"Are you sure she didn't leave the company?" Johnny asked one of the security men. "No sir! I checked the surveillance footage, she didn't go out." "How about the one around here? We should know where she headed when she left here." Rowan added. Belinda's panic began to rise. She knews that the footage would reveal her locking the door, she was also confused that Amanda was not in the storage room. "Are you sure you searched the storage well?" Belinda asked the security men. "Do you want to have a look?" The head of security answered. He was rude to Belinda because they are not on good terms. "Can we go to the surveillance room already? It's extremely hot in here" Johnny said, becoming uncomfortable. Rowan suddenly realized the heat. "Why would the storage room be this hot?" Rowan asked. "The air conditioner was turned off this morning," one of the employees explained. "And why was that?" Rowan questioned, surprised. "Belinda said it was for maintenance purposes." The offic
"Let's get out of here" Rowan said, guiding Amanda out of the police department. Amanda was still puzzled, she was curious about Detective Wills's reaction. "What's your address? Rowan asked when they got back into the car. "Road 18, Queen's…hmn." Amanda paused. She was lost in thought she didn't think before she answered. "Why did you ask for my address? She questioned. "Do you want me to take you to my house instead?" Rowan pulled her legs. "Please tell the driver your address so he can drop you at home first. Amanda thought about the possible disadvantages of Rowan taking her home. What if he sees any of my kids?She thought. "You don't have to worry about me. I will find my way home." Amanda said, trying to get out of the car. Rowan held her back. "That is not happening. You want me to leave you to go home all by yourself despite all that has happened today?"Rowan" Amanda called his name in a pleading manner. "No. Did you even hear the cryptic words of that detective? I d
"Good morning Miss Amanda" the young man greeted with a smile. Amanda, cleaving to the door, was surprised to see Rowan's driver. "Good morning. What is the problem? Why are you here? Amanda questioned. She was impatient. "Rowan said I should bring you to work." He answered, still smiling. "What! Why?" Amanda questioned further. "He didn't give me a reason. I am just following his instructions." The young man answered. "Please leave" Amanda said, her voice determined."You know I can't do that Miss Amanda." He responded. Frustrated, Amanda yelled at him. "Do you even know what the time is? I am not supposed to be at work in the next two hours." "I will wait until you are ready." The driver said. His smile still not disappeared. Amanda was angry, she slammed the door and groaned. "Ugh" Mrs Roberts wanted to say something to her but she shunned her. "Mother, please." "Mummy" Mason called out, running out of the room. "What? Amanda yelled at him and the boy froze in fear. "
Rowan's expression changed immediately and he quickly approached Amanda. He took the watch from her, avoiding Amanda's gaze"It used to be my favorite watch," Rowan said, casually.Trying not to sound suspicious. "So you kept it? Is this a study or your museum?" Amanda teased. "It reminded me of something though. I didn't know rich people also like cheap things. "What do you mean? This isn't cheap." Rowan explained. "It's a very expensive piece, Amanda. Handcrafted, with a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty. A collector's item.""Really?" Amanda was confused. She had seen the same watch before and she remembered that Mabel told her it was worth nothing. "You said it reminded you of something." Rowan interrupted her thoughts. Have you seen something like this before?" Amanda knew she could not possibly explain the situation about the watch to Rowan. She quickly came up with something to say. "My boss in one of the places I have worked used to have something like this. It didn'
"My sister," Mrs. Laura answered. "Why then are you not picking up?" Wills asked further. "I said it's not important. Does this have anything to do with my husband's death?" She said, her tone rising. "Alright, Mrs. Laura. I will take my leave then." Wills rose to his feet. Mrs. Laura walked him to the door. "Do you know there is another murder linked to this case? Wills asked, his question rhetorical. "The hotel attendant? It is really terrifying" Mrs. Laura said. Her remark was sharp. Wills stood still. He wondered how she knew that the hotel attendant was murdered. He knew something was amiss. "Please be careful. I will get back to you if need be." Wills said. ******************************************************Amanda paced round the room. She was expecting Detective Wills who promised to get back to her after seeing Mrs. Laura. The children were also in the living room anticipating Wills's arrival. They are now used to seeing him. When Amanda heard the sound of a car
Everyone was caught by surprise. No one dares to talk when Rowan is talking, not to talk of yelling. The supervisor took Rowan's silence for acceptance. He hurried to his office and came back with his laptop. "I think I have the right schedule." The supervisor said after going through his email. "Sorry?" Rowan asked as if he didn't hear the first time. "She sent me the right schedule." The supervisor repeated."So how come you have another one?" The manager asked Belinda."I sent what she sent to me." Belinda responded, a little nervous. "Let me have a look." The supervisor checked the document on Belinda's computer. "This document has been modified and it's from this computer, "he said. "Did you do that? Rowan questioned Belinda. The tensed atmosphere in the office was palpable."I don't know how this happened but I promise, I didn't tamper with the document." "But you can as well admit the mistake was not from me as evident on your computer." Amanda fired at Belinda. Her ange
