"This is my assistant Mr. Leonard Smith, Frost said.
"Please call me Mr. V," the host said. Leo handed over the file he had brought to Frost so that the meeting could commence. He didn't know how long he was going to last with all that tantalizing and mouth-watering scent drifting up his nose and he just hoped that this was going to be a very short meeting. "Mr.V, as we had talked over the phone, I am going after the Genex project and I need a partner for this cause it's a huge investment that cannot be handled by just one company". "As you know, the government requires that the company taking this project gives 80% capital upfront so that they can get the 20% from the government. "My company has 50% that it can invest and I'm hoping that we can collaborate on this project. This means that if you are willing then you can give the 30% remaining so we can start working as soon as possible." Mr.V listened quietly, nodding here and there as Frost explained the details of the project. He looked at the spreadsheet laid on the table and kept referring back to the documents to verify everything that was being said. For Mr. V to get to where he was, he had learned to be a quiet listener but a quick learner, picking important details and knowing the pros and cons within minutes of a business transaction. As they were busy negotiating, the footsteps of the receptionist's high heels were heard as she came off the lift. The men's heads rose only for Frost to go stiff releasing a very cold aura that shook Leo. Frost looked up, his eyes turning red with anger. He slowly rose, causing Leo to jump up from his seat, too, as he recognized who the receptionist was ushering in. Mr. V stood up and went towards the visitor with extended hands. "Mr. Pierce, it is so good of you to join us. Please, have a seat", he said as the two men shook hands in greetings. Mr. Tom Pierce turned and faced Frost, not sure of how Frost would react to his presence. "Son, how have you been?" he asked only to be met by a glare. Frost didn't answer a thing and just stood coldly with his arms stiffened by his sides. After taking in a deep breath to get his emotions in check, he asked "What the hell are you doing here?" Mr. V, not sure of what was going on stood in between them while Leo tried pulling his boss away, fearing an ugly confrontation that was bound to take place. Frost stood firmly on his spot wanting to throw a punch at anything, anyone. Mr. Pierce knew he had to cool down the situation somehow so he tried explaining to the young man. "Listen, son, Mr. V and I are old comrades and he owns this hotel. He is also an influential businessman as you know. When I heard that you were seeking an investor for your project, I approached him and requested that he helps you with this. I know it is not in my place to do so, but you are my son, and I want to help you" Frost tightened his knuckles together, wanting to hit the man in front of him. Leo, nudged him, giving him a warning for him to remember where and why they were there. Poor Mr. V had no idea what was going on and could only stare at the two men who seemed to be at odds with each other. He never, in his wildest dreams, imagined that his old-time friend had problems with his eldest son. Whenever they met up, his friend would always boast of his son's achievements and held him in high esteem. What was happening now was beyond his comprehension. Could it be that father and son were estranged and he didn't know of this? A slight smile twitched on his face. Here he was, always lamenting over his son's inability to do business yet his friend was in an even worse situation. Frost fiercely looked at his father and, in a terrifyingly low growl, said, "I AM NOT YOUR SON AND YOU WILL NEVER BE MY FATHER!!". With that, he walked out without sparing anyone a glance. Leo had to quickly collect the documents they came with and after giving a hurried apology, ran after his boss. Mr. Pierce, who was too shaken by what his son said, felt his knees give way. Luckily Mr. V reacted quickly and caught him before falling. He guided his friend to a seat and gave him a glass of water, hoping to cool down his anxiety. He then silently waited for Tom to explain. "I never thought that even after fifteen years, my son would still not want to see me. I am so sorry for any embarrassment that I have caused you today, my old friend", said Tom with a deep regretful sigh. Leo rushed up and caught up with Frost before reaching the elevator. He didn't say a word because he knew the extent of his boss's temper. All through to the car, Frost was enveloped by a heavy coldness that made Leo shiver. As soon as the driver saw them exit the building, he got out of the car and opened the door for Frost. Leo got in the front seat and immediately turned the AC on to dissipate the cold. Even the driver felt that something wasn't right. "Take me to the club", he ordered, and the silent journey began. Leo had no idea how Mr. Pierce came about the meeting and Mr. V didn't tell him anything about a third party when they were planning for the meeting. He just hoped that today's episode wouldn't fall on his head. Back in Frost's house, the doctor was trying to convince the young lady to take her medicine but she refused to indulge her. Shaking her head vigorously, she behaved like a small child despite the doctor's coaxing. Vexed, Doctor Weister decided to call Leo to report the latest development. She knew that if the patient refused to take her medication on time, then it would mess with her mental system, and they still needed to figure