LEONARD KISH'S POV,With the victory from last night still new in my mind, my spine straightened as I stood before the dressing mirror that Friday morning, I gazed at my reflection and my eyes sparkled with determination,Since I had overcome the obstacle that posed a threat to my path, I felt a renewed surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins, energizing me to crush another day,As soon as I sat at the dining table, the delicious aroma from the elaborate spread filled the air, but almost immediately, my brows furrowed, and a sense of anger dampened my mood as my eyes landed on the elaborate spread at the other end of the dinning table,Instinctively, my hands shot out, and I signaled Butler Joe who was standing behind me at his serving spot,With his head bowed and shoulders slouched, he hastened to my side, "You called for me, Young Master," He answered cautiously, his voice tender and laden with difference as he spoke,"What is the meaning of this?" I questioned, my tone bear
MR YUKA LEE'S POV,Ever since the failure of Leonard's wedding, everything seemed to work for my favour. The members of Five Stars had been agitated, gradually moving towards Leonard's resignation as the league leader. A motion that had made my heart swell from satisfaction.Although I had remained neutral, refusing to take part in their active opposition, since I knew the leadership position would eventually fall to me if Leonard was removed.Right in my living room were seated Mr. Zeus of Zeus Corporations and Mr. Edwin of Edwin's multinational, both members of the League of Five Stars, who had taken it upon themselves to sought for a redress in the league."We can't continue like this. Never had it been heard that we had suffered such humiliation." Mr. Zeus expressed his discontentment. His tone rising with dissatisfaction as he spoke, while I listened without uttering a word, glad that it was working for my favour."Indeed!" Mr. Edwin chipped in, "It's an insult upon the League,
LEONARD KISH'S POV,"What an important meeting you're having right in your villa, Mr. Yuka!" I announced. My voice boomed with confidence as I took long strides to the empty couch on the other side of his plush living room,Elsa tugged closely beside me, her arm brushing against mine as she sat beside me just as I had instructed.The tension in the living room was palpable, their gaze fixed on us as if they had just seen a ghost. They clearly weren't expecting my visit, and the shock on their faces was undeniable.A blanket of shame had clothed Mr. Zeus, while Mr Edwin still had his straight face with an unreadable expression on his face.Sitting comfortably on his couch, I turned towards Mr. Yuka and inquired, "Were you talking about me?" His face had a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and I knew he was struggling to keep his cool.Just then, my eyes began to travel from one person to the other, with a smile on my face, although my question was directed to Mr. Yuka, who I was
LEONARD KISH'S POV,"Have you contacted Macpherson." I asked Sam whose attention was focused on the road, as he drove to the company that day.My gaze was fixed intently on the contract with Macpherson, which he had given to me earlier, meticulously tracing every little details. I had taken it upon myself to ensure that every term and clause was error-free, since I knew, signing a contract with Macpherson was going to earn me more ground and increase my chances of becoming the next Chairman of 'KishLee Corporation.'"Yes boss!" He beamed in response, without taking his eyes off the road.With the election for the ceo position scheduled, I knew I had to be meticulous and avoid any mistakes that Richard Yuka could exploit. The stakes were high, and I couldn't afford to leave any openings for him to capitalize on."Their secretary has confirmed that the meeting will proceed as agreed, and the contract will be finalized by two o'clock pm." His words came again, dripping with satisfaction
LEONARD KISH'S POV,"Richard! Macpherson!" He uttered, gasping for air, as he struggled to catch his breath.My eyes flew open immediately when I heard Sam's words, as a great sense of urgency washed over me, making me spring to my feet.Seeing how hard he was trying to catch his breath, I knew instantly that whatever it was he was going to say, was no good. Although, at the mention of Macpherson and Richard together, my mind began to race towards one possibility, and I secretly hoped it wasn't what I was thinking.As I wrestled with my thoughts, I felt a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest, but I pushed my fears aside. I needed to hear the truth from Sam himself before I could accept my fears."What is it about Macpherson? What did Richard Yuka do?" I questioned as calmly as I could, my eyes fixed intently on him, as I urged him on for an answer, even though deep within me I feared my gut."He's... He's... finalizing... the cont... Contract... with Macpherson." His response came
LEONARD KISH'S POV,"Boss!" Sam called out as he drove us back to the company that day. His voice bearing the weight of his remorse, his gloom palpable, hanging over the atmosphere. He couldn't stop blaming himself for what had happened.I gazed into the rearview mirror, my mind racing with ideas on how to handle Richard Yuka, I was too engrossed in my thoughts to utter a word, or respond to Sam's call,Although I had left Richard Yuka with a cold smile on my face, intentionally to unsettle him, deep down I was seething with anger and hurt, but I was determined not to let him see the extent of the blow he had dealt me."About Richard..." Sam hesitated, unsure if he should continue, while I remained silent, not saying a word to him either, and we continued in silence.After a while, his words came again, breaking the silence that had fallen upon us,"How about we report this matter to the board of directors, and let them handle it?" He suggested, his voice heavy with pain as he spoke.
