“I wonder how someone would be able to do that without thinking twice. Some people are really evil in the world, son. I have almost lived my life. This is your time, son. I'm sure that with all that is happening to us, you are picking lessons to be careful of whoever you associate with. No one is to be trusted, even though trust is important. You can trust who you don't trust and make them believe you trust them. Remember, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,” she said.“Okay, Mom. Got it,” he said. Finally feeling hopeful again, Mrs Jefferson smiled. “This could be the beginning of something big, Norton. I have a feeling that everything will turn out well,” she said.“And that's the energy I want you to have. More like my mother, hopeful and positive,” he said, and they both laughed.“Okay, Mom. I think it will be time to go to my room and reflect. I have to think of how to use the money,” he said. Mrs. Jefferson, not sure about what he meant by that, asked, “What do y

As Alaric walked back to his office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he was finally going to sit on the seat that he used to sit in before. The door was already open for him, and he walked into his office, admiring how beautiful it looked.It was almost as if he had never been there before.“Damn, I miss this place,” he said to himself. He walked over to every corner of the room. The books that were on the shelves were still clean, and were not dusty, a testimony that his office had been taken care of throughout his departure. He went over and sat down on his seat. “Finally, this is where I want to be. Time to start work,” he said, cracking his knuckles, as he stared at the computer system in front of him. Alaric sat hunched over his computer, the soft glow casting a faint light across his focused expression. The hum of productivity filled the room until it was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Steve sauntered in, his usual confidence evident in his

Evelyn was surprised by what Alaric did and watched as Steve left the office. “Young Master, why did you…”“Shh, Evelyn,” he hushed. “It's now time for me and you to be alone,” Alaric said. She was a bit surprised, though she didn't understand what he meant. She thought that she had done something again, and squinted her eyes.“Sir? Have I done something again?” “No, Evelyn. You shouldn't always think that you have done something bad. You have not done anything. I just want me and you to be alone, for a reason. Now, sit,” he ordered, pointing to the chair that sat across him, and Evelyn looked at the chair. Her mind was a mixture of several thoughts. Why was the young master acting that way? Why did he send Steve out? What did he want to say? All those questions, she had no answer to.“I… I… I should sit?” “Yes, Evelyn. I'm asking you to sit down,” he said. Her mind was beginning to race. Being around him just made her feel a little bit… scared. Even though he treated her so w

Alaric turned around to look at Evelyn's worried face. “So, Miss Evelyn, why do you have that face on you?” He asked, walking closer to her. She was a bit anxious, seeing that he was moving nearer to her.“I… um… I d– don't know… sir,” she stuttered. “I have told you, young lady, not to get anxious in front of me. Don't think of me as your boss when I walk towards you. You know what you can think of me as?” He asked. Her bulby eyes blinked severally. “W-what?” She asked, calmly.“Your pretty boy best friend,” he said, and in the next moment, drew closer, and planted a soft peck on her cheek. In a moment, brief yet long, Evelyn stood in shock, as Alaric went back, and sat on his desk.“That was a shocker, wasn't it?” He asked and smiled. “Well, be prepared for more shockers, young lady.” Evelyn stood frozen on her feet, her mind reeling with disbelief as she thought about how Alaric's lips left a feather-light kiss on her cheek. Shock surged through her veins like a lightning bolt

As Steve left the office, Alaric burst out into laughter. His trick on getting Steve to go and call Evelyn worked – pretend like yours in rage, and all they'll do is what you say, he thought to himself.“I am finally living the life, man. I don't want more than this. Just the happiness of those around me and mine too, almighty. And yes, my future girlfriend,” he said. As he sat behind his desk, the soft click of heels against the polished floor heralded Evelyn's entrance. Just as he was praying to the lord, he saw the door handle wind down, his gaze instinctively lifted, drawn to the sound, and he watched as she approached with an air of confidence that never failed to captivate him and he composed himself. Then, in her dazzling work outfit, Evelyn walked into the room and bowed at Alaric.“Good morning, young master. You called for me,” she said, as she walked into the office. She was only a secretary, yet she exuded an aura of elegance that transcended her professional role."E