out who she was and what had happened to her. Leo picked up the phone as soon as it vibrated, not wanting to disturb Frost who had his eyes tightly shut. After hearing the situation at hand, he told the doctor that he would be there in twenty minutes.When they got to the club, Frost went straight to the gym. He walked towards the locker room, needing to change into his boxing gear. He knew had to exert himself to deal with the anger that was boiling inside of him otherwise he would just explode.Knowing that this was going to take a while, Leo let him be and headed out. He soon flagged down a taxi and left for Frost's place. The doctor sounded urgent on phone.The gym is one place where Frost could shed off his CEO facade and just be himself. He needed not to hide from his pain, anger, and anguish anytime he got into a workout. This always left him feeling refreshed physically but so empty emotionally because his wounds ran deep. Locating a free punching bag in the boxing section, he got right into it and started punching with all his might."Frost man, what's eating you up today? You are about to wear out the bag"Frost paused to take a look at Kent, one of his sparing partners. Without giving him an answer, he continued poundin
By the time Frost and Leo were done with the day's work, it was late in the evening so they headed home. The mansion had a separate guest house and that's where Leo lived so that he could be available anytime his boss needed him. Luckily, he was still a single man which made his work easier. He couldn't imagine a wife who would be able to understand his crazy schedule. All the nagging and complaining would have killed him already.As they were about to get into the house, they met Doctor Weister who was on her way out. She gave Frost the day's report concerning the lady and left. Once inside the house, he went straight to the lady's room. He didn't know why but he always felt a sharp pain in his heart every time he remembered the state he found her in, in that filthy shed. All he wanted to do since then was to shield and protect her from the evils of this world. He had never in his entire life felt this way about anybody. It was even worse that the lady didn't even know who she was
The TV in the living room was on as they had their dinner. There was an awkward silence occasioned by the clatter of forks because none knew how to initiate a conversation.She was enjoying the food and thankful for the silence cause she was sure she wouldn't be able to participate in any kind of talk at the moment seeing how her mind was scrambled. They were deep into their meal as the commentator talked about an event that seeped into her mind. Turning her head towards the TV set, she saw a photo of a handsome couple in a wedding setting.The groom, who was tall and good-looking with wavy hair, was in a dashing tuxedo while the bride, an equally tall (maybe cause she was in 6" heels), a beautiful woman, all smiled in a Cinderella wedding dress.They held hands and were smiling into the camera for all the world to capture their glorious moment of love.As if she wasn't in control of her actions, She got up from her seat and went to stand before the Television. The men who were start
Leo was half asleep on the cot while Frost was busy on the laptop searching for information. The young lady was still comatose with a drip on her right arm. Machines monitoring her breathing and heart rate were beeping softly by her side.Maria opened the door a crack and peeped inside. Seeing her boss, she went in with the lunch that she had prepared for them."Frost, you need to go home and rest for a while. Leo and l can watch over her".Leo's stomach grumbled as he smelled the food. Frost got up from his seat and stretched, heading towards the window. The information he got about the wedding couple gave him question marks.The wedding happened the same week he rescued her and it was also in the same county. How were they related for her to have such a violent reaction? And why was she locked up in that dirty, dark shed, beaten almost half to death? He never liked mysteries and he was itching to get to the bottom of this.Leo was already up and eating while Maria got warm water and
Maria reacted quickly, pressing the emergency bell to call the nurses as she tried her best to hold her down. The nurse on duty came running into the room and seeing the situation, immediately called for the doctor.One look and Doctor Weister asked the nurse to inject the lady with a sedative as she asked Maria to call Frost. Maria, shaken, went outside to make the call.After the patient calmed down, Weister checked her pulse and temperature. She had a feeling maybe something was triggered in the lady's memory but since she hadn't come out of the coma, they just had to do their best to monitor her.Vinca felt like she was falling down a deep, black hole. She wanted to scream but no sound came forth. Her fall was cut short abruptly and she was now floating in a white cloud. *****Damont rushed to the door as soon as he heard the doorbell. Vinca heard the front door being opened and shut then the sound of heels. The bedroom door was flung open and a lady from earlier came in. "You s