With that instruction, the employee did not hesitate. It didn't take long before he sent information of her location from the office phone. The location seemed strange to Rowan. It was the outskirts of a particular area. "What the hell is Amanda doing here?" He asked. He instructed his driver to speed to that location. On their way, he called the police department to inform them of the present situation. "911. What's your emergency?" The lady in the phone asked? "Rowan Xi on the line, connect me to Detective Wills." The receiver gasped and was quiet for a while. Her excitement prevented her from hearing Rowan's instruction. "Mr. Rowan Xi, it's nice to hear from you. It's a privilege. How may I be of help sir? Rowan was pissed. "If I am calling emergency isn't it because it is urgent?" He said in his head. He yelled at her"Connect me to Detective Wills now!" The lady, now realizing the urgency of the situation did not hesitate another moment. "Detective Wills is not available
Rowan instructed his driver to get them away from the abandoned building, leaving the police officers to continue their search. "Destination sir?" The driver asked. "Hospital" Rowan responded. Amanda protested immediately. "Why? I am fine. I just want to go home." "You are bleeding Amanda" Rowan said expressionless. Amanda checked her body for bruises unsure of where the blood was coming from. She soon discovered that she had a cut on her arm. Seeing that she was not aware of the cut, Rowan scoffed. "You didn't know you had a cut? Don't you feel the pain? Anyways, I am taking you to the hospital." He said, looking away. Amanda sensed his anger but could not place why he was mad at her. Rowan's heart still raced with worry for Amanda, even though they had escaped the immediate danger. Silence dominated the car. They arrived at the hospital where Amanda was quickly taken into the emergency room for a medical evaluation. Rowan paced nervously in the waiting area, his mind filled w
It's Amanda's birthday, Rowan didn't mention anything to her. The children only greeted her casually, not wanting to get her suspicious.That evening, Mrs. Roberts came into her room with a nice dress, insisting she put it on.“Why do you want me to wear this mother? I am not going anywhere.” Amanda protested.“Because I bought it for you and it's your birthday. I want you to dress nice. Show Rowan that you've still got it.” Mrs. Roberts said, helping her get dressed.“How many times have I told you that we are taking things slow. I have nothing to show.” Amanda snapped.“You are the one taking things slow, not him. We all know that. Just cheer up already and start having
Two days passed and everything seemed to be going on well. Although Amanda is still reluctant around the house, especially with Rowan's parents around, the tension has died down. The other staff had also returned, lifting Amanda's mood. The children were also finding their ways around Rowan and the house. That afternoon, they were planning Amanda's surprise birthday, huddled together, trying to conceal their plans when Rowan walked in on them. Rowan raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance."What's going on here?" he asked with a playful grin.Adora, attempting to act casual, replied, "Oh, nothing. Just talking about, you know, stuff."Rowan chuckled, "Stuff, huh? Seems like some secret stuff. Should I be worried?"Tyler stepped forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "No worries, Dad. Just some top-secret mission planning. You'll find out soon enough."Rowan raised an amused eyebrow, "Top-secret mission, eh? Well, I won't pry. Just remember, I'm good with surprises too."“Not our kin
“What is going on here?’ she asked, trying to understand the situation. Mason tried to explain but Rowan stopped him, lying. “Nothing, just having a conversation with the kids.” “I see,” Amanda responded. “Go and get your stuff. The cab will be here in a few minutes” she had finished her statement before she noticed the expression on the kids’ faces. “What is it?” Adora spoke up, “I thought you broke up with mom because she lied. Now you are doing the same. Amanda's expression changed, concern overtaking her expression. “Lied about what?”Rowan hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I had a bit of an accident, hit my head on the wall. I'm okay, just a little dizzy."'What?” Amanda exclaimed, rushing toward him. “Let me have a look” Tyler returned to the room, followed by Mrs. Roberts with a cold compress. "Here, Put this on your head. How did this happen?’ she asked. “How bad is it? Do we need to get you to the hospital?” Amanda asked. “No, I will be fine,” Rowan responded, placing
