TACTICS & STRATEGIESPriscilla sat in her silver dress, perched on the edge of the leather chair gazing at her prey, Matteo. She had heard about him from her friend's, back in the university who had described him as an irresistible man who had a weakness for beautiful women. Priscilla was confident that she could easily manipulate him, and her mind was already swirling with the possibilities.She crossed her legs and tilted her head to the side, making sure that her cleavage was visible. She had earlier put her legs on the table giving him a sneak peek. She wasn't wearing any underwear. "If only you knew my little secret," Priscilla cooed playfully. Matteo's eyes were filled with curiosity but he checked himself."Let me guess, I will have to play a game to know this secret. I am done with the games Priscilla," Matteo firmly said. Priscilla giggled, running her fingers through her hair. "I love it when you play stubborn, it makes me tingle all over but I know you Matteo. Your eye
SECRETSDiana's heart was thumping loudly in her chest. She had a feeling that her whole secret may be uncovered depending on how the night went. Setting her eyes on the two women had changed the atmosphere . There was a sense of anxiety and dread that surrounded her. Ashley, Katie smirked openly at her, perhaps they could stay for the party just to torment her. However, they knew it wasn't part of their task. They would not want to piss Priscilla off. "I would like to introduce you to my daughters Katie and Ashley Molten, kids this is Nicholas and Diana, they want to take me on as a client" James introduced everyone. "A pleasure to meet you two lovely ladies," Nick politely said as she gently shook their hands. Diana merely waved at them but she was glad that they barely acknowledged her. She could not believe the crazy coincidence taking place right in front of her. Of all the people she could have met, it was the two whore daughters of a potential client. Diana was simply a pri
Matteo Armani's childhood took a tragic turn when he was just nine years old. He was in the backseat of his parent's car on a family outing when tragedy struck. The car was involved in a terrible accident, and Matteo's parents were killed instantly. He had survived unscathed because his mother covered his little body with hers before the impact. He had to be entangled in the car for hours with his mother's cold body nearly suffocating him before he was rescued. Matteo lost everything that day. He lost his home, his parents, his childhood, and his innocence. He was left to pick up the pieces of his shattered life on his own. That's is until his Nana came into his life to ease his pain as much as she could. It was a very tedious and difficult transition but as the years passed, Matteo learned to cope with the loss of his parents. He buried his pain deep inside, and he became a playboy billionaire, living a life of excess and indulgence. He used his wealth to numb the pain of his childh
James Molten, the owner of one of the world's leading diamond companies, could be considered a trailblazer in the diamond business. His success was a testament to his hard work, strategic vision, and determination to see his dreams come to fruition.James Molten was born into a middle-class family in the United Kingdom. As a child, he was fascinated by the natural beauty of diamonds, and he often dreamed of owning his own diamond company someday. However, his parents were skeptical about his aspirations, and they encouraged him to pursue a more practical career.Despite this, James Molten refused to give up on his dream. In his early 20s, he took a job at a small diamond company in London, where he learned the ropes of the diamond trade. James worked hard, spending endless hours carrying out orders from his superiors and learning the ins and outs of the industry. He believed that it was important to learn everything he could about the business before branching out on his own.After wo
"Let's call it a night, shall we? Besides I will like to know your more about your home," Priscilla said as she broke contact with Matteo."Out of curiosity or necessity?" Matteo asked suspiciously. He may have relinquished himself to her lead but he was still cautious of what she was capable of."Both, and we need to start packing for the family get together, it's sooner than you think," Priscilla responded. She gave him a knowing smile. With Priscilla, Matteo could never be sure if he could fully trust her or not. She was a living mystery. One move in the wrong direction and everything could get ruined. At the same time, the right move could get him everything he wanted. She had that much influence as well as power in her hands. She was a strong woman."I am not looking forward to this," Matteo grumbled as he grudgingly got up from his office couch.He picked up his coat and car keys then linked arms with Priscilla as they exited the office. With the exception of a few cleaning st
Diana was silently fuming as the two women walked away from her and Nicholas. She was so mad at their audacity and how ridiculously unfair the whole thing was. She did not dispute the business acumen the slutty sisters possessed, she questioned their diligence and why their father helplessly indulged them."That was an experience I never thought I would ever have had," Nick quipped as he watched the women go in disbelief."Trust me. That makes two of us," Diana responded in turn.Nick turned to fully face her as he looked at her with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. Diana hoped she hadn't indirectly revealed her secrets during her banter with the ladies."Are you okay? You seemed quite angry throughout the conversation. Well if you can call whatever that was a conversation," Nick politely asked."They just got in the way of the contract! So yes I am upset," Diana exclaimed. She was tired all of a sudden and couldn't wait to go home."Oh. Don't let that get to you, it happens in o
