CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY- ONE *She may never know or she may find out when it's already too late...*How did he know about Drake?! Oh right... Dad would have told him about him and her travels. What more could he possibly know about Drake? She bit her bottom lip nervously and quickly reached for the fresh milkshake already placed on the table by the waiter. She took a long deep sip, hoping it calms her fluttering heartbeats. Just mentioning his name sent shivers jolting through her body. She didn't want him to know anything about Drake at all and now that he mentioned it, how the hell is she going to dodge it? She had barely asked any of the questions she had planned to ask and now he is already asking about Drake. Oh, fuck! Things aren't exactly going as she had planned. Now, take a deep breath Janice and answer smartly. You can't afford to let out any indication whatsoever that you have a thing going on with Drake. If Matt finds out, then she is so screwed. Things wi
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-TWO *"If You keep doubting, you may never have the chance to live the life that you want, Janice."*"Did my father tell you anything concerning me?" She asked pointedly, her hazel eyes piercing through his amber eyes unwaveringly. There's no use beating around the bush. He chuckled and shook his head, dismissing her with a wave of his hand as if she had completely gone nuts. Resolved, she asked again. "Well, did he or did he not?" His jaw moved a fraction and then he smiled at her. "Well, we discuss so many things to catch up. And if I say we didn't talk about you, then I must be gravely mistaken. Of course, you will definitely be the focal point of the two men that loves you so much." Janice frowned at his latter statement. Most certainly father would never cease to talk about her but she wants to know what. "I know that for a fact. My father loves me so deeply and wants the best for me. But you know what I'm asking about, Matt. "He shrugged,
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE*Paris!*"Welcome to Paris Miss Janice Jordan! We hope you have an amazing stay!" The note tag read. She chuckled and then set the tag on the golden table and took in a deep breath. She scanned a luxurious hotel room with its exquisite decor made majorly of sparkling gold. This is one of the most reputable luxurious hotels in the whole of Paris. It is said that it is mostly occupied by top fashion gurus and celebrities who came for the big fashion runway happening in Paris every Winter. She eased herself into the comfy golden seat and puffed out a deep breath. What an exhausting day it has been! The following days passed like a blur. D-day arrived: the big fashion runway in Paris. Janice and her work team had made the necessary arrangements for the trip in conjunction with the fashion guru, Mr Lorenzo. She arrived in Paris with a resolve to get the best out of this experience and get the best network to grow her business even further. she had
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR*"I have no other choice do I?" *"You haven't told her yet? What are you waiting for old friend? Time is not on your side you know." George wailed through the phone pinned to Mr Jordan's ear as he faced the window of his bedroom. He puffed out a deep breath and twirled the glass of whisky in his other hand. His hazel eyes were gleaming with sadness. "It's not that easy, George. How do you expect me to just casually tell her everything like that? I don't know if she would take it and I can say for a fact that she wouldn't take it likely. Plus, she got her big fashion runway show to prepare for. I don't want to ruin that for her. I know how much she had laboured for that day.""I understand old friend. I do sincerely but you have to consider the gravity of the situation at hand. There's no use to keep on delaying it. Sooner or later, the truth will escape and by then, she would not be very happy at all with you. You should tell the situation of t
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE *She is ready!!!!*"You look... Absolutely gorgeous!!!! That's my girl! I'm literally crying over here!" Janice chuckled and swirled around and swayed in her sparkling wine dress while ensuring she didn't stray off the line of vision of her phone propped up on the tripod at the centre of her hotel room. She was on a video call with her best friend who was ogling at her with a hand clamped over her mouth. "Awwww you look so... What's the word now... Is indescribable a good word though?" Hannah cooed. Janice giggled. "Well, it can be both ways depending on the context." "You look stunning darling. And the smoky makeup sits so perfectly with her skin and matches the dress. And oh my! I love how your hair is arranged in a tight bun and the silver pearls dangling on your ears are just perfect. You are the Queen of the show my love. Go get 'em!" Hannah gushed, her chirpy voice ringing across the hotel room. Sandra smiled triumphantly to hersel
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-SIX *It's now or never!*It was as if luck was on her side. Maybe her Mother's spirit is fighting for her after all... Everything went so smoothly; Her models were cat walked through the stage with an air of confidence that earned hearty cheers from the audience. She was intrigued at how everything played out. Her vision was actualized on this very day. the dress came out exactly how she envisioned it in her head and she couldn't thank her designer enough. She did the job very well! Other models from other companies also showcase their own clothing. At the end of the show, all the owners came on the stage including Janice. "We are going to call on all the designers and owners of the companies who showcase their designers today. Please kindly come to the stage as we are about to announce the winner of this fashion runaway 2019 edition!!!" The enthusiastic MC lady announced through the microphone. Mr. Lorenzo was sitting beside her and gave her hand a