Two hours later, Rowan returned to the house. He had taken a walk after separating from Amanda to get hold of himself. By the time he entered the house, the lingering tension seemed to have dissipated. “That's a good thing” he said before heading to his room. He had almost walked past when he noticed Tyler sitting in a corner right under the stairs. Rowan approached him. “Hey buddy” Tyler looked at him and looked away immediately. “Can I sit?” “If you are asking because you want me to say no, you don't need to, it's your house.” Tyler said, playing with his fingers. “No..I am asking because I am about to intrude on your solitude, your personal time.” Rowan responded, careful with his words. “May I?” Tyler nodded. “Watch your head” he said to Rowan as he tried to fit in under the stairs. “How are you holding up?" Rowan asked, not sure of how to start. Tyler glanced up, his eyes revealing a mix of uncertainty and vulnerability. “Holding up with what? Your parents being mean to my
Rowan, frantic and torn, ran after Amanda, calling her name in an attempt to catch up.Madam Xi, now feeling awkward, said, "you don't have to leave. I guess Amanda is still angry.""You have no right to tell us what to do." Mrs. Roberts snapped. "One moment, we are liars and manipulators that you want out of your son's home and another moment, we are perfect strangers for your home.""I understand your anger." Mr. Xi retorted. "But if what our children just said is true then we have to help them.""The only help I can give to my daughter is to support whatever she wants." Mrs. Roberts snapped. "If she says she leaves, then we leave. I won't have her stay with the godforsaken people she called in-laws.""I see we are already on the wrong side here. But this anger of yours won't hel
"Mom! Dad?" You didn't tell me you were coming" Rowan said, sensing the escalating tension."Yes darling. We felt we can stay here with you for now instead of stalking you with calls. And your dad is not perfectly well yet." Madam Xi responded. "And you didn't inform me?" Rowan exclaimed. Without waiting for a response, he continued. "That's okay, I can work with that but what is going on here?" Madam Xi pointed accusatory fingers. "Look at what you've brought into your home, Rowan! Strangers! Your ex-girlfriend, her mother, and their children!""Mom," Rowan said softly but Madam Xi didn't listen. "Amanda and her family have invaded your home! I won't allow this. They need to leave immediately!""Invaded?" Mrs. Roberts snapped. "We are just here temporarily not to stay."Mr. Xi, angered, retorted, "Temporary or not, I won't have strangers, especially those associated with this unfortunate situation, invading my son's home. This is unacceptable.""Stop saying we have invaded" Mrs. Ro
The tension in the room died down immediately and silence took over. Mr. Wills walked up to Rowan and said, "How could you still defend this woman despite the damage she had caused to your family? How could you even choose to be with a woman with such baggage?" "To begin with, she has done no bad to my family and I do not think anyone should dictate how I treat my family or get angry when I treat whom I love right. Mr. Wills scoffed, embarrassed by his response. "You should not have left them to be my son's responsibility in the first place." "You are totally right. They wouldn't have been subjected to insults from irresponsible people." Rowan responded. "Lesson learnt. It won't happen again." He turned back to Amanda, "go and pack your stuff. My men will help you. Without hesitation, they started packing. Wills's parents were obviously displeased by the situation but they stepped aside quietly, watching as Rowan's men helped with their luggage. Rowan came with his escort so it
Jack and Johnny exchanged glances, unsure of how to diffuse the news. "Oh sorry, young men. We haven't seen him either since we got here. Jack answered. "Thanks." Mason said. He turned to Tyler. "Let's go. I want to be by mom's side when she wakes up." They watched the kids walk away before they exclaimed simultaneously. "Wow" "Creation has favored you man. I think you should go claim your children right away." Johnny said smiling. "They are smart" "And the same reason it will be difficult for him to win them over." Jack chimed in. "They know too much for their age. 10 year olds don't…" "Eight!" Rowan interrupted, correcting Jack. "They are eight." Jack grinned mischievously at Rowan, "he deserves the Mr. Father of the Year award for at least knowing the age of his kids." Johnny joined in, "Looks like fatherhood came knocking sooner than expected, Rowan. How are you planning to handle this genius squad?""You will definitely have to brush up on your astrophysics and medical jar
"Where is my daughter? Where is Amanda? Mrs. Roberts demanded, her voice echoing through the hospital reception. Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of her daughter. The kids surrounded her like police officers. "Hold on ma'am. This is a hospital, the noise isn't necessary." The nurse at the reception responded to her. "Is that…? Jack asked but didn't finish the statement since he got the answer he was looking for. "Amanda's mother? Yes" Rowan responded, his eyes fixated on the kids. "And they should be her kids," Jack said softly, almost a murmur. "Obviously," Johnny added. "I think Rowan should be prepared to double his security because that little girl is fine as fuck." Rowan and Jack gave him uneasy glances, "Sorry man" he said. "But the boys sure look like you." He mumbled. "My daughter is Amanda Roberts. I was told she was brought in here." Mrs. Roberts answered the nurse. "Oh, then you should talk to Mr. Xi." The nurse said, pointing to Rowan down the hall at