Valerie's POV I wasn't expecting Charlotte back home. Her arrival took me by surprise. Drake had left the house immediately after breakfast without saying a word. Not that I cared if he did. “ Welcome home ma'am," Shirley and Mia greeted, each with a radiant beam that caused my stomach to churn. I was heading downstairs for a glass of water when Charlotte walked in,her eyes taking in the beauty of the house she had missed.She sniffed in Inhaling the lavender scented candles positioned around the house.“ How I have missed this!." She mumbled,a deep throated sigh slipped through her mouth.I walked into the kitchen quickly filled my glass with water and headed upstairs.“ That's no way to welcome the host of the house." Charlotte's said,her voice halting my midway the stairs.My grin tightened around the glass. I turned around locking gazes with Charles.“ You are not my host. As much as you are an owner of this house,so am I. Let's not forget that." I cautioned sternly and walked
Drake's POV The ball solstice was an upcoming event that happened barely ten days from today. I had forgotten about the party. I have had a lot on my mind lately to think about a party. I already too occurred with the fraudulent act pulled on me that caused $120,000 to go out of the company's purse.The Solstice Ball party was a party where employers and their employees had a night off,wore masks to parties in expensive attires and exquisite beauties.It happened once a year and was always memorable. It was a day for relaxation by both the employees and their employers. A lot of staff looked forward to it with high hopes and so did I but firstly I had to sort out some important problems.“ I have it under control. Thanks for the reminder." I replied absentmindedly and took a bite from my toasted bread.A blush tainted Charlotte's cheeks. She loved being showered with praises.My phone lit up and began to ring just as I was about to take my last bite Sam's caller ID popped across my
Valerie's POV I got out of the house dressed in a blue demin jean trouser and matching jacket. My hair was packed into a bun. I entered my car, ignited it and drove down to the nearest pharmacy. I picked up my phone, calling Jasmine.“ Hello jasmine." I called out immediately I was connected to her end.“ Hey , good morning. What's up?" She asked,her voice a mix of excitement and expectation.“Good morning." I replied, my right hand swirling the wheel with ease. My eyes were glued to the road laid out In Front of me.“ I should have called earlier." I started,not knowing what to say next.“ I am on my way to the pharmacy." I announced, my voice dripping with fear.“ What for? Are you sick? What happened?.” Jasmine's bombardment came,her voice a mix of worry and sympathy.“I don't know what’s wrong with me but I think I am sick. Are you busy right now?." I asked, hoping Jasmine wasn't." I am not busy though, I am just going through some new cake recipe I stumbled on on the internet.
Valerie's POV “ I am glad it was nothing serious. Thanks to pharmacist Alivia,she assured me that you would be fine if you took the prescribed medication.” Jasmine uttered,her voice a mix of relief.Jasmine words comforted me like a shroud of warm blanket.My expression turned serious.“ I am glad as well. I was beginning to think I was done with a chronic disease.”Jasmine's face dropped.“ Why would you think that?." She asked,a hint of surprise in her voice.“Charlotte's disturbance is enough to drive me nuts let alone cause me a terminal ailment. I wouldn't be surprised if the pharmacist diagnosed such." Jasmine sighed deeply, and patted me on the shoulder.“Everything is going to be well, Val. No need to worry." “ I hope so." “ Is going to be fine. All you need to do is avoid her while you plan your revenge plot with Ron.”“ Avoiding her wouldn't be easy but I'll try since my health depends on it.“ You'll have to try. Give it an attempt. Give the mad bitch some levels.”I c
Valerie's POV “You asked that I meet here,I thought we were meeting outdoors, didn't know it would turn out to be your house.” I said and walked into Ron's home. My eyes scanned around, taking in the beauty of his sitting room." I wanted it to be just the both of us together in a serene environment talking about Drake and Charlotte and then us.” Ron's expression softened and he walked deeper into the house and fetched a glass of water.Us? What was there to discuss about us or what is Ron talking about?Ron returned with two glasses of cold water and placed it on the table.I looked at the cold water and I cringed.“ I think lukewarm would do . Cold water makes me cringe nowadays. " I chuckled awkwardly and Ron retreated to fetch the water.When he eventually returned,Ron took a seat opposite me. Our glasses met in a soft click. I took a sip of the refreshing water before falling back and resting on the couch. I crossed my legs over,my shoulders dropped slightly.“So what's it you w
Drake's POV “ I heard what happened. It's been quite a while since we last spoke or heard from each other. What's up? What's the latest.” Freddie Mercury, a childhood friend of mine, inquired as we exchanged handshakes.I took a seat and Freddie to a seat opposite me.“ How's it been going man? It's been quite a whole while since we last spoke. How is this city treating you?." I asked Freddie,my voice a mix of curiosity and eagerness.Freddie sighed and face-palmed himself.“ Life hasn't been easy, Man. Man's been on the street trying to hustle and find some daily bread. My wife and kids are quite alright. Above all life's been good to me.” “ I see. I thank God for you. It's not easy but you pull through. See how you look,refine, demure and classy. It's been Freddie.” I squeaked and we exchanged handshakes again.A waitress approached us. A professional smile on her lips.“ Are you ready to place your order now gentlemen?." The waitress asked, holding a menu pamphlet in her hand and
Valerie's POV “ You don't mean what Valerie just said." Jasmine slapped me absentmindedly,his jaw dropped to the floor beneath her.I smiled softly, my expression becoming more serious.“ I mean Jasmine. He confessed his undying desire and love for me. He said he didn't realize earlier that he was unlove with me. He said he thought it was infatuated feelings but that in the long run and after giving it much thought,he realized that he had been online with me from the very beginning.”Jasmine's eyes narrowed a8she leaned away from her chair." That's a huge shocker of the century. A lie forged from Hades to deceive you. Don't tell me you bought what he said?.”I scratched the back of my neck, shrugging my shoulders.“ I don't know if I got caught up in the moment. In one moment it all sounded real and genuine and in the next it sounded falsified and fake. I don't know what to say or do anymore. I fear I don't have an answer to your question.”Jasmine took a sip of her milkshake.“ Th
Drake's POV I walked into the office, each step triggering the rage that threatened to drown me from within. I took my private elevator to my office and in less than ten minutes I was already in my office. I hung my suit on my coat rail and stayed down. My mind reeling in shock that Jane was responsible for all my mishap. I pulled out my phone and called the States detective.“ Hello Mr Drake,long time no talk." Detective Chu answered,his voice a mix of excitement and sense of humor.A small smile tugged away on my lips.“ It's been quite a while, old friend. How work been treating you?.” I asked,My voice laced with concern." I am quite fine. I hope there are no issues ?.” Chu asked,his voice dripping with skepticism.I sighed at my own end." There's fire on the mountain.” I answered gloomily." What is the matter, old friend? Tell me let me see if it is something I can easily help you out with.” Chu asked,his voice laced with assurance." I have been defrauded and it happens tha
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