Valerie's POV As I got to his place, opening up to see me, he looked startled as our eyes locked, his filled with guilt which also reflected through his facial expression instantly.“I never thought you would come here but I am grateful you did because I am deeply sorry," he apologized with a low and shaky voice. I never expected this from him l, I had initially come to fight him. “I just didn't have a choice but to stand you. My intentions were pure but the situation around made it look that way." I tilted my head at the further explanation he gave, I raised my brows. I could sense his distress which was also visible but I also wanted to know the whole truth. What happened?“I don't understand, what situation was that? What choice were you left with?" I asked him, trying to read his expression. He tried avoiding my gaze as he swallowed hard. “It was Charlotte, she came in and threatened me with my child. She knows how much I love my daughter, if she takes her then I might lose my
Drake's POV The meeting I had with the boards had dragged longer than I had wanted or it should have been. My head was still throbbing and I just wanted to end any more words of arguments and numbers and even projections. I was tired beyond words and just as the meeting ended, I found myself bolting out of the conference room immediately, I didn't even wait for anyone. I hadn't gone far when I heard behind me. “Drake, would you like to come with us for some drinks?" I was asked But I just waved them off then turned back and continued out of the room. “I can't, not tonight. Maybe next time,” I added before walking totally out of the room. As much as I needed a drink, it wasn't in the company of more suits and conversation that could drift to work again and I wasn't interested in sitting with anyone to dialogue or converse. I just wanted to clear my head and in doing that, I will need something stronger than my friends and colleagues would have suggested. As I drove, I eagerly look
Drake's POV As I woke up and became conscious of my environment, the first thing I noticed was the smell of fresh linen s d a faint hint of lavender that refused to leave the linen. I opened my eyes slowly, it was blurry at first then after a repeated blinking of chasing the haze of sleep off my eyes, it was better. The shadow of someone moving around caught my attention, someone was in the room with me. I turned slowly to see Valerie, she was busy arranging my clothes quietly and just tidying up the place. I tried sitting up but I was hit with another wave of dizziness which caused me, forcing me to stop. My head felt like it had been hit by a fast truck as my head throbbed heavily. I slowly regained memories of last night from the bar to the truth I learnt and the confrontation with Charlotte which led to something I can't explain. Why did I collapse?“Oh, you are awake," I heard Valerie say to me softly as she turned away from me to fold the last piece of shirt who h she placed
Drake's POV As twisted and complicated as it were I got into my car and revved my way through the blurred yet familiar streets.My knuckles tightened as I grabbed onto the wheels, thoughts swirling through my mind.If Charlotte wasn't at her family's company, then were else could she had drifted to after the confrontation. Was she scared that ur would played out according to her sole expectations? What was rampaging through her mind when I saw that spark of deciet before I blacked out last night. What is she up to and why does she want to ruin herself and my reputation by vanishing off sight.I arrived at my apartment in a jiffy. I turned off the engine,my anger rising to a thousand degrees and rushed into the house,my eyes darted around the house with hopes of catching a slight glimpse of Charlotte. But there was none. I ran my fingers through my hair trying to calm the fiery rage planning to explode out of me.My thoughts wandered to Valerie. Suddenly acting cold and giving off t
Valerie's POV The music was low and heartfelt leaving a throbbing effect of ecstasy on my heart as soon as I walked through the tavern’s door. The bar reeked of alcohol, smoke puffs and different body collagen. Jasmine had earlier called me out to meet her and I wondered why. My eyes darted around until it caught Jasmine who was seated on a barstool at the east wing of the bar. Her black hair which now wore a blonde shade fell over her shoulders. Her shot hung midair as soon as our gazes met. A smile beautified her lips.She quickly waved at me and I walked over and sat across from her. I picked up a shot and downed the entire content at a go. The fluid burned down my throat and I immediately felt lightheaded. As if a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.“What happened to your hair?." I asked with a hint of admiration and surprise.Jasmine chuckled heartily.“I've been dying to have a new look so I decided to have it done today. " She uttered cheerfully.“How do I look?." She ask
Drake's POV I stood by the window, my gaze transfixed on the sun's descent into the western horizon. Warm rays caressed my face, soothing my frazzled nerves as the gentle evening breeze rustled the curtains. My tense muscles began to unwind, releasing the weight of worry that had been bearing down on me.As the sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of oranges and pinks, I felt a fleeting sense of calm wash over me. But beneath the serenity, a nagging unease lingered. Charlotte's disappearance still bothered me, and the passing hours only intensified my anxiety.With a heavy sigh, I turned away from the window, my eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. The silence seemed oppressive, a constant reminder of her absence. I had gotten the police department informed and they had promised an effective response before the end of the day and I was just yet to receive any news. Still lost in thought,I didn't hear a soft knock on my door untill my door gently creaked open. A maid wa
