"Good evening everyone" Armand said. He took a moment to scan through the crowd and he was pleased to see the three major families seated where he wanted, in front of him, seeing him clearly."No camera will ever be able to truly capture this moment" Vanessa muttered, she was watching the three families and their expressions was something she would pay to watch repeatedly if only they could be properly captured. The first family to catch her eyes were the Morriss.Jennifer Morris's face initially displayed surprise, as her eyes widened and her eyebrows raised involuntarily. Her mouth parted slightly, indicating astonishment and disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. As the realization sank in that the person in front of them was the same young man she and her son had humiliated at the gym years back, her expression morphed into a combination of embarrassment and regret. Her eyes darted away momentarily, avoiding direct contact with his gaze, as a wave of guilt washes o
Armand's head swiveled gradually upon hearing his name, locking eyes with the person before him, emanating an air of unwavering confidence."Jude" he said in a relaxed tone."It was you?!" Jude asked accusingly."What was me?" Armand replied, his demeanor unwavering."You really have the guts to ask me that? Whatever did my family do to you?" Jude yelled."Are you really asking me that?" Armand responded, he had hoped that question was a rhetorical one."Jude, all I ever did was help you and King out of a difficult situation you guys were in years back.But you decided it would be fun to humiliate me in a way I didn't deserve, to be fair, you got way less than you actually deserved""What about my family? Did they humiliate you as well? Or are you just a sick individual who derives not from watching the downfall of others?" Jude spat."Your mum humiliated me that day at the gym, but I wouldn't say that was the reason I decided to put her in her place. You and your parents are
"Armand" a soft voice called out from behind him.Armand had not gotten up to five feet away from where he was when he heard his name.The voice which called out his name served as a reminder of the past—a bittersweet symphony of emotions stirs within him.."Carla," he muttered without turning.A wave of mixed emotions crashed over him, taking him by surprise. A rush of memories flooded his mind, reminding him of the tumultuous times they shared together and the pain she caused him.Initially, his heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by the familiarity of that voice he once knew so well. His body instinctively tensed up. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach, as if the weight of their history resurfaced in an instant.Despite the tumultuous mix of emotions, curiosity and a sense of self-preservation urged him to turn around, to face the woman whose voice still carried a strong recognition within him."Hello Carla." Slowly, Armand pivots on his heels, his eyes meeting hers f
"It's time" After walking away from Carla, Armand had gone to wash his face. He had just returned to the garden when Vanessa walked up to him and notified him that it was time. He had a press conference to attend ."Oh boy" he muttered and followed Vanessa to where the media was. They tried crowding in on him and bombarding him with all their questions at once, but Vanessa wasn't having it.In a calm, composed and controlled voice, she said "Thank you all for your interest. I understand there are many questions, and Mr Armstrong will do his best to address them one at a time. Let's start with one question at a time, please"However, that plea fell on deaf ears, everyone had something to ask the CEO of D'Armstrong Empire."I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it would be helpful if we could take this one question at a time. That way, Mr Armstrong can provide you with accurate and thoughtful responses" Vanessa repeated and fortunately, the crowd seemed to understand her."To ensur
"He's about to leave the premises isn't he?" Vanessa asked. Her expression shifted from one of elation to a fleeting moment of disappointment. "He is," Armand answered."What do you intend to do? You've already had a really interesting evening.First, it was Jude and his family. Next, it was Carla. The press conference and now, King. Maybe you can talk to him tomorrow?" Vanessa suggested. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes widened with a tinge of longing. She wished for nothing more than to prolong this fleeting, stolen moment of intimacy and let it linger a little while longer."I think it's better I do it now. I'll let him know that I'm aware of where he is at every point in time. Also, I should inform him of his new occupation as well. And most importantly, he needs to formally meet his new boss." Armand replied"Looks like you still have a lot on your hand, so, I'll leave you to it" she said. With a soft sigh that carried a mixture of longing and understanding, Vaness
As the golden rays of sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room, Armand slowly opened his eyes and stretched his arms with a joyous smile on his face. This was no ordinary morning for him, as he awakened with an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. The events of the previous night had unfolded as he had planned, leaving him with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.With a skip in his step, Armand swung his legs out of bed and planted them firmly on the floor. He relished the sensation of the soft carpet beneath his toes, almost as if it mirrored the comfort he felt in his heart. A symphony of chirping birds outside his window seemed to harmonize perfectly with his inner state of bliss.Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, he made his way to the mirror. His reflection revealed a face radiating with genuine happiness. His eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and contentment, reflecting the success of his well-executed
"Don't just stand there, get the door for me" Armand instructed and King immediately complied.Afterwards, he got into the driver's seat, realizing that Armand had not given him the key, he turned back and requested for it."What're you doing?" Armand asked."Where's the car key?" King repeated."And I asked what you're doing," Armand said."If I'm to drive you to work, I need the key to the car" King stated."King, how do I say this politely?" Armand asked."Say what politely?" King inquired."That was a rhetorical question but since you want to know. I need you to please step down from this car, right now" Armand said."Why?" King asked, feeling confused "Am I not to drive you to work as well?" He inquired further."No, you are not!" Armand replied."So, I'm good enough to wash the car but not good enough to drive it?" King asked, his voice raised slightly."Actually, yes. Also, I do not trust you enough to allow you to drive me. Driving me is a privilege which you haven
"My bad, I meant Mr Armstrong" Carla quickly corrected herself, remembering what he had told her the previous night."May I sit?" She asked ."Feel free," Armand replied, gesturing towards the chair in front of him."When I informed my parents I would be here today, they asked me to extend their greetings. They wanted you to know how happy they were to see you last night and they regret not having the opportunity to speak to you" Carla said"How was your…" Carla wanted to make small talk but Armand just wasn't in the mood for it."What do you want, Carla? I need you to go straight to the point, I have important businesses I need to attend to" Armand stated."That's true. I'm sorry if it felt like I was wasting your time" Carla apologized..At that moment, she knew it would take more than dressing seductively and wearing nice perfume to interest Armand.The conversation was not going her way "This will be harder than I thought" she muttered."What was that? I didn't catch that