Frost and Leo were already in the dining room with Maria setting the table. Vinca came in like a breath of fresh air in a humid room, with Bruno at her heels.Both men looked at her in awe. She was the real epitome of spring; a fairy princess in a purple sundress and a light matching sweater with pink slippers, holding pink roses in her hand.For sure, spring had arrived. She gave each one of them a rose as a sign of appreciation for the love and care that they had shown her since her rescue, blushing a crimson red as she handed the flowers.She was very much at ease in their presence, like a family from another world. She frowned as she had a passing thought of her mother and father.The table was laid with fried eggs, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and toasted bread. One had a choice of either coffee or tea.As they were eating, Vinca turned to Frost and asked him if he had thought about the request she made some time back. She needed to get a job and keep herself busy eve
Bernice sauntered into the school hallway like a princess. She was the daughter and only child of Gilbert and Bertha Skylar the Presidents and founders of Skylars House of Fashion, the leading fashion house in the country.Her parents had tried for so many years to conceive a child to make their family complete. They had Bernice when they were already advanced in age so they ended up spoiling her rotten, giving her anything she desired.She was starting her first day in the new school because she had been expelled from her previous school. Since it was her senior year, her parents were desperate for her to get her high school Diploma. They had paid a lot of money for the school to have admitted her in her last year.As she walked, heads turned to admire her cause she was a natural beauty. Being a rich, beautiful and only child made her think that she owned the world.That is why on her very first day in her new school, she saw Frost standing by the lockers and decided that he was goin
The car hooted loudly at the gate of Skylars' manor. Bernice's bodyguard was really in a rush to get her home because her crying and cursing were getting on to his last nerve.If he could, he would have stopped the car on some deserted road, wrung the breath out of her, and dumped her lifeless body in the sea.He was an Army General turned bodyguard. He had worked so hard for his achievements in the army and was honourably discharged from active duty. At the age of twenty-eight, he had managed to reach heights that most thought of only in their dreams.The only reason he took this job was that he owed Mr. Skylar and he was a man who paid his debts. Working as the bodyguard of this spoiled brat was an insult to his manhood.Driving straight to the entrance of the mansion, he opened the rear door, took a hold of the young miss, and shoved her out. Her intense screaming brought her mother to run out of the house to find out what was happening.Seeing her precious daughter sprawled on the
Shanice, flustered by her mistake and wrong assumption, took a sip of the champagne to stabilize her pounding heart. It was only now that she realized that Vinca was wearing the gown that Frost had ordered. She also had on the jewellery that she had picked out at Azaeit, so she was sure she also had the shoes too. "I am so stupid. I should have known when the dress didn't get delivered to my place" she thought to herself. She just had to brave the night. Leo got up to go back to his date not wanting to be involved in his boss's drama because he could smell it coming on. "Frost, I'm so sorry. I just assumed that I would be your usual date for the Ball." She said, giving Vinca a meaningful look. "How dare she try to take my place, this flat-faced bed climber" she clenched her fist in anger. Vince completely understood the jab thrown at her and could just hold it in. Shanice was right anyway, she was the third wheel in this equation. She decided to remain oblivious to this and jus
A reporter stepped away from the mayhem to take a call. He didn't believe what his director just said. He had just been fired for gross misconduct and ordered to take the first plane back to West. As he wondered what was going on, several other reporters received calls from their superiors that left them perplexed. They had just lost their jobs without warning and were ordered back to their stations. Only one of them realized with shock that this was the consequence of rattling the lce King. "Are you feeling better?" Frost asked her, giving her a tender hug while rubbing her back. He wanted to rip off the tongues of those rogue reporters who spouted nonsense to his lady but he knew that their hell was upon them. "Frost, who's the lady who followed me to the washroom just now?" Frost beckoned to the bodyguards to come forward. "They are your bodyguards Storm and Carly." He saw the question coming. "I recruited them and they have been by your side ever since we came back from Nice"
The night was lit!! Glamour held hands with elegance, grandeur spoke with gentility, fineness and magnificence defined prominence. It wasn't just about colour and pomp. Money clashed with power to produce an explosive panorama. From the powerful machines that dropped off the glamorous guests to the designer clothes and limited edition accessories, one could feel the power that money held. A luxurious black Rolls Royce pulled up and all cameras focused on it. The customized number plate announced the arrival of Fortlink Enterprise Corporation's CEO. The uniformed chauffeur alighted to open the door for his boss and cameras started clicking. Shiny black shoes followed by long legs stepped down. Frost alighted and straightened his dinner jacket. He was in a midnight blue tuxedo with black satin lapels and a light blue and white pocket square. Touching his bow tie, he opened the back passenger door and extended his hand. Everyone gasped when they saw the lady alighting from the car.
