Max's POV Martha lived in a gated community. Personally l did not understand why, she should be living at home since she was a lazy kid. Her day consisted of shopping, boozing and whoring around. I talked to my father about it on numerous occasions, he ignored my suggestions of sending Martha to one of my friends, a badass farmer from Soulbare, Robert. Martha did badly in academia, and maybe manual work would benefit her, my father saw it as me being harsh on his only daughter. The security guards at Martha’s place recognised me and let us through. Her lights were still on. I called her and let her know l was on my way up, she sounded drunk and sleepy. I pushed the door and found her sprawled in front of the couch, the place was filthy, with plates and liquor bottles on the coffee table, everywhere you looked there was something to offend the eye. I stood over her and nudged her side with my shoe, she peeled one eye open and grunted, “ wake up, we need to talk.” She opened the o

Nora's POV The proud father made a video call, grandpa, grandma and Marylin appeared on the screen. Max handed the phone to granny, who made sure we were all visible in the video. “ Look at my boy grandpa, so cute! Doesn't he remind you of his father the day he was born?.” Grandma Ratliff cooed, her eyes wet. “ He does my dear, bring him closer Max, l want to have a proper look.” Everyone burst into laughter.“well he is more handsome than his father. Nora, Max reported you have already named the child.” My cheeks burned in mortification, dammit! How could I forget such an important issue? Grandpa informed us he would name the baby after it was born.I stared daggers at the back of Maxwell Ratliff 's skull. He did not have hormones and other pregnancy related stuff to deal with. Why did he forget? Grandpa must have read my reaction because he remarked in a gentle tone, “it's ok Nora, Kidlan is a beautiful and strong name, fit for the Ratliff prince.” Marylin waved at the camera, “

Caesar Shaman chugged down shot after shot of hard liquor. They were in Peter’s home office. His jowls trembled with anger, he glared at his friend with disdain, “ Peter, tell me the truth, l won't be angry with you but if you keep lying l will be.” Peter Ratliff returned his venomous stare, “ piss off Caesar, how many times do l have to tell you l had no idea Max knew where the girl was, let alone visiting her? The child came as a surprise too. My family kept me in the dark, l'm as shocked as you are.” Caesar admitted in a reluctant tone, “ well, l trust you are not lying. We come a long way for you to fuck me. Since the situation is like this, what do we do?.” Peter swallowed on repeat, he knew what Caesar wanted and he was unprepared to give it to him. His grandson’s appearance changed everything. If anything happened to Nora, he was as good as dead, Max would see to it.His delayed response annoyed Caesar, “ what is it? You have switched sides? Peter, you will help me or die tr

Max's POV The meeting dragged on and on, taking me closer and closer to my wife's wrath. She must be mad at me for being late. I could not walk out of these two investors. The Ratliff Group of Airlines would sink if l did. If l bagged these two the company was on the home stretch.My father did the company dirty. Talking of my dad, two weeks ago l got a frantic call from him, he asked for a meeting. He caught the reluctance in my voice, “ please son, it's a matter of life and death, please this isn't time to feud, time is of essence.”His plea fell on deaf ears, l trusted a hyena more than l trusted that man. “ I'm busy, sorry l can't accommodate you.” I caught what sounded like a sob from his end, Peter Ratliff crying? Maybe my ears played tricks on me. “ Son, l will not back down, otherwise i will die with regret and i'm not prepared to do that. Nora's life is in danger, please come home, now if you can.”My wife's name propelled me out of my office, l raced to the car, Frank read

Cathy’s POV I heard through the grapevine Nora came back from wherever she was. My rage boiled over. Time did nothing to erase the betrayal. A friend who found it easy to snatch my man was no friend. She denied it, Selborne denied it.They both made a fool of me. I would deal with Nora first then Selborne next. On a normal day l was a good natured person. The problem arose if you crossed me, then I became a vindictive, heartless bitch.To defeat Nora, it was imperative l got strong allies. The photographer was a small fish, he bucked under pressure. I had to find someone who could go head to head with Max if worse came to worst.Max forgave Nora's betrayal, l could not. It was clear any person who hurt Nora was in the line of fire, Max would hurt or kill for Nora. I found my ally in Caesar Shaman, he did not know it yet. l just had to convince him he needed me too.I drove to the Shaman residence one Saturday morning. The imposing black gate looked menacing. I parked the car on the r