Drake's POV “ This wasn't what I asked for!.” I yelled and sent the pamphlet flying across the room. My schedule staff bowed her head,her body trembling." Apologies Boss. I'll go over the chart and draft a new schedule." She said,her voice laced with remorse.I hissed,my palms meeting my table in a loud frustrated bang that sent some paperworks flying in the air.“Keep your pathetic apology to yourself, Jane.” I shit back angrily.Jane bowed her head and quickly picked up the papers that had littered my office.“Run this over and provide me with something more authentic." I blasted back and Jane quickly scurried out of my office.I palm-faced myself,my fingers making a mess across my hair. Frustration bubbled on the surface.What was wrong with my staff? They were hired to help the company run effectively by carrying out the job with which they were hired effectively but a lot of them weren't living up to the standards required of them.A knock on the door pierced through the silenc
Valerie's POV What sort of a stupid baseline accusation is that?.” I asked, eyes darting across the dinning table. From Drake to Charlotte and vice versa.The dining had started out perfectly and peacefully. A nice meal and cozy atmosphere until Charlotte's accusation ruined a perfect meal. TheWhy would I stoop so low and steal money and jewelry from Charlotte? Even if I wanted to steal which I didn't it wouldn't be from someone like Charlotte. I knew Charlotte was looking for a way to make Drake send me out of the mansion but I wasn't gonna let that happen. Drake's grandma might be dead but her demands must be met. Whether Charlotte approves of it or not.“ How can you be petty and belittle yourself, Charlotte? I thought you had a higher level of IQ but it turns out I am so wrong about that." " Don't you call me petty again!.” Charlotte warned sternly.“It's not baseless until you provide a proof of your innocence." Drake chipped in, dropping his cutlery. It clattered against his
Drake's POV “ Here's another draft sir.” Jane said,her eyes fixed on a file she was handing over to me. I collected the file, my eyes narrowed and I quickly scanned it.“This is better." I said,my voice laced with compliments.“When's the conference tea party held?." I asked, my gaze fixed on Jane's face.“ Wednesday sir. On the 25th.” she replied, her voice dripping with professionalism.I nodded my head,a lot of thoughts running through my mind.“Send this to the programming unit to get everything in order. The planning team should also work on their assignments. I want everything ready and accurate." I said,my words sounding like warnings instead of commands.“I'll do just that Sir." Jane replied plainly. She bowed, making for the door.“And also ,do not forget to send emails across to all the invited dignitaries. I want everything to unfold smoothly." I instructed. Jane nodded." I'll personally see to it that those emails are sent.” Jane said,her voice laced with assurance.Sh
Valerie's POV I walked into the restaurant,the aroma of different dishes hung in the air like good omen. My eyes scan the restaurant for a perfect spot. I found it and walked over and sat, patiently waiting for Charles to show up.Charles entered a few minutes later, dressed in khaki and a casual blue Polo. He took a seat opposite me,his lips stretched out to a tight smile.“Hi." I said,the awkwardness heightening between us.“Hello." Charles replied back,his eyes taking in the beauty of the restaurant. “ This place is beautiful" He commented,his voice dripping with sincerity.I looked around and nodded,my expression became lively. Warm and cozy lighting,the beautiful showcase of assorted drinks.“ So what do you wish to have for your appetizer?.” I asked.“ I'll have anything you are having.” He said moderately. I beckoned on a waitress and she walked up to me.“We’ll have a bowl of peppered chicken and two glasses of champagne.” I ordered and the waitress left to prepare our order
Drake's POV A knock sounded outside my door. My head was buried over a file.I shot my head up,my gazes widening in surprise. Before me stood Amos. Amos Greg is a very important employee in my company. Being the managing director of my company's financial firm made him quite handy to me. Seeing him stand before me sent shivers running down my spine. For him to have walked into my office showed that something was wrong.The expression on his face was a calm one but I felt unease. Maybe because of the anonymous call that ruined my mood earlier today.“Good day Boss." He greeted,his voice a mix of respect and humility. Firmly held in his hand was a smart iPad.“What is it Amos?." I asked impatiently,my eyes scanning him nervously.“ I came to confirm from you if you are aware that $50,000 has left the company's account?.” For a minute and then the next minute my jaw dropped and then minutes later,my eyes stared blankly at Amos, unable to make out any word or phrase. “ Are you sure su
Drake's POV I drove out of my office garage, slamming my door hard. My knuckles whitened as I grabbed the steering hard. I tried to think and focus but I couldn't. Another withdrawal had been made. A huge sum of $70,000 had left the account making it a total sum of $120,000 withdrawn from the company's account under my very eyes. My palm met my steering repeatedly as I tried to release my rage. I turned the ignition and my car roared to life. I accelerated, revving into the highway at full speed. The anonymous caller had called back immediately and came to inform me that $70,000 had been transferred out of the account. I nearly collapsed. I had an instant heart attack. This was becoming way too much.The trees, and skyscrapers blurred past me in full speed as I aimed at arriving home quickly. I had unfinished business there. I had to get home and confront Charlotte. I had a hunch Charlotte had a hand in this and I had to hear the truth from her. She has to tell me the truth. I tum
Valerie's POV I waved my hand at Jasmine as she ignited her engine, reversing into the highway. The sound of cricket and a soft hoot of an owl from a long distance gave the night an eerie atmosphere. The Moon was quick to reach its climax, casting a luminous glow over the entire City and neighborhood. I watched as Jasmine's BMW disappeared before turning around and dragging myself into the house. Jasmine had forcefully dragged me out for an ice cream spree in the heart of Town. We stopped by about five ice cream stands and tasted about seven flavors of ice cream. Now I feel totally exhausted. My body ached all over,my stomach most especially and all I craved for was a warm bath and a soft mattress. I dragged my legs to the front porch,my sneakers thudding against the surface beneath me.I opened the front door and stepped in. The sudden silence in the house sent winter's icy fingers tracing down my spine.Where is everyone?“Mia!?,Grace!?. I called out to the empty sitting room. M
Valerie's POV Charlotte shot me a venomous stare. She tried to sit but she couldn't. A sharp pain jolted through her body,her face pulled into a tight grimace.“ What are you doing here?." Charlotte asked again,her eyes scanning me over and over.I took off my shade, returning it back into my purse.“ Don't be so daft darling. I told you before,I am here to pay you a visit. I wanted to know how you are doing.” I forced a smile,my voice dripped with malice.Charlotte chuckled,her expression darkening." Just tell me you are here to mock and laugh at me because the Valerie I know wouldn't pay me a visit.” she said, laying emphasis on the ‘visit’.I scrunch my face,a smirk tugging on my lips.“ That's very smart of you to realize that Charlotte." I said and patted her on the head,she flinched and looked away.“ And before I forget, I want to tell you that your new look is amazing. Drake did this to you didn't he?." He used your face as a punching bag. I feel your pain Charlotte." I clu
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