Diana woke up feeling like a princess. She stretched her limbs and yawned happily. It was like for the first time in three years she actually had a good night sleep. She didn't have the cliché dreams of Nicholas as prince charming. That will be ridiculous but she would not mind that happening to her.She did not want to rush into anything with Nicholas lest her future coworkers start to talk and then words may get to Matteo. She had to play this game wisely. Diana's time and living with Maria had helped improve her wardrobe lifestyle and cosmetics.She started her morning routine by breathing slowly in and out three times because it helped take away her anxiety and nervousness. The time was six fifteen am, so she had some time to spare. She slowly surveyed the Maria's apartment to give herself a sense of direction in her life.Upon walking into the condo, one is immediately struck by the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the space. The walls are painted a soft, pale gray color, which cre
Priscilla had never felt so humiliated in her life. Sure, she had done her fair share of humiliating her enemies and sometimes friends but never had she been at the receiving end of it. She could not believe that Matteo would ever ask her to leave.It had been quite late when they had the spat and she had watched him drive away leaving her alone in the dark and empty street. She had to admit that she did not see this coming, but deep down she knew it was for the best. She grudgingly waited for her Uber, tapping her foot impatiently and contemplating what the future would hold. She was quiet through out the ride and would occasionally ignore the driver, lost in her thoughts. As they approached the mansion, she took a deep breath and prepared to face her uncertain future with Matteo. The grand entrance door opened and Priscilla stood at the threshold, waiting for her. Priscilla Randall's Victorian Era mansion is a striking sight. The grand stone structure rises majestically from the
147. IS THIS THE END?Suicide and Chrome were both exhausted from their ongoing combat with this huge guy. They had wanted to go after Matteo as he was carrying his wife's unconscious form away.It was the sound of the gunshot that made them realize just how deeply they were fucked. They saw Nicholas, his face already white from blood loss holding his severely bleeding crotch, twitching and jerking involuntarily in pain.Suicide and Chrome realized to their horror that Nicholas was never going to have sex again. They both turned and ran after Matteo only to be blocked by a giant they had not even heard coming.Suicide brought out a wicked-looking jack knife, military-grade, while Chrome had on a pure gold knuckle duster on his right fist and a shining silver one on his left fist.Black Hound knew that both men were a package deal. He had done a quick reading of their bio-data to have a feel for how they both operated.Suicide would attack first with a knife from a flank and Chrome wou
THE RESCUEMasters Randall was neither a superstitious man by nature nor a religious one per se. But today of all days did not feel right. He could not tell what was making him uneasy but he was sure something was amiss.He had not spoken to his daughter in days now and he was worried about what shit show she may have started behind his back. He had failed that daughter of his and there was nothing he could do to change that.This morning when he had called Martha on his phone, there was no answer. That gave him his first reason to be concerned. Martha always answered his call no matter where she was or what she was doing.The second person she answered like that was her grandson. So what was the reason why La Matrona of the Consortium refused to pick up the phone?Had Priscilla run her mouth again? There were so many questions going through his old mind he did not know which one to answer.Masters had spent the night in his study with a cup of scotch and a Cuban cigar, his head tingl
145. END GAME"I hope that I can trust you, Mr. Armani," James Molten said as he was about to get down from the vehicle.Matteo assured him confidently. "Your shares are safe in my hands James and I plan to stay here for a while. I am not going anywhere."James Molten nodded and opened the door to get out without saying another word.Matteo was left alone with his driver as the car sped on."There is something you need to know," Black Hound said as he looked straight ahead. There was a graveness in the way he spoke.Matteo listened with rapt attention."I got some recordings that you will want to hear," Black Hound said. "I want you to listen to it in this vehicle because as of now, it is the only secure place," He finished.Matteo was becoming uneasy. "That bad?" He asked, looking at the rearview mirror to see the eyes of his bodyguard."I think bad is an understatement, it is going to be a shocking revelation," Black Hound said in a solemn tone."Alright, let's hear it," Matteo said
