"What is going on here?" Marcus roared. "I said, what is happening here?"Ellis was surprised at Marcus’ sudden presence. Why was Marcus shouting? His yelling made his wife and son come to investigate what was going on since they were seated close to the bathroom hallway. Marcus's wife was a bit surprised too. She also did not understand why her daughter and Ellis were in the restroom together. "Ellis, what are you doing with my daughter in a restroom alone?" Marcus asked. Ellis opened his mouth, but there were no words coming forth. How would he sound if he said that he entered the ladies' restroom just because he was too pressed to check the inscriptions properly? What excuse would he make for standing there and chatting with Jackie when he could very much have left the restroom upon her arrival? "I — I, Jackie," Ellis stuttered, "Jackie met me here.""That's because you are in the female restroom." Marcus's wife said, a frown beginning to form on her face."Ellis, are you having

The news carried the story about Ellis being arrested. So many channels dwelt on how much of a rogue Ellis was. Some even went as far as blaming Mr Cyrus and speaking on the importance of placing one's own family before a stranger because ‘the devil you know is better than the angel you do not know.’ Many were questioning Mr Cyrus for choosing to make a stranger his heir instead of his own children. Some said that Ellis was so immoral because he was poor. People like Mr Clark rejoiced at this news. "So, not only is the boy young and incompetent, he is also corrupt?" Mr Clark would say to the hearing of other disappointed board members like Mr Rogers and the like.Ellis felt the brunt of Marcus's accusations, but the one who felt it even more was Jackie. She was not built for all of this drama, and the wrong attention was getting to her. After that evening when her father had ignored her tears and told her not to mention a word of what happened to anyone, Jackie had begun to hate Marc

Marcus sat and closed his eyes within the confines of the office that served as his private sanctum. The rape allegations against Ellis had been many things, but one thing to him specifically — a stepping stone on the road to his ascension. He was really satisfied at how far the story had gone. So many people believed him and supported him, a father who was only seeking justice for his exploited daughter. He had gained the sympathy of the world and the favour that came with such pity. Now, all that was left was for the board to decide against Ellis, and his mantle would be back on his hands again. As if it was always there in the first place. He would utilise this and make sure Ellis’ name would be erased completely, and only remembered as a criminal.What Marcus did not know was that his father had gone to every length he could think of, just to see that justice was brought to his heir. After Mr Cyrus had gotten the information he needed from Jackie, he did not stop there. He made su

"We would concede to all that the plaintiff's attorney has said, if not that they were lies fabricated to give a bad impression of the truth. However, Your honor, we on the defence council would not sit back down and let lies be woven on our heads. Was my client upset about his father's choice over him? Of course any normal human being whose right was taken from him and given to someone else would be upset. But we cannot just run to conclusions, can we? But to say that a father trying to bring justice to his own violated daughter is as a result of a grudge of some heirdom that has no value in comparison to his daughter's life is the height of delusion. Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, in these proceedings, the defence council would show you that the defendant is innocent, and only just a father who loves his child, unlike some other fathers who may throw theirs for total strangers."The lawyer shot Marcus a sidelong look after he spoke, hoping that his client had followed

Jackie drew a steadying breath, steeling herself as she prepared to drop her answer she was sure would implicate her father. She didn’t want her father to go to jail, but she just couldn’t bring herself to tell such a big lie against Ellis. She wasn’t a perfect person, but lying against Ellis in this way was a line she just couldn't cross. "Yes," she replied, enunciating each syllable as if savouring the opportunity to commit these words to the immutable official record. "He forced me to lie about being raped by Ellis for a reason I am not aware of."The resentment she had against her father was evident in Jackie's voice. She hated how her father had treated her for the past days since the allegation against Ellis was made. The jury visibly shook at the bluntness of this final admission, her statement resounding across the courtroom like a thunder-clap. On the opposing side, Marcus stared at his daughter with what could have been mistaken for a penetrating glare, were it not for th