After Chris took the speech, they board gave him a standing ovation. He took a bow and stepped down from the podium. He walked towards Manuel who was boiling in anger. He just wore a fake smile on his face. "You did a good job with the arrangement" Chris said. "Am I supposed to say thank you? You knew what I was after, yet you took it. Couldn't you have just let me have a taste of it?" He asked softly, still wearing the smile. Christopher placed a hand on Manuel's shoulder. "I just couldn't let you have a taste of it. You've tasted what it's like to be the chairman and it made you greedy. You can't have more of it. Hand over everything to my department, I'll be resuming on Monday. You've done a good job running the companies this long" he said. Manuel grew the urge to threw Chris' hand off his shoulder but, he tried to calm himself. Some people were watching them. They must be thinking they were so close as brothers. He watched as Christopher checked his wrist watch. "Ah! Father's
After some few days, Mr Croydon finally arrived at home. Everyone in the family was around to welcome him back. Immediately he stepped into the house, they walked to him with cake. "Welcome back father" one of his daughter said. Another one pop a bottle of champagne. He smiled and nodded his head. "Thank you. Thank you very much" he said and tightened his grip around Michelle's hand. Michelle understood what he wanted. She immediately walked with him up the stairs. Everyone just watched him leave. He entered his room and sat down, groaning. "You should have some rest father" she said."No, I'm fine. Thanks to you" he said.Michelle smiled. "Thank you father, for getting batter. The doctor will be here tomorrow to check on you" she said. "I assume you saw the news" he said. "What news?" She asked, wearing a confused look. .The next minute, she was staring at Mr Croydon's tablet. She was breathing hard, with her fist tightened. She was angry. "How could...how could he do suc
Ginny entered the room slowly few hours after dinner. She couldn't face Manuel yet because she knew she'll be scolded by him. She got in and saw it was empty. There was no sign of Manuel anywhere yet. Hurriedly, she had her bath so she could pretend to be asleep. But, by the time she got out of the bathroom, he was there... He was sitting on the bed.Ginny shrieked in fear, seeing her husband. He exchanged glances with her and sprung up. With the towel on her chest, she glued herself to the bathroom door as there was no place to go."I'm sorry Manuel. I know, it was my mistake, I very well admit it" she said, tears running down here cheek. He got closer to her but to her surprise, he didn't yell at her. He just placed his hand on her wet face. "I missed you" he said. Her eyes glowed when she heard that. Her heart stopped pounding fast. She couldn't believe Manuel just said that to her. She gently touched his hand that was on her cheek. "You do?" She asked. "Of course, I'm sorry
Everyone was surprised to see Mr Croydon walk down the stairs. Even the doctor had a happy look on his face, he was excited hat he has done his work successfully. He sat down and looked at everyone's face."I hope everything has been going well without me" he said. "Of course, Michelle has been so great" Ella said. The other family members were quiet. "I'm glad you're back grandpa. I missed you" Chloe said. "Oh my.... Come, sit close to me" Mr Croydon said. He looked on his left, he saw the doctor sitting. On the right hand side, was his first wife. He smiled at her, silently signalling her to leave. She cleared her throat and left, quite embarrassed. Chloe sat close to Mr Croydon. "We have so much to do together" he said. "Yes grandpa" she blushed. "Let's all eat" he said.They grabbed their fork to start digging, Ginny sprung up, banging her hand on the table. Everyone shook in fear, wondering what her problem was. "I have a confession to make" she said. They started murmu
The next morning, Jenny arrived home after spending a week outside the house. She saw Kelly wearing her shoes. Jenny scoffed and threw her bag on the couch. She tied her hair into a rough ponytail and took off her stripper boot. "Are you still thinking of going to school?" She asked. "Well, I've been going to school since you've been out doing... What I have no idea of" Kelly replied, rudely. Jenny frowned and walked closer to her. She grabbed Kelly's ear and pulled it.Kelly screamed in pain. Francis ran out. "Stop what you're doing Jenny. She's a child" "Oh, yes... She's a child. I remember when she came in here. She was so dumb that she could utter a word in three days. Now, she has so much to say""Well, it's good" Francis folded her hands, watching as Kelly wore her shoes. "You're letting her go to school? What if someone notices her?" Jenny asked. "No one will. She has been going to school since you were out, working your ass at the club. Trust me" Francis said. Kelly w
Rose sprung up from the chair she was seated and walked around to where Michelle was. Michelle furrowed her eyebrows, wearing a confused look. "What are you doing?" She asked. "I'm going to take care of you. You're carrying the future heir of the Croydon fortune" Rose said, pouring some water for Michelle. Michelle chuckled softly. "Please, don't say that too loud" she replied, wanting to sip from her glass of wine. Rose took it from her and replaced it with water. "I don't want to drink water. I want the wine" Michelle tried to protest."There's no wine for you till the baby is born. For now, be careful. I wish I were you to take care of you myself" Rose pouted and went back to her chair. Michelle dropped the glass of water and winked at Rose. "Are you sure you wish to be here because of me or Ella?" She asked. Rose threw her gaze away shyly. She bit her lower lips and rubbed it with her thumb. "We kissed the other day and I've been really shy to see her again" "It's not bad.