144. THE LAST MOVE~SOME HOURS EARLIERNicholas, tired of standing went back inside after watching the box burn. He still had felt no closure. He wanted nothing but revenge. The phone in his pocket buzzed and he fished it out of his pocket.It was an email from the company. He pushed the notification and read the contents of the message.The iPhone struck the wall with tremendous force and shattered into small pieces, the parts clattering everywhere.Nicholas was fuming and growling, his hands tightened into fists. How dare they fire him? Who the fuck did they think he was? He was not going down without a fight.The pain he was going through fueled his rage. He would make them pay one way or another. He stomped down the stairs blind with fury. He pictured his hands wrapped tightly around Matteo's neck.Then the neck slowly transformed in his head, morphine into a small slender supple neck that belonged to Diana. A sick smile played on his lips.He went into the kitchen and opened the
143. GRANNY TIMESDiana was glad to get out of her lodge. She was happy it was a work day. She was excited to get back to work despite everything that had happened around her.She had also become fast friends with the clerk that was rude to her on the first day she had tried to get a room. There was no point in dragging things out with another woman who was just trying to survive.Her husband had surprised her last night. It threw her off for a minute when she realized just how thoughtful he had become.She was just preparing herself for the next day which was today. The time was seven thirty in the evening when a knock interrupted her preparation. She left what she was doing and walked to the door.As she opened it, she was met with the sight of a familiar face.Nana gazed down warmly at her. She had behind her luggage that was pink in color."Nana? Come in," Diana said waving her hand towards the inviting living room.Nana shuffled into the living room, dragging her luggage with he
142. SHOW DOWNThe silence was deafening, except for the rustling of leaves that got blown around by the wind. It was obvious that all five wealthy people who were sitting together around the dinner table that late Monday morning were enemies.Each figure had his or her agenda at the pit of their dark twisted minds.Priscilla wanted Matteo and everything that came with him.Ashley wanted her father's company and Katie— well, it was not clear what she wanted.Matteo knew that there was no logical way out of this. However, he did have an advantage and he could not wait to use it. He suspected that Priscilla may have figured out his secret plan, but he wasn't too concerned.There was no stopping what was about to happen. Once and for all, he was going to stop all her incessant dealings and manipulation.He could tell that she was worried and she was right to be. This game had gone on long enough. He could also tell that James Molten wanted out.Matteo vividly saw the look of desperation
141. DARK NICKYThe past two days had been rather strange and unpredictable for Nicholas Wilson. First, he woke up with pain on a soft sofa which had dried drool all over his face. Everything hit him all at once. The pain, the hangover, and the nausea.He had no idea where he was or how he had gotten there. It was until a woman with a stark resemblance to Diana approached him with concern, breaking the disorienting haze of his mind. Her gentle yet determined voice pulled him back to reality and into her warm embrace.Then everything had come back to him and he was filled with embarrassment. He quickly shook off the lingering humiliation and focused on the present moment.He was supposed to meet with her for his mental health. His head was pounding. He turned toward her still disoriented only for a glass of water and some oblong white pills were shoved in his hands."It will help with the hangover," Lexi's voice echoed and rang into his ears as he stared at the assortment of pills un
140. THE KING OT CHESSMatteo understood the concern coming from his bodyguard but this was something he had to do alone. He needed the closure."Sir you realize that you are going behind enemy lines," Black Hound voiced out with slight annoyance."I understand but this is something that I have to do alone, it is a personal matter," Matteo casually replied to his bodyguard.Black Hound said nothing else. There was no changing his boss's mind."Besides, I do not want them to know about our business just yet," Matteo further added."That is if Priscilla is going to be present," Black Hound said."She is the mastermind behind this, of course, she will be there," Matteo said with certainty."Is that not more of a reason for me to come along? The stakes are higher than before sir," Black Hound insisted."The more reason for you to stay back. After all, you are my Trump card," Matteo replied as he adjusted his tie."How do I look?" Matteo turned and asked his bodyguard."You look like you a
139. CHAT WITH THE SHRINKNicholas said nothing as he stared ahead with a straight expression on his face. The car was filled with an uneasy silence, creating an oppressive atmosphere. This was mostly because Nicholas was at the center of the matter.He had been bailed by Dr. Amorr and was sitting in her car. He had pretended to be so ashamed of himself when she had come for him but dropped the charade in the car."You can drop me off at home, thank you," Nicholas arrogantly said as he relaxed to rest his eyes.It had been a long day. He opened his eyes and stretched his tired muscles, feeling the tension slowly dissipate. He looked outside the window ignoring the driver who had earlier helped him."Welcome," Dr. Amorr abruptly interrupted his short sightseeing.Nicholas made to get down and hissed in pain. He had felt so relaxed that he had forgotten about his sprained ribs. He slowly got down from the car, wincing from the pain it caused him with every step that he took forward.B