He looked through every financial report, listened to the problems that arose and their proposed way of solving it, he nodded with satisfaction after hearing that the company was doing really well in the stock market and the numbers were attracting even more investors. Also, two companies, a bank and another tech company that they had a large position in was now climbing really high in stocks, thanks to his decision to hire an expert stockbroker despite the huge remuneration he asked for. His advice had eventually paid off."I'm extremely pleased at how smoothly everything has been moving, and at this pace, I think it's safe to say that I can retire in peace."Xavier's ears peaked up at the news but he said nothing. A low murmur ran through the crowd as they wondered what he was hinting at."Oh, no, I'm not saying I'll retire," Caleb quickly added with a chuckle, making everyone la
CHAPTER 123"Reporters? Why the hell would you allow reporters?" Rose asked with a questioning brow."It's nothing too important, mom, just a few, maybe four or five," Caleb shrugged. "Besides, some journalists are still going to breeze in once they hear that the Lockwoods are throwing a party, whether we like it or not.""Yes. But why would you want them?" "Because it's going to be a huge party, mom, and I'm sure they're looking for something new to talk about on the entertainment news.""Then why does it have to be about us?' she returned "Trust me, mom" he winked at her. "Okay," Rose replied with a sigh and looked down at the papers in front of her."Now I really want to know the theme of the party so the decorators can arrange accordingly.""Mom, it's a surprise party, I can't tell you the theme," Caleb replied and Rose sighed heavily."At least give me a hint, honey.""But that would spoil the whole essence of the surprise. We just want regular party decorations, mom, but topn
CHAPTER 124The days went by quickly and soon it was just a day to the surprise party.Jane and Caleb were back to their normal routine of attending meetings, reviewing reports, awarding contracts and the sorts.The word about the party had now spread and people's curiosity increased."How can you of all people not know what the party's about?" Stella asked Rose, following her around as she supervised the finishing of the decorations."Trust me, I'm just as surprised as you are." She shrugged, then turned to the decorator "Do you think that would be better tied in a bow?" She asked the decorator who shook her head."That's totally bullshit, Rose," Stella continued. "Why don't you just ask him?""Do you think I haven't?""It's possible. You're not actually as sensible as you think you are."Rose turned slowly to face Stella."Listen, I'm old enough to give birth to you so I'd suggest that you watch the words you say to me.""Oh, please Rose," Stella rolled her eyes with a chuckle. "It'
CHAPTER 125Festivity was high in the air at the Lockwood mansion. Sweet, slow music flowed from the stereo in the background and everyone was in a cheerful mood, anticipating Caleb's announcement. The reporters were set with their cameras, each using the opportunity to interview any important personality who had a story that would thrill the public while also enjoying the rare moment of being at the party of such a wealthy man where the food and wine was free.Ushers moved around in their professional white and black uniform, serving the hors d'oeuvre to the guests and refilling their wine glasses.Rose played the perfect host, waving, smiling, kissing the cheeks of the women and shaking the hands of the men, ensuring that everyone had a good time."You've really kept us all in suspense about what the party is about, Mr Lockwood," Mr James, one of the board members said and Caleb laughed. "Indeed, I have. I think it's time to make the big revelation," he turned to Jane who was by hi
CHAPTER 126Caleb inhaled deeply before he began."Jeffery is my son, no doubt. And I find your choice of the word 'illegitimate' rather degrading. But there is obviously a difference when you expect a child and they come and having a child that was rather unexpected...""So your illegitimate... I mean, unexpected child does not mean much to you?" The reporter asked with fervor as she hastily scribbled something on her notepad.Caleb chuckled. "I said no such thing, did I?""But you just said..." The reporter started but Caleb quickly cut in."As the father, I have the power to decide what I want with my wealth and to whom I want to bequeath it. All my children are important to me, and to put it more directly, yes, my unexpected child from another woman will also have a share of what I own.""Mr Lockwood, don't you think that's a little discriminatory?" The lady asked again with eagerness for more juicy replies. "How would you react if someone else was in your place.""I just said tha
CHAPTER 174Minutes after Marcus revealed all he knew, dozens of patrol cars as well as two helicopters were despatched to the location Marcus had given.One of the helicopter pilots sighted the house from above and the officers, including Caleb quickly moved towards it.They kicked the door of the building down without hesitation and as Caleb ran in, his gaze immediately fell on Jane's weak body sprawled on the bare floor. Caleb rushed to her and wrapped his arms around her. This time, he did not hold back his tears.Her body and clothes were covered in dirt, some parts of her body was swollen and there were a few cuts in different places, but still she didn't lose her beauty.Jane muttered something with her eyes half closed.“I'm here, baby, I'm here. You're gonna be okay. It's all over, you'll be fine,” Caleb didn't mind that some droplets of his tears fell on her face, all he knew was that he had finally found her and he was never going to let go ever again.Some medical attenda
CHAPTER 173“He's a lying bastard! How can you believe all that?” Xavier asked Ross who had asked to question Xavier immediately Lorenzo told them everything.“It's not something we would want to believe as well, Mr Xavier, but he showed us the millions of dollars as proof,” there was a look of disappointment on Ross's face. “You do know that drug trafficking is a really serious offence, right?”“There is nothing to prove that I'm involved with this man!” Xavier yelled. “How do you know if someone didn't pay him to lie against me?”“He gave us a perfect description of you and said you came around every week to collect the profits that belonged to both you and coincidentallly Marcus Dreame.”“This is outrageous, Ross.”“Trust me, Mr Xavier, the whole situation has also left me totally dumfounded, but it's also helping to put the pieces together.”“What pieces are you talking about, Ross? What the hell is all this? I deserve more respect than this, don't I? How and why would I get mysel
CHAPTER 172Four days and there had been no word from either Xavier or Mann, no newspapers to tell him what was going on outside, and they were running out of food. And he still haven't received a cheque from the weekly profit as usual. Marcus was totally losing it.He paced from one end of the house to another.“That fucker!” He said through his teeth, imagining Xavier amassing all the money to himself. He reasoned that Xavier had probably withdrawn himself from situation and had left him and Jane there to die of starvation. And probably enjoying all the money and profit from their illegal business. The thought of that sickened him. Xavier had probably come to his wits end and had decided to keep his slate clean.But Marcus was not one known to easily let go.He knew he was eventually going to go down, and he would stop at nothing to bring others involved down with him.“You'll be a dead man if you step out of that door,” Jane said weakly as she watched him put on his camouflage.
