Done with handling his security affairs at home, Richard went back to his room and freshened up, before getting dressed as he intended to take Jerome with him to announce the latter as his endorsed candidate.It would be difficult considering Jerome was unknown but Richard didn't think that was an important factor since he could handle that.His worry was if Jerome would be able to stand up to Caesar when the time came for it.Richard could help in some ways but at the end of the day, Jerome would be going up against Caesar, and considering the kind of man Caesar is, he could expect some low blows.It was disconcerting, but Richard wanted to believe in his best friend and what he was capable of.But first, he had to ensure that Jerome would have no weaknesses going into the battle that was about to take place.Putting a call across to Vincent, he called in a favor, hoping that he would investigate the company that Jerome once worked for that ended up firing him on false accusations ma

[Are you prepared?] The patriarch inquired over the phone, his voice hoarse as it was threatening. “Patriarch, I know I made a mistake and…”[I don't need your useless assurances. I have done some work to ensure this… Richard Smith won't be getting much help in the battle against you. I have also made it so that one of the Princes would be presiding over the process. Make sure to impress him. For this, a substantial sum will be sent to you soon, use it well. And remember, fail me and I won't hesitate to end your entire lineage.]“.... Understood, Patriarch.” With that, the call ended and Caesar was left sweating profusely.He couldn't afford to lose again.No matter what, Intercity would be his!***The drive back to the estate was mostly silent with Jerome lost in thought while Richard made the preparations for the take off to Riverdale.Richard allowed Jerome to head back to his place to inform Jemima about the impending trip while Richard busied himself with packing up for the bo

“I'd say nice to meet you but I can't lie, so I'll get straight to the point and ask, what the hell are you doing here, Jerome?”Jerome hesitated, unsure of how to respond as he knew that a wrong word would be used to rip him apart.Cecelia was good at that, picking apart the statements of others and utilizing that to bring them down completely.He hated her for framing him but he had to acknowledge her skills.“Hello, I asked a question, Jerome, or are you suddenly dumb?”Jerome took a deep breath as he replied. “I have important work, that's all I can say.”“Hah, you, important work?... Do you plan on violating an unsuspecting woman again?”“You know I did nothing wrong!” Jerome exploded.Cecelia smirked as she knew that was his weakness. “Tell it to the cops, now you'd best leave before I inform them of your presence. I mean, how were you able to reenter the city after you were deported?”Jerome bit his teeth, hesitant to respond.He'd known he was a fugitive considering the circum

Those responsible for ruining Jerome's name were dragged like dogs by security under the order of Lucia.She hadn't expected this to happen when she came in but to appease her potential ally, she knew what had to be done without hesitation.After ensuring the culprits would be dealt with according to the law, she went ahead to broadcast their confession to the entire company while also reaching out to her contacts in the force to revert the tag labeling Jerome as a deportee and a criminal.All these were achieved in the space of an hour with Richard busying himself with looking after Jerome who had broken down like a child.It was understandable after all, who wouldn't react the same way if they were in his shoes?Regardless, Jerome soon regained his composure, taking the chance to step aside to head to the bathroom to clean up while Lucia approached Richard.“He must be your brother,” Lucia commented as she stood beside Richard.“Not at all, but he once was,” Richard replied, reminis

Jerome didn't know how to feel seeing Lucia kneel before Richard, pleading for his help.Such a powerful woman was forced to her knees and it was all because she wished to ensure that what belonged to her family was returned to her.It seemed even the rich were also vulnerable when it came to familial ties.Biting down on his lower lip, Jerome thought to say something, perhaps to convince Richard to help Lucia but Richard seemed to see through his intentions as he raised a hand, silencing him before he got a chance to speak.“I'll think about it.” Richard calmly replied with Jerome pursing his lips.Lucia remained silent, pondering if his response was a good thing before ultimately nodding. “Alright. Thank you.”“You don't have to thank me. As I said, I'll think about it. If it's beneficial for me, I'll accept, if not, then I'd rather return to the empire. I already have too much to handle as is.”If Lucia reacted to his words, she did well not to show it as she got to her feet and sa