Everyone was still shocked about Manuel's sudden butt in. No one was expecting him to talk. He was the kind of person that even if they were talking about him right in front of him, he's always quiet. He doesn't have time to think about what other people say about him. Michelle was surprised when he stood up. "It is I father..." Manuel said and took a dramatic pause to scan everyone's facial expression. Even Ginny wasn't expecting it. She thought he was going to cover for her. "I'm to blamed, not my in-laws. I should have disciplined my wife. Please, accept my apologies father" Manuel said. Ginny rolled her eyes secretly. She thought for some seconds that Manuel was going to tell everyone the truth. But what he said doesn't change the fact that Mr Croydon already hates her and her parents are disappointed already. "Don't blame yourself for this Manuel. I know she's your wife. You don't have to cover for her" Mr Croydon said. Manuel exchanged glances with his mother. She signalled
Michelle entered the room and slammed the door. She leaned her back on the door, breathing hard. She had no idea Christopher wasn't asleep. "What's wrong?" He asked. "Nothing... I..." She stuttered. He gently placed his laptop on the bed and walked to her carefully. He grabbed the knob, wanting to see if anyone was after her. "No, don't..." She murmured, stopping him from opening the door."What's wrong?" He asked again. She walked him to the bed. "I think you should move out. Go back to the penthouse or the hotel. Stay away from the house. Don't come back" she said. "Because Manuel wants to kill me?" He asked. Michelle wore a shocking look on her face. She never knew he was aware. "You knew and you are still...""Listen babe, I can't let Manuel win. We...we can't let him win. He has been after my position for too long" he said."I'm worried. I don't want anything to happen to you. I won't forgive myself especially if it's because of me" she folded her lips, sobbing softly. Ch
Few weeks back...At the orphanage, before Evan's death. He left home, heading to the orphanage as usual. He always spend his Saturday there, with the children. The driver took him there and left. Evan didn't leave the orphanage home till it was late in the evening. He was by the gate, waiting for his driver when he heard the explosion. He rushed in and was lucky that no one was close to the kitchen. He helped everyone out. That was when Ben sneaked out of the orphanage home, together with the kids. He was hurt and his clothes were already burnt. He rushed to his car, coughing hard. He took off his jacket and his half burnt shirt.Evan went in, still looking for some kids. He checked the whole rooms, covering his mouth, careful not to inhale any smoke. He was running out of breath and he didn't find any more kids, so he rushed to the emergency door. He was trying to open it because it could only be open from the inside. The door finally open.Immediately, he stepped out, someone kick
It was noon already. Guests from different families, different backgrounds, different countries came to the manor. The hall was big enough to contain a hundred guests and that was the limit. Mr Croydon said he didn't want anything more than that. He wasn't interested in flaunting his money by throwing huge parties.Christopher entered his father's room to bring him out for his birthday. He saw his father getting ready in front of the mirror. He didn't wear a suit. He was shocked to see his father wearing a shirt with a designer knee length short. He added a chain and glasses, with a pair of sneakers.Christopher shot his mouth wide open from the moment he walked in. "Father! Why on earth would you wear that?""I'm getting old already. I'm tired of the suits and corporate wears" he replied. "I understand but this? Governors and some important people are down there""Great, I won't be noticed at all" Mr Croydon replied.Christopher groaned in frustration. "You know my birthday isn't
For several hours, Kelly has been with James. She has been laughing out her ass as he told her some jokes. James just watched her silently with a cute smile on his face. "You know, I really enjoy spending time with you. It's like I can stay here the entire night with you" he said. The look on her face vanished immediately. She was feeling guilty. "I should tell you something James" she started. "You don't have to say anything" he replied. "No, I can't hide it anymore. I don't want to fool you. I'm not Chloe. I'm her twin sister, Kelly" Kelly said and dragged down her wig. "I'm sorry for lying to you the entire time. My brother...""Kelly" James called out. She stopped ranting and kept mute. "I know you were Kelly even before I arrived here" "What?" Kelly was confused. If he knew she was Kelly, why has he been calling her Chloe and acting like he doesn't know? James poured some wine into the glasses. "Chloe is with my father right now, shooting a movie""Oh, busted" she folde