CHAPTER 171Lorenzo sat at his desk, brooding.Two days had passed and neither Xavier nor his scary looking second hand man had come to collect their weekly profit.He looked down at the stack of money in the bag on his desk. If he took even a note from it, Xavier would know and would kill him without thinking twice. He was a man not to be conned and also a man to be feared. But as he constantly stared at the pile of money, he felt his walls of restraint breaking down. The sight of money always enticed him but tampering with Xavier's money was like signing his own death warrant. He quickly zipped up the bag, swallowed some sedative pills and then looked up Xavier's address on his computer. It was better to get the money to him instead than let it stay another day in his office.___Lilian was wrapping her wet hair up in a bun and preparing for lunch when she heard the knock on the front door.“Don't worry, I'll get it,” she said to the house worker who was setting the table.“Hi?” She
CHAPTER 170Lilian, who had heard from Caleb about her mother and uncle's arrest quickly returned back to the state to see them.Rose on the other hand, had just spoken to the detective and was still in a state of shock. Tears rolled down her face as she stared at the photos of her and Xavier sprawled on the table. She had initially thought that Stella was bluffing when she said she had kept some clues for her lawyer to give the police if anything happened to her.The door suddenly opened and an officer popped his head in.“Ma’am, your daughter is here to see you,” he informed.“What? My daughter?” Rose asked with surprise and began to clean her face while stacking the photos together hurriely. “Take everything with you,” she told her lawyer. “Leave immediately.”Lilian stepped in just as her lawyer walked out.They both stared at each other for a long time and Lilian's steady gaze was like hot iron searing her heart. Every second of silence that passed reminded Rose that she had now
CHAPTER 169“You're lucky my lawyer is already on his way. You'd better start preparing an explanation for why you had the guts to touch me!” Xavier ranted as the officers led them through the station.Rose on the other hand did not even try to struggle because she knew they were guilty, and her conscience kept battling with her. She did a very bad job concealing the shock expression that was spread across her face. As she watched the officers lead Xavier to one end of the hallway, her eyes landed on two familiar faces and her eyes widened with shock.Stella's parents! Stella's dad was consoling his wife who was shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.“Rose… you…” Stella's father said when their eyes met, but before she could respond, the officers led her away. She could still hear Stella's mother's voice.“I told her to stay away from their family, I warned her…”Xavier was taken to a dimly lit interrogation room, the room was hotter than usual and Xavier swiftly adjusted his tie, the
CHAPTER 168“I'm sorry… what? What's that supposed to mean?” Xavier asked with his brows furrowed in annoyance. Fear flickered in his eyes but he squared his shoulders and maintained an annoyed visage.“Mr Xavier you have a right to remain silent. Anything you say now can, shall and will be used against you in the court of law…”“You can't arrest us!” Rose said. “What the hell did we do? What's all this about? This is an insult to my person!”Caleb watched with his spoon frozen in his hand. Things were happening too fast for his brain to process and he almost thought he was hallucinating when an officer walked to his mother and ordered her to stand.“Hold up! Hold up!” Caleb finally said to the officers as he stood up.“What's all this about?”“They are being arrested as prime suspects in the murder of Miss Stella Rosman,” the officer explained. Rose and Caleb exchanged glances and while Xavier was able to maintain his composure, Rose visibly went pale.“This is crazy! I barely even k
Chapter 167It had been two days since Marcus was revealed to be the prime suspect in Jane's disappearance. And the forensic tests came out fine that Marcus was the owner of those male accessories as some combs in the bathroom had his hair samples which were tested. The police officers had combed the woods for two whole days yet there was no sign of either Marcus or Jane and there was also no clue left that could lead to them.“They couldn't have just disappeared,” Rose said one morning as they were having breakfast.Caleb had only taken a few slices of his toast and then walked to the living room with his coffee. His mother had been trying to make conversation with him for the past few hours but talking was the last thing he wanted to do. He was preparing to step out one last time with a few officers to search deeper into the woods. He turned on the television.“Have they found out if there's an insider yet?” Rose was speaking only on the topics that related to Jane because she kne
Chapter 166“I still don't understand why it's so difficult for you to put a call across to him!” Marcus shouted. “We've been waiting for hours for fucks sake!”They were now in a bigger house with lesser windows and only one sofa as furniture. Mann was staring out blankly from one of the windows.“You know, Mr Dreame, you complain too much for a man.”“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Marcus scowled and lunged towards him.“You come in at the middle of the night and sweep us all away without explanation and you want me to be quiet and act like nothing happened?”“No, I'm only asking you to be patient,” Mann replied cooly.“Don't tell me that bullshit! My patience expired hours ago. Now call up Xavier.”“Boss is the one who would make the call to us. I'm in no position to call him unless in a serious emergency…”“This is a serious emergency!”“No, it isn't, Mr Dreame. This is just you acting like a scared little girl. Even the woman's doing better than you.”They both turned t