Drake’s POVI slumped forward, elbows on the desk, and stared blankly at the heap of papers in front of me. The numbers, graphs, and reports all smeared together into a meaningless mess. I rubbed my temples, trying to force myself to focus, but my mind kept drifting back to Valerie.I could not get the picture of that morning out of my head, standing so close to her, feeling the magnetic pull between us. There was something different in her now, something I had never seen. She had always been on the periphery of my life, someone I used to know, someone whose existence I barely acknowledged. Yet, now, a strange and undeniable attraction stirred inside me, something I didn't understand and quite frankly didn't want to.I shifted in my seat, trying to push the thoughts away. I had work to do, important work. There were greater things to take into account than my confusing feelings for Valerie.Yet the image stayed with me, frank and insistent. Her lips, I had noticed them as I stood c
Valerie’s POVI stood behind the counter, the soft hum of the old woman's store filling the space around me. Light filtered through the large windows at the front, casting gentle beams on the rows of antique and odd trinkets lined up on shelves. I absently polished a wooden jewelry box, lost in thought. It was a quiet day, like most days, where only a few customers trickled in, browsing the shelves with curiosity but hardly ever purchasing anything.I had grown used to the slowness of the store, such a good contrast to the chaos of my life before. Working here gave me peace, a strange, unsaid calm that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. The old woman had become even more silent than usual, busying herself with inventory and pricing in the background. I could feel it in my bones that something was weighing on her mind, but I wouldn't dare approach the subject. The old woman simply wasn't the type to share unless it seemed utterly necessary.My thoughts drifted off to the un
Valerie’s POVI stood in the doorway of the storeroom. My heart was racing and my temper was hot. I opened her mouth, starting to say, "Hey, what's going on here?" protesting the decisions being handed down without the owner having any say. But the old woman’s hand reached out, her ice-cold fingers closing in an unyielding grasp around my arm. An intensity in the old woman's eyes hushed me before any words could leave my lips."Not now, Valerie," the old woman said in a low, urgent tone. "Let me handle this."My eyes widened in surprise. I had expected the old woman to accept the renovations, and to want the updating and improvement of the store. Wasn't that what anyone wanted? A new beginning? But the fire in the old woman’s gaze spoke another truth. It set off a spark of doubt in my brain. Why wouldn't the old woman want the renovations?" I-" I tried to talk, but the old woman shook her head, a determined look upon her face, and something else-fear?"Just trust me," the old woman s
Drake’s POVI had been up all night wrestling with my decision. The old woman’s request to move into the Chase mansion bothered me, but after hours of turning it over in my mind, I couldn't find a logical reason to refuse. She had her motives, but I couldn't deny that she held power, she knew things about my father, about the family legacy that no one else did. She had been such a fixture in this town that the very walls of her shop seemed to hold secrets.But agreeing to her conditions wasn't enough for me. If I was going to make this work, I needed something more something that would give me some kind of control over this situation. And that was when my mind turned to Valerie.Since we’d crossed paths that day at the store, Valerie had remained in the back of my mind, a fixture that I found particularly aggravating. No, what annoyed me was simply the fact that she had looked at me, not in fear, or awe, but almost in disdain. Like I was just one more man she couldn't stand to be nea
Drake’s POVI paced the length of the drawing-room, my mind racing, my thoughts tangling together in a whirlwind of frustration. Bringing the old woman into the Chase mansion was a decision I had not taken lightly, yet one I now couldn't help but second guess.Charlotte had been right to question me, yet the words that had spewed from her mouth, the venomous tone she had used when she'd spoken about the old woman as filthy, fired a spark within me, I hadn't felt in so very long. At that moment, the instant the word had escaped her lips, my temper had flared.I stood by the window, staring out into the darkening sky, trying to process it all. The faint sound of footsteps behind me pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see Charlotte standing in the doorway, her face twisted in anger."Drake," she snapped, her voice piercing the quiet. "We need to have a word. What on earth were you thinking, bringing that. that woman into our home?"I ground my teeth together, my patience wearin
Drake’s POVThe morning sun filtered in through the windows, casting a soft golden glow across the Chase family estate. It should have been a peaceful day, instead, I felt the tension as I entered into the grand living room to see suitcases by the door. My grandmother was bustling about, giving instructions to the household staff to pack her things into the car.My heart sank as I had hoped that, with the argument of yesterday still hot, we could all cool off and move on from it. But with a vision of my grandmother ready to leave, it felt like a blow to my stomach."Grandmother," I said, walking forward, "what are you doing?"The old woman glanced over her shoulder but did not stop the ordering about of the staff. "What does it look like, Drake? I'm moving out."I blinked, taken aback for a second by the casual tone in which she let such bombshells drop. "You can't just leave like this. Where would you go?"She waved her hand dismissively. "I have other properties, Drake. You forget
Ron’s POVI stood outside the study, leaning against the doorframe, a smirk playing on my lips. I had been hanging around the hallway, not by coincidence, but because I knew from experience in this household that eavesdropping on conversations often presented me with opportunities. And today proved to be no exception.I’d heard it all, the threat from Charlotte, Drake’s hesitation, and the ultimatum their grandmother had issued. It almost couldn't get much better. The poor guy was getting it between both corners, one side from Charlotte and her manipulations, another from his grandmother and her mysterious wants. Drake was feeling distinctly overwhelmed, and when Valerie did come, the situation that would ensue would swallow him whole. That would leave the perfect opening for me to finally take what I thought was owed me.A scheme was definitely forming in my brain, and I knew Valerie played a significant role in it. If I could manipulate the circumstances in my favor, then perhap
Valerie’s POV I wrapped myself in a world of color and creativity in the small back room of the art supply store, but my mind was somewhere else. The old woman who had taken up residence with Drake and Charlotte had just shared her ambitious plan with me. As I listened to the details, shock gave way to intrigue and excitement."You can't be serious," I said, my eyes wide. "You want me to live there with you? To be a part of all this?The old woman nodded, her eyes gleaming with the determined sparkle of mischief. "Yes, dear, I have been watching Charlotte for far too long. They are so confident, in their little bubble. But you and I, we can change that, can't we? We can turn things upside down for her.".My heart skittered as I absorbed the possibilities. "And you really think I can just walk in there and do that? What if they don't want me around?"The old woman waved a dismissive hand. "They don't get a say in this. You're strong, and you know how to play the game. Plus, having
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