Drake's POV I sped into the company's parking lot, my tires screeching against the tarred road. I pulled up beside a sleek BMW, killed the engine, and jumped out of my car. With a sense of urgency, I headed into the office to meet Sam, the lead expert from the cellular analysis and tracking team.As I entered the building, the cool air conditioning enveloped me, a stark contrast to the warmth of the evening. The receptionist looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she took in my frazzled expression."How may I help you?" she asked, concern etched on her face."I need to see Sam," I replied, my voice firm but laced with desperation. "I need his service. I need him to track down someone's location"She nodded, gesturing to the door. "He's inside his office."I pushed open the door to Sam's office, and he stood up from behind his desk, a mix of curiosity and concern on his face.“Good day, Mr Sam Larry." " Good day Mr ___?.” Sam cocked his head, asking a question." Mr Drake.” I repli
Drake's POV Rage and anger wrestled within me. Why couldn't Charlotte say the simple truth and spare me the agony. Her evasiveness fueled my frustration.“ Give me one candid reason why I should believe that you are not related to that little girl?.” Charlotte's eyes darted away, avoiding mine. She crossed her legs and her shoulders squared in self defense.“ I have repeatedly told you over the phone, Drake . I am not related to the little girl." Charlotte emphasized,her voice firm." Don't make this harder than it already is.” I threatened,my eyes narrowing and impatience simmered within me.“Why can't you just believe me Drake or is it Because Valerie told you about it or because you don't want to trust me." She questioned,her eyes narrowed down in curiosity.“ Don't twist this conversation Charlotte." I warned,my index finger pointing accusingly at her. “ But let me warn you.” I continued. “ If I find out you've been lying to me, I wouldn't hesitate to throw your things out of
Valerie's POV Two weeks later.The doctor attended to me while the nurse administered a pill for me to take. It's been two days since I was rescued. A lot has happened over the past two weeks. Now I am here for the test results which were conducted two days ago.Charlotte had kept me captive for a week and two days before I was rescued. How Drake and the police found me was absurd but I was glad Charlotte was behind bars.I was glad to be free even though I stayed a week and two days in captivity.*Flashback*“Here's your food, pig. Make sure to eat up and be done in five minutes. I'll be back to collect the plate.” Charlotte hissed and spat into the food before placing it on the ground in front of me.She pulled at my hair and confirmed the tightness of the chains around my body, hissed again before scurrying out of the dirty dark room where I had been kept captive for only God knows when.For four days,I hadn't had anything except water. Charlotte had made it a point of duty to spi
Drake's POV My chest region wanted to explode. It was exploding already,my heart racing as I listened to Valerie's voicemail.Ron had forcefully taken the company from her? How? I thought they were working together in pulling me into mud? Is she making a mockery of me or is she damn serious?She sounded serious. Her voice dripped with fear and uncertainty like she didn't know the next step to take. I dialed her number but I didn't go through. Something was off so I decided to go home. I wasn't expecting her to be home but at least I could corner her while she's packing out of the house.I quickly entered my car and the driver sped off at full speed. We pulled up in front of my lawn for ten minutes. I quickly alighted, sprinting into the house.I quickly made it to her room, knocking frantically on her wooden door but there came no reply. I knocked thrice and still no response.What if she's in the shower?I tried to be considerate but then she had identified herself as an enemy. Fr
Valerie’s POV I didn't know if Drake had received my voicemail or not but I hoped he did. This was all my fault. I should have listened to Jasmine. I tried calling Jasmine but the network connectivity of my surroundings was poor and I couldn't reach her.Luckily,I got lifted by a cab driver riding along my path and he brought me down to Drake's house. I got down from the cab, thanked the driver, and offered him a few bills which he kindly turned down before revving out of the lawn. I felt grateful for his kind lift after I had spent close to an hour trying to find my way home.I sluggishly carried myself to the porch, approached the door with a soft knock.My legs began to tremble beneath me. Here I was standing in front of Drake's house,a man I had just taken his company and a few valuable assets from him and handed it to his stepbrother.No response.I knocked again, this time louder and more pronounced.Shortly after,the door creaked slightly, opening to reveal Mia's face.“Welcom