The next day, Kelly was dressed up as Chloe. Ethan even helped her pick the perfect outfit. Wilson already set up the fancy dinner at the penthouse. "The wig is itching" Kelly scratched her head. "You look like Chloe. You just have to add badass to your character" "I really can't do that part" Kelly replied. "Whatever, just act like you're really a model" he said. "Yes sir" Kelly rolled her eyes. Ethan checked his wrist watch. "Uh, I'll have to go pick him up in an hour. You should go wait in the penthouse""Okay" Kelly replied. Ethan ran out of the room and almost bumped into Hazel. Kelly saw Ethan's phone on the table and rushed out to give it to him. "Oh hey Ethan. I was looking for you" Hazel said, throwing her hair to the back. "Oh, hey! I saw some event planner with your mother. What's happening?""Oh, my grandpa's birthday. It's going to be splendid. If you don't want to attend, you can..." He stopped when the door opened and Kelly walked out, dressed like Chloe. Ha
Peter rushed into Ben's office and banged his hand on the table, while Ben laughed at the screen of his phone. "It's been two days and we haven't gotten James TD. We have to do something!" He yelled. Ben didn't even bulge. He just kept staring at the screen of his phone. "Ben!" Peter yelled. Ben turned and gaze at Peter. "It's your fucking duty Peter. If my father finds out that you haven't gotten the bloody ass James TD, he'll fire you. All he'll do to me is yell at me" Ben rolled his eyes. "What?" Peter looked surprised. The door flew wide open and Manuel walked in. "Mr Manuel!" Peter bowed. Ben saw his father and rushed to him. "Father!" He said. Before Ben could reach his father, he slapped him hard on the cheek. Manuel growled angrily. "F..father?" He called out. "You are a disgrace! How dare you! This is the last chance for you to prove yourself!""I'm trying my best father" Ben said. "I don't see your best. Ethan has gotten Hazel Morgan already...""Impossible!" He
Wilson barged into Ethan's office, holding some files. He dropped them on the table and stopped to catch his breath. Since morning, he has been working non stop. He also has to be careful since the recorder was still on, under the desk. "These are the files you requested for" "Thank you. You can take a break" he said. "But, how do you intend on contacting those models? It's so difficult" Wilson asked. "I'll handle it. I'll find a way" Ethan sighed."I'll be outside if you need anything" he said. "Sure" he replied. Ethan leaned back and started thinking. "How do I get those people to work for me?" He asked himself. He's aware that the team has sent them an email but, they chose to ignore it. They are indirectly ignoring the offer. "There must be a way" he clenched his fist. .."Since the idea was to steal Ethan's idea, you have to keep stealing it. Get those models to work for you. He hasn't gotten them yet" Peter said to Ben. He just sat on his chair, jerking it right to l
Everyone got to the house after dropping Gwen's grandmother at the hospital. It was a long ride. Michelle helped her move into her new room. "Again, I welcome you to the Croydon's manor" she said. Gwen smiled. "Thanks ma'am. I promise to leave after all is over""Oh, it's okay. You can stay here. I'm sure Ethan will be happy" Michelle said. Gwen just lowered her head and blushed secretly. "You have access to a balcony and also to the kitchen. You have access to everywhere just don't go to Christopher's office" "Of course ma'am"Michelle said and wanted to leave. She remembered something. "Don't say a word about the investigation to Ethan. I don't want him to get worried""I won't" Michelle placed a hand on her shoulder and finally left. He went to the lobby where Christopher and detective Jones were. "Ben or his father?" Detective Jones asked Christopher.She walked in, hearing that question. "Ginny didn't give me the details but, she told me that Ben came home badly hurt a
Ethan gently dragged Gwen to the kitchen and helped her with her burnt finger. Gwen didn't expect that type of help from her boss. She just kept smiling and looking at him. She gripped the tip of her gown, thinking of how to thank him for last night. She knew that if he hadn't come on time, Ben would have tried to hurt her or even do the unthinkable."Thank you for saving me from your cousin, Ethan" she finally spoke. "I did what I had to do, as your boss" he replied, without looking at her. Gwen felt awkward. "I know your mom didn't know you were my boss and she thought I was your girlfriend..." He let go of her hand. "Well, she's wrong. I apologize for that. You're not my girlfriend, you're just an employee of mine and it's my duty to save my employees. There's nothing between us Gwen. You don't need to feel comfortable around me" he said and walked away. Gwen gazed at her finger and left after him. She went back to the dinning table and ate silently. She watched as Mr and Mr
Gwen arrived at the club already. She stood in front, seeing the naked ladies and other men hooking up and smooching in front. She squeezed her face in disgust as it made her remember her former boss who gave her a job in exchange for her body. She bit her lower lips and clenched her fist. "It's not new to you Gwen. If he asks for it, give it to him" she said to herself and walked in. She walked pass the huge men by the door. One of the stopped her and check a picture on his phone. "She's the one" he said. "I'll take her to him!" The second one added and stretched his hand. "This way, miss" he said. "Huh?" Gwen asked. "He has been waiting for you" he said. It was then Gwen knew they were talking about Ben. She wore a fake smile and entered into the club. The loud music enveloped her. The sight of naked ladies dancing on poles, exposing their tits and bare ass to the men who were getting tempted to touch them. She took her gaze off their body and walked up the stairs till she