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVEN*I did it!!! *"The Winner of this year's Paris Fashion Show is none other than... Miss Janice Jorda, CEO of the Glam Fashion Company in London!!!!" Mr Andre declared. Momentarily, the audience sprang up in jubilation. Flowers rained down on stage. Janice stared in utter shock unable to believe her ears. What she won?! She froze for a couple of seconds as the audience did a standing ovation. Mr Andre beckoned her to come to get the microphone as they presented her with the golden award shaped like a miniature heel. She inhaled deeply and tethered towards him. Mr Andre reached out to clamp a gentle hand over her arm to steady her. He offered her a triumphant smile but Janice returned it with a nervous smile of her own. She is still in awe. But she did it!!!! She won the award and she is going to bring it home!!! She can't believe her ears!!! "Here is your Award, Miss Janice. Congratulations!" Mr Andre said, presenting the award to her. Wi
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHT*It is never going to happen, not in this life or the next.*"Congratulations Miss Janice Jordan!" Lorenzo bobbed his head slightly as she approached the end of the stage. Many people surrounded her, offering their congratulations. She had been caught up with the crowd around her. Many asked for her business cards which she instructed Sandra to distribute to them. Even celebrities came to offer their thanks and asked for her business card. She was extremely excited to give them. She came prepared. Before flying to Paris and with hopes of winning the award, she ensured that many copies of her business cards were made in case they meet likely clients in Paris who would want to do business with them... She had to be smart. She was going to one of the most fashion-blooming cities in the world... She simply can't afford to whisk that opportunity away like that. Thankfully, her dreams came to pass. He offered her his hand as he stretched his right
*To forever and beyond…*The day of the trial had arrived, and it felt as though the world held its breath. The courtroom was filled with journalists, spectators, and photographers positioned on all corners of the courtroom doors waiting. They were all here for the same purpose: the moment the world would witness as justice decided the fate of Mr. Jordan. In other words, the downfall of the Jordans.The courtroom was so unnervingly quiet that you could hear a pin drop as every creak of a bench and every rustle of paper lingered in the tense air.Janice Jordan sat at the front with Finn beside her. Her uncle came with some family members and they sat behind the pew. Janice’s hands trembled in her lap, fingers clasped so tightly together that her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Finn beside her, his jaw set, gaze fixed on the judge as if nothing else existed. This was heavy for him especially but at last he would witness the final judgment and hopefully get the justice his late f
*He had to bear the consequences of his actions.*Janice sat in an uneasy silence, staring out the window as the news sank in, each word settling into her mind like stones dropped into water.She could hardly believe her ears. Her father has been arrested?! This was the first time such news would reach her ears. The mighty Jordan was arrested?!"Janice? This isn't the time to space out!" Finn's voice yanked her out of her reverie. She blinked repeatedly as her brain was still processing this whole unexpected turn out of events. She gulped. "What's going to happen to him, I-I don't even know what to say. He's the only family I've got, Finn," her words barely squeak out of her lips."Unfortunately, it may be nothing good, Janice. This is the moment of truth, and justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done." A cold shiver pricked against her skin like goosebumps. As much as she tried to ignore it, it was the hard truth. Her father had done horrible things in the pa
*Was this the end of the line for the mighty Jordan family?* "Janice, I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone, " Finn said, pulling her towards him for a long hug as he stroked her hair. Janice broke into tears, sobbing as her body shook with the weight of losing a child, a part of her that she wasn't fortunate to bring into the world. She sniffed and muffled against his chest, "I didn't mean to hide this from you, Finn. This is shocking news to me as well." "It's alright, sweetheart." He said gently as he continued to stroke her hair. Then he broke the embrace and cradled her wet face in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "Look at me, Janice," he wiped her tears with his thumb. His heart tightened seeing her like this. "I promise I will wipe the tears off your face. We can always make another one." She momentarily stopped crying and looked at him wide-eyed. "You didn't even ask if that child is yours, Finn." He chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty*The unexpected and Sad Revelation*Finn's (once Drake but will be called his real name henceforth)hammered as he paced the narrow room with the burner phone clutched tightly in his right hand and his left hand frantically raking through his sandy brown hair.Every creak of the floor, every rustle outside the window, seemed like it could be Fergus’s men clawing closer.They were running out of time.With the government closing in and Fergus’s rage nearly tangible, Finn knew their only chance was to reach out to someone who could help them disappear. His father’s old friend, Yamato—a man, both feared and revered, a former militant from Japan who had once pledged his loyalty to the family.Yamato listened in silence, his deep breaths echoing through the line. Then, without a word of question or reprimand, he simply said, “Be ready. I will take care of the arrangements.”A wave of relief coursed through Finn's body at once. His father had been right af
Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-Nine*My real name is Finn Orwells and not Drake Hughen.*He knew of one place Fergus wouldn't dare to look.The drive to his special hideout was unbearable, long, and tedious. It was a rocky path in the thick of the forest but close to a river bank. He usually came here when he needed some privacy from the Jordans and planned his next revenge move. But right now, the reverse was the case. How ironic did things turn out to be? He was literally bringing his arch enemy's daughter to his secret hideout, away from the hawk eyes of his evil brother-the person he was supposed to be working alongside.Well, things had changed. Maybe he had changed, too.But right now... he had a purpose.He glanced at the passenger's seat, where Janice was sitting quietly. Apparently, she was still shaken by everything that had unfolded. Poor woman... He had to protect her even from his own family.I'm so sorry, Mother....but I think I broke the rule.He gulped. I had fallen
*At any rate, he must save Janice.*The heel of his boots pounding in her stomach sent her to the floor, retching and wheezing with her heart in her throat, threatening to explode. A crushing pain seared through her chest. She sprawled on the ground, with her eyes shut tight, gasping for air desperately. The blindfold was restricting her vision, so she couldn't see who it was, but she could feel the extreme coldness exuding from his presence. "Let's try again, shall we, darling. And this time I won't go easy on you. I suggest you answer my questions if you want to leave here in one piece and see your asshole of a father!" the menacing raspy voice roared across the empty room. The man cocked his head to the two huge guys in black and at once they heaved her roughly to the chair and tied her hands and legs to the chair. The sound of the cocked gun jolted a shiver down her spine. He took long strides towards her and trailed the gun around her exposed chest, her buttons had come undon
*He must save Janice no matter what!*"What do you mean you haven't seen her?!" Mr Jordan bellowed through the phone, his hands trembling badly."You need to calm down, Mr Jordan. Remember, this is bad for your health. I will be at the shortly. " Matt spoke as calmly as possible through the phone."Calm down? What if something happened to her, Matt?! You were supposed to take care of her and now..." He paused, taking a sharp breath as he rubbed his temples frantically to ease the tension building up inside of me.Where on earth was his precious daughter? What could have happened to her?"Please, exercise some patience, Mr Jordan, while I wait for the construction team to help me remove my door. As I explained to you, Janice just stormed out of the house and locked me inside because she took the remote with her. She must have been in a hurry or something. I think maybe she's at her best friend's house, Hannah."Mr Jordan's eyes lit up.That may be true....who else will Janice be wi
She was super excited and relieved to see Drake coming to her rescue. Tears of relief etched at the corner of her eyes. He came for her! He must have sensed that I was in danger! But how did he know where to find me....? She pondered silently as she arched a brow at him curiously. "Drake! How did you know that I'm here?" She quizzed.He shrugged, winking at her."I just know, Janice. Now come one before Matt comes out!" He urged, waving her over.Her heart jumped at the mention of Matt. That monster! She never wants to be around him ever again! For now, she has been rescued, and she can safely go home and put this whole marriage behind her.Luckily, she has the videotape as evidence to nail Matt on the cross and call off the engagement. She rushed to the car and opened the passenger's door in the front seat and settled on it, jamming the shut quickly.For now, she will have to ask questions later."You good, Janice? I hope he didn't hurt you in there?" Drake asked, although his
*...if it wasn't Drake, then I would rather not love at all.* Damn it! Matt found out already? How did he even know about this? I thought he wasn't aware of it. What do you mean, Janice? Of course, Matt had been watching you non-stop! Only a fool wouldn't be aware of the deep connection that exists between you and Drake. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised if the maids knew as well. The voice in her head taunted her. She bit her bottom lip frantically, trying to rein in the turbulent thoughts writhing inside of her head. She had to act cool and unbothered. Pretend as if you didn't know what he was saying, Janice. Act cool and get the hell out of here! The voice rang inside my head again like a Belfry. She sucked in several deep breaths and looked up at Matt intently, a smirk curling up her lips. "I have no idea what's you babbling about, Matt," she snapped, feigning ignorance. Matt scoffed, shaking his head. "Stop lying, Janice. It's too obvious! I'm not a