Valerie's POV My legs vibrated beneath me as Drake walked up to me,his gaze devouring. He took the mic from me forcefully, his gaze shifting to the crowd.“I am so sorry for this misunderstanding fellas but think this lady is probably drunk and needs to be taken care of. Guards please lead her away.”Drake commanded his voice dripping with authority and power.Two men leapt forward and snatched my arms, grabbing and holding onto me tightly. They began to lead me away but Ron was quick to intercept. He landed both guard's a kick to their groin letting them retreat away and unrest erupted from the onlookers.This definitely wasn't what they planned to be their soulful entertainment but surprisingly they had no choice but to sit and watch it play out.Drake rage boiled over the surface ,his anger simmering onto his oceanic blue eyes.“ Why the hell did you do that to my guards Ron? What right do you have to waltz in here and disrupt a party that lots of money was spent on to organize? Wh
Drake's POV My car pulled up infront of a the magnificent hotel, an exact replica of a castle in fairy-tale. My driver quickly alighted, turned around opening the door for me. I stepped out of the car,the cool evening breeze caressing my skin. Charlotte stepped out as well,her arm quickly slipped around mine. She flashed me a sheepish smile, holding unto her purse tightly. I straightened out my suits, applying a fresh layer of deodorant, adjusted my glasses before making my way into the Hall which was bustling with loud music and bangers. Alot of guests had started arriving, staffs especially. Junior staffs to be precise.I looked around, my eyes dancing across the hall untill I spotted Sheila whispering into the MC ear.She seemed to be telling him to begin immediate actions since I was already in the room.The MC nodded understanding whatever she had to say. My gaze left thier faces and got focused on Charlotte who kept tugging at my suit.“ I don't want a single wrinkle in sight
Drake's POV It's been two days since i had the most terrifying nightmare of my life. Why would Valerie appear as an old woman seeking revenge? Why did she constantly accuse me of killing our baby when I indirectly and directly didn't have a hand in it.Till date, I had no answer to my question. I literally just couldn't comprehend why she had to disguise herself as an old hag. I didn't take it so literal but I knew Valerie wasn't happy with all that had been happening to her. I was going to find out sooner than later.The foreign investors and I had lost contact. Sara had stopped receiving and returning Sheila's texts, emails and calls. She must have cautioned herself to avoid being snuffed out or caught by her Boss who would probably be livid at her. I had told Sheila to keep on sending texts untill Sara eventually replies.Surprisingly,the ball solstice was to hold tomorrow. It was such a great day anticipated by a lot of people. Me ,my stakeholders and my employees,the junior staf
Drake's POV “ Wait Valerie, listen to me." I yelled repeatedly but Valerie wouldn't listen,age kept on moving, her pace gradually increasing.“ Please wait for Val. I have something important to talk to you about. The road ahead of us is quite dangerous. You need my help in navigating these dark paths. Let me help you." I urged, calling into the night air but Valerie wouldn't listen.“ Leave me alone." She managed to say, her back h at me,her pace a little.“ It's late and dark, lonely and scary. You need to come back to me. The driver is waiting. If we keep on going through this path,we might lose the driver entirely.”Valeria chuckled scornfully “ I don't mind losing the driver. I don't want to go with you. Leave me alone.”Valerie's steps increased as she surged deeper out of the light and into the darkness, navigating through the wood and thick bushes like she was quite familiar with her environment.“ You are threading into the bushes Val. Am sorry I called you out tonight. We
Drake's POV “ Out of my fucking room before I lose it. You are a fucking chameleon. You always change your skin to fit a favorable condition. You don't care about others. You only use them to satisfy and pleasure yourself. You only use them when you have something to gain. When they have something meaningful to offer." Charlotte's expression turned pitiful,tears pricked at the corners of Charlotte's eyes.“Drake, I care about you. I am not exploiting you. I care. I want to care.” she tried to touch me,my devouring gaze stopped her hand halfway.“ I want my personal space but if you're willing to give me the space I need,get out of my way, I am late for an appointment." I sneered and shot her a glare.“ Drake, listen to me." Charlotte pleaded.I frowned,my annoyance flaring.“Get out of my way,I need to use the exit door." I ordered.Charlotte's feet didn't budge,it rooted firmly to the floor.“ pl–.” I shoved Charlotte away, stepping out of the room immediately." Sleep in the room
Drake's POV 3:45 Pm. I kept staring at time,my mind divulged of any means of keeping itself occupied until I was ready to leave.Sheila had dropped the audio tape from her interrogation from twelve junior staffs. There wasn't much attached to their conversation but I was able to pick out something. They didn't have contact with the foreign investors considering there were based in the ground and second floor of the building.Sheila had promised to continue tomorrow even though I saw how exhausted she was. Interrogating a total number of twelve staff members alone was no easy feat. I had stopped her from carrying on with the interrogation considering the company had seventy staff and ten contract workers.She couldn't bear the burden of twelve,how would she bear the burden of sixty eight more staff. There were other ways to snuff out a culprit and I would find it out sooner or later.The door to my office opened and Sheila walked in with a glass of water. I asked if it's almond time