~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ “I don’t care Richard. No. You are out. Gone. I won’t debate this. You can leave now.” My Uncle Richard stood before me sputtering and protesting for the better part of an hour. He refused to listen or learn anything new. He wouldn’t carry a phone, take a computer class, use a computer, or any type of modern technology beyond the early seventies. “I’m your uncle.” He believed his relation to the founder entitled him to sit and receive payment. My uncle didn’t believe he had to do anything beyond the bare minimum. “I don’t care. You haven’t maintained your education and kept up with technology. I can’t email you or text you. Which means you can’t function within the modern business environment without assistance and in this business that exposes us to an extra layer of unnecessary staff that can be corrupted, blackmailed, or infiltrated. You have had a successful run and it’s time for you to retire along with my fathe
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ With Jacqueline in jail, Sabrina kept leaving messages for me. I’d texted her and told her not to come to Belgrave Tech because it wouldn’t be appropriate. Security found her mother trespassing there, which led to her arrest. I’d avoided her so far. Now I have my family and businesses secured. It’s time to break it off with Sabrina. I would not confront Sabrina because she’s about as sharp as a butter knife. Just like Sabrina and Jacqueline, I, too, need years of games and gossip. Because if I didn’t, they would get what they desired, and I would become trapped. To prevent that, I know I’m forced to make this a public issue. Jacqueline and Sabrina will not go unscathed by this when I’m done. They won’t hold their position and status when I’m done with them. My first step. I have videos for specific individuals. Influencers, friends, family, and business associates have made videos for Jacqueline and Sabrina
~ SABRINA VINES~ “No! That’s not true. I’m my mother’s heir! I’m her daughter.” “You’re nothing to her. She has no heir. Jacqueline doesn’t have a next generation of anything. Please. That’s a lie, she’s fed you and you know it. Just to keep you in line so you will do what she wants. Look at you right now. You’re here right now trying to pressure me to pressure the police to release her from jail. I’ve no involvement in that. Did you realize that? Besides being the person, she barged in on at the office. I’m not the one pressing the charges. You see it’s the company who’s pressing the charges on my behalf. I’m the witness, nothing more.” “That’s crazy. You own Belgrave Tech.” “Yes, I own controlling shares. But it acts as its own entity. Oh, Sabrina, dear. This is why Father took away your chances at controlling Belgrave Tech when he learned Jacqueline was buying your grades.” Maria had the nerve to roll her eyes.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ We sat there as Josy came back in with coffee and tea. She looked like she was about to explode with her emotions. Confusion, excitement, anger, and frustration all played over her face. She didn’t hide it from me, but she held it back. Josy noticed my control over the situation. “Fine Sabrina let’s sit down with some coffee and listen to this. Then we’ll talk about it, feel about it, and then what we’ll do about it. We knew she’d screwed me over, but surprise! When you hear what she’s done to you! Oh boy! Just listen.” “Just play it.” I couldn’t help it. I had to set up the situation for her. Sort of prepare her for what she should expect. Sabrina did not know what awaited her. Jake’s investigator had found an audio file Jacqueline was using to blackmail the arsonist with. [What about your daughter? Should I wait for her to leave before I start?] [No, I don’t care where she is.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ We sat there as Josy came back in with coffee and tea. She looked like she was about to explode with her emotions. Confusion, excitement, anger, and frustration all played over her face. She didn’t hide it from me, but she held it back. Josy noticed my control over the situation. “Fine Sabrina let’s sit down with some coffee and listen to this. Then we’ll talk about it, feel about it, and then what we’ll do about it. We knew she’d screwed me over, but surprise! When you hear what she’s done to you! Oh boy! Just listen.” “Just play it.” I couldn’t help it. I had to set up the situation for her. Sort of prepare her for what she should expect. Sabrina did not know what awaited her. Jake’s investigator had found an audio file Jacqueline was using to blackmail the arsonist with. [What about your daughter? Should I wait for her to leave before I start?] [No, I don’t care where she is.
~ SABRINA VINES ~ I came here wondering if I would kill Maria. Now she’s sitting here telling me she’s tried to push him away. That he’s using us to get what he wants. That he doesn’t want her any more than he wants me. It depends on the companies in the end. “Are you sure of this Maria?” “Oh, he talks a great story. He’s tried on several occasions to convince me. But I’ve heard him. It’s his family pressuring him to complete the legacy again and punish my family. Well, to punish my family Sabrina, they must punish me. I’m the last member. You were never adopted and now that my father’s dead.” Maria shrugged her shoulders. “Your mother is no longer a member of the family. She’s free of their wrath if she stays out of their sight.” “She won’t, you know. If she leaves jail, she’ll continue making waves for everyone. Mother wants Belgrave Tech no matter who owns it. She believes she deserves to own it for marrying Edger.”
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I sat on David Hargrove’s lap and poured him champagne as I listened to him plot with his assistant. They intended to wage war on a rival company I knew. David expected no one to lead the firm when the owner died. He crowed to Jake, his assistant, about having signed contracts today that sealed his control. I didn’t listen to too much. I’ve learned I’ve no role in his business and no influence. He’s oblivious to his mistake. It’s pointless to speak. Everything’s lost, including David. “Jake, I hope Sabrina received her copy of the contract. We’ll discuss the announcement another time. Old Belgrave just needs to put his other foot in his grave.” David said. Jake nodded, and they laughed in enjoyment of their plot. While I died a slow death on the inside. “Then the competition will end. She’ll sign Belgrave Tech over. Then, I won’t need her, and my family’s screwed.” David Hargrove dragged me to this club. He’d insisted he needed t
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ “Are you there, Miss Belgrave?” Mr. Edwards asked. Oh, God, my father’s dead. I’m alone. There’s no one coming to save me. No apologies. No redemption. He’s gone. How do I mourn someone I hate yet loved? It hurts. I blinked at the phone as my senses returned. “Oh, yes. I’m here. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting this.” My voice breaks. I can’t cry and damage my makeup. I must return to the club. The bouncers won’t let me in if I’m a mess. “Miss. Belgrave you have an appointment with me at nine tomorrow morning and your presence is mandatory.” His words were firm, yet urgent, as if it wasn’t a choice. This call and his other attempts at calling me over the last month made no sense. How had he found my number? Until tonight, I never answered him. “Why? I was disinherited years ago. You need to check your records.” I wouldn’t be doing anything without assurances there weren’t mistakes. There’s no way I’ll be the famil