The road leading to Spateg Towers was lit with thousands of tiny fairy lights that were hung on trees, buildings, poles, and anything that was tall enough.Everything was colourful; strands of red ribbons were flapping, and banners with different emblems representing the numerous companies present were flying proudly in the cool of the night.Beautiful flower arrangements from different species were lined by the roadside, and flowers not in season were imported from abroad. The event organizers did not spare on decorations.The red carpet was already laid out, waiting for the distinguished guests to arrive. A band was in place, waiting to start playing once they received the cue from the host. Reporters from major media houses were also braving the cold for scoops that would make major news in a few hours. Bloggers and social media influencers were not to be left behind. This was the main make-or-break event of the year and everyone came prepared.The charity event was being held in
Vinca fidgeted in her seat. She didn't want to attend the Ball but the reaction on Frost's face disturbed her. He had already done so much for her and she owed him her life. As she was lost in thoughts, Frost came back with a package in his hands."Vinca, I have a suggestion that might be profitable for you", he had done some thinking on his way to get the package."I have been thinking of how you can get back your company and going with me to the Ball is the first step." He looked at her hopefully. "Explain please", her ears pricked. VilaBeau was her life. Even though Damont violently took it away from her, she vowed that she would one day have her revenge. But why was Frost willing to help her?"Your ex needs to see that you have moved on and are not interested in the company".This caused Vinca's face to flash up in anger. Why should she sacrifice her life's worth to some scumbag? If giving up her company is what Frost expected of her then he might as well forget it!!"No no no
"Man, you look tensed. What's up with you?" Leo was driving when he perceived Frost's uneasiness which was very unusual. His boss happened to be a very composed person, but right now, he just looked perturbed.Frost fixed his gaze on the landscape leading up to his house. The houses in that area were sparingly placed leaving patches of land in between mansions.Most people chose to turn those patches into beautiful tree gardens with benches under them that provided resting places for people taking leisurely walks. The trees lining the street were now covered in canopies of snow. It was like driving down wonderland, especially in the evening when streetlights illuminated the whole boulevard."I want Vinca to be my date for the Winter Ball", he said."Mmhh so, what's the problem with that?" Leo didn't understand what his dilemma was. Getting a date for the Ball shouldn't be an arduous task for Frost.Frost absent-mindedly scratched his head. He still hadn't made his feelings for Vinca
"No, please, I will, I will", he nodded and shook his head vigorously.Leo, knowing the norm of his boss, took his phone and called the company lawyer. His boss was meticulous and kept records of every single deal concerning money.A contract was quickly drafted and handed to Young. Because he was still so agitated, there was a twitch on his fingers as he signed the document, which he didn't waste time reading. It was better to lose money that he could work hard to recover than to lose his head.Three copies were quickly made. One was handed over to him, Leo kept one, and Shanice, the other one. She was still dazed over the events; to think money would be flowing into her account monthly without her breaking a sweat. Her man was more than awesome, she thought.Young exited the building. His father was going to kill him, but it was better to pacify the lce King than become one of his targets. He crumpled the contract in his hand but didn't throw it away. He was going to keep it as a re
Young was fuming in his office. He had a foreboding feeling. Hailey, on the other hand, was holding on to his leg like a koala stuck to a tree. No amount of crying or pleading was moving the man. Young stared down at the disgusting rat stuck to his feet. With all the tears and snot running down her face, he realized she wasn't pretty at all.While he was busy shaking her off his leg, his nightmare became real. Leo walked in with two bodyguards in tow. Without saying a word, he pointed to Young who was unceremoniously whisked out of his office and into the waiting car."Please Sir, I know I was in the wrong. I will do anything to make it up to you; please just don't hurt me," he was freaking out. He had always been pampered since he was a little boy so pain was something that he could not withstand Leo had a stern face, and neither did the bodyguards that he was sandwiched between showing any sign of response. Those were the longest seven minutes of his life.Since he could barely
Leo stared at his boss's phone for a second before rushing to his office. He didn't understand anything that the lady on the phone said so it was better to notify Frost."Who went shopping with your card?" he asked, bursting into the office. Frost looked up with a frown on his face. "Will you stop barging into my office like a raccoon and what are you ranting about?""Frost, what girlfriend of yours did you send shopping with your card? Apparently, she is being harassed at Juven Mall", Leo explained with limited patience."Shanice was shopping for Vinca. If she is in some kind of trouble, just go take care of it," Frost said, going back to his file.Leo gave his boss an exasperated look and turned on his heels. His boss wouldn't give a hoot even if one of his subordinates got shot in front of him. He hurriedly got to his car and flew to the Mall before more damage befell Shanice.Shanice got up from the ground while holding her cheek. Her head was already throbbing, and a headache co