JESSICA ANNA YUKA'S POV,My heart was banging really hard against my ribcage, when I brought up the topic regarding his wedding. Even though I knew Leonard had never picked any interest in any lady, the news of his sudden wedding had rattled my understanding and had filled me with fear.I had rushed down to the state from Chocó with just one goal in mind - I wanted to know if Leonard had really fallen in love with a lady during my years of being away. Just the thought of it made me grit my teeth, as my jaw clenched in anger.Although, my greatest fear was him confirming the news, even though I was never going to sit still and watch another lady have my man. However, his words alleviated my fears, setting my mind at peace and gradually dispelling my initial anxiety.My brows unfurrowed, and I drew in a silent breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I sought to unravel the truth hidden behind his words. I wanted to be certain that there was no emotional connection between the both of
ELSA ELKINS' POV,The hours ticked by, a long and sorrowful day was coming to an end. It was dark outside, but it was nothing compared to the abyss within the room.My day was filled with tears even as I dwelled on that agonizing realization. I was broken and dejected. I had lost every strength to move an inch, cuddled up in my room since I came back from my father's home.The cold air seeped through the window that evening, blowing cruel reality at me. My tears had stopped flowing, leaving me drained and shattered, even as I realized that it was all up to me to fight for my own freedom. Just then, I knew I had to do something, my mind began to ponder on a solution out of my cruel fate.The visit that day to my parents' home, was a stark realization that they had no intention to rescue me from Leonard's grasp, which had shattered my heart like a broken pearl, but I wasn't going to sit still and dwell in misery for the rest of my life.Inspired with the confidence, I felt a renewed ho
ELSA ELKINS' POV,Right at the Orphanage, my initial exuberance was beginning to resurface, since I had shoved every thought about Leonard aside.As I reached for the door handle, Julian's unmistakable voice rang out behind me, making my eyebrows rise in surprise,"Miss Elsa!" She called, her shrill tone slicing through the air. I hadn't expected to see her there, especially since she was supposed to be in school.I turned sharply, and my eyes widened as Julian hurtled towards me, her pigtails bouncing with each step. She stopped right in front of me, beaming with an uncontainable joy that caused my lips to spread apart in smile."Julian!" I exclaimed, "How're you?""I'm fine, Miss Elsa!" Julian chirped, her voice bubbling with excitement, as she gazed up at me.Since she wasn't in school, I feigned seriousness as I attempted to know the reason she had skipped going to school."Why aren't you in school? Where are your parents? Did you come alone again?" I asked, my brow furrowed with
ELSA ELKINS' POV,As soon as I was done, I hurried downstairs, towards the kitchen, and upon getting to the living room, I met Nanny Ruth, whose face was radiant with smiles, "Good morning, Nanny Ruth!" I greeted her, sharing in her warmth. After exchanging warm pleasantries, Nanny Ruth said gently, "It seems Leonard brought you breakfast." Warmth glinting in her eyes as she stared at me.I shrugged. After Leonard's attitude last night and his coldness that I was used to, I wasn't about to be swayed by that single gesture, no matter how thoughtful it seemed. "Well, he did," I answered, my voice as flat as my expression. "But there's nothing more to it," I added calmly.Nanny Ruth's eyes softened, and her gaze turned inward as my words sank into her. Her smile, although still present, whispered a gentle concern."I heard the both of you arguing last night," She began softly,"But I want you to know that Leonard is a good kid and not as bad as you think," she said calmly, her words ec
ELSA ELKINS' POV,The curtains on the floor-to-ceiling window had been pulled back, allowing the ray to fall on my face that morning.I squinted and blocked the ray with my palm. The brightness of the day made my lips spread into smiles. I sat up, my eyes half-closed as I stretched my limbs, feeling a renewed sense of energy coursing through me.Suddenly, my eyes flung wide open, and I snapped off my grogginess. My smile varnished as memories of the night before, came flooding my mind. In that instant, I felt my blood begin to boil as a renewed sense of anger - like blood, coursed through my veins.My head whipped around the room, my eyes blazing with determination as I searched for Leonard,But instead of finding him, my gaze fell on series of closed doors, and my brows furrowed.Just as I was about to leap out of bed to search for Leonard, the entrance door swung open, and Leonard strolled in with a broad smile on his face."Good morning Mrs Kish!" He announced exuberantly, his vo
ELSA ELKINS' POV,At that moment, I couldn't believe my ears. I poked my cheek to make sure it wasn't a dream, and yes, it wasn't. It was real, Leonard was standing right inside my room, giving me an absurd instruction."Leonard, are you okay?" I questioned, my sharp voice dripping with disbelief. "Does it look like am not?" Leonard's response came immediately, and for the next five seconds, I tried to find the words to describe how unreasonable he sounded, but I couldn't find any, which left my mouth hanging open in total bewilderment.My blood boiled with a mix of anger and frustration, while I tapped my head repeatedly, as I tried to put a peg around my surging anger.But Leonard wasn't perturbed a bit, instead, he let out a snort of amusement, even though I was on the verge of breaking,Ten seconds passed, but he stood rooted on his spot, and at that moment, I knew I couldn't take it anymore."Get out!" I said, gesturing towards the door, my gaze fixed intently glinting with fury
ELSA ELKINS' POV,After a very busy day with the children at the Orphanage - reading stories, and teaching dancing, the only thing I longed for was a beautiful escape. No sooner had I sunk into the soft embrace of my bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion gradually lift from my shoulders, than the knock on the door shattered the peaceful silence. The sudden sound was a jarring interruption to the rest I desperately needed, causing my eyes to fly open in irritation.Reluctantly, I stood up and dragged myself towards the door. As I opened the door, the sight of Leonard standing right at my doorway with a stern face made my brows crest,He was the last person I had expected to see, and I couldn't stop myself from wondering what he wanted."What do you..." I started to say, but my words were cut off as he pushed the door wide open and strode into my room with an air of confidence that made my brows furrow tightly,For the next three seconds, I struggled to comprehend what had just happene
LEONARD KISH'S POV,My steps were heavy with determination as I strode back to my office with Sam. With the weight of the shareholders' decision weighing heavy on me, I felt a heightened determination coursing through my veins and propelling me forward.I refused to be deterred, and not even Mr. Ricardo's staunch resistance could shake me off my goal. As far as I was concerned, his resistance had only fueled my resolution.As soon as I settled onto my armchair, I turned to Sam, whose erect posture and intent gaze conveyed his readiness. "What's the latest with Mr. Ricardo?" I asked, my voice firm and steady, bearing the weight of the situation.I knew I had to decipher the reason behind Mr. Ricardo's sudden change since it was clear he had picked sides with Richard. "Nothing much Boss. Apart from that day, he visited Mr. Yuka; they hadn't met again, except at Mr. Yuka's birthday party, which you witnessed as well." He answered, his voice firm as he spoke in a matching intensity.Hi
MR RICARDO'S POV,Mr. Gustavo's lips parted for a fleeting second, then he burst into a loud chuckle, as he settled into the sofa beside me."Mr. Ricardo, you've never changed a bit." he said, his voice tinged with humor as he spoke with a broad smile on his face, while I waited patiently for us to begin with a small smile on my face."What can I do for you, Mr. Ricardo?" Mr. Gustavo finally asked, his tone tinged with genuine curiosity, which sparked a low, rumbling chuckle from me.Since I had not visited to beat around the bush, I went straight to my purpose. "What do you think about procuring furniture products from our company?" I asked, my smile never leaving my face.Although I wasn't certain he was the one Leonard had contacted, I threw my question at him, which was an attempt to confirm my suspicion.Just as I had suspected, Mr. Gustavo couldn't contain his excitement, "Oh! I've seen the designs, they are great, and suit the standard of my rooms," his response rang out with e
Mr. RICARDO'S POV,My smile varnished as soon as I stepped out of the hall. Although Leonard had tried his best to keep the buyer under wrap, despite my deliberate effort to get him to say who he was.Deep within me, I couldn't shake off the feeling that his meeting with Mr. Gustavo of Avo's World the other day, had something to do with it, and since he had deliberately shielded whoever it was from me, I was going to take my chances.My mind reeled with countless thoughts as I strode towards my car, and as soon as I slammed the door behind me, I said to Bobby, who was already seated in the driver's seat, "Contact Gustavo. I need to see him now." "Okay, Boss!" Bobby answered, swiping through his official phone like a robot.He put a call across to Mr. Gustavo and handed the phone over to me after Mr. Gustavo had received it. I had just placed the phone in my ears when Mr. Gustavo's voice boomed in, "Mr. Ricardo!" He exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable,"What a pleasant surprise to rec
LEONARD KISH'S POV,Right in the board room were gathered members of the shareholders who had come for further deliberations regarding the ongoing project with J.K."Now that we've completed the initial stage of material procurement, we're gathered today to discuss the financing of the production phase itself," I stated, my tone firm, resolute, and unwavering, as I prepared to propel the project forward.Immediately, Sam stood up and distributed the document outlining the expenditures incurred during the procurement of materials and the proposed production costs,"Left on the fourth page of the document in your hands, you'll find a detailed estimate of the production costs and the required materials, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope and...""Leonard!" Mr. Ricardo's voice pierced through the thick silence, snapping me off my words.I turned sharply to my left, where he was seated calmly, to find the document on his desk and realized he hadn't opened it.My