“This must be a dream.” Throughout the night, Jamal couldn’t blink his eyes. He was alert and anxious.The ringing of his phone alarm woke him up, and before that, there were some unread notifications.“What?” He gasped, closing his mouth with his hand as his eyes widened.The message reads: “[Credit Alert: $100,000,00 from JACKIE-VILLE EMPIRE. Available Balance:…].The second message reads: “[Congratulations, Mr. Jamal, we have accepted you into Jackie-Ville Technology Group. Submit your work profile and start work immediately.]” He couldn’t believe his eyes.It felt like he was on cloud nine. He jumped from the bed and danced his heart out.“BREAKING NEWS: The legitimate heir and successor of Jackie-Ville’s Empire resurfaced and, according to rumors, he will resume work from next week.”News spread like wildfire throughout the entire city. He entered college and saw the amount of eyes that were on him. That was the least he expected from them. And the most surprising fact was that
Jamal cleared his throat. “Well, this has nothing to do with me.” He said after a long silence. Besides, he also wasn’t getting any kind treatment, so melding into a stranger’s business was out of his mind.“Please, save me just this one time.” The lady started pleading. “They are loan sharks. I promised to pay them, but something happened to the funds I was expecting and now, they want my body as compensation.” She explained to him rashly, and the men grinned in annoyance.He knew he had little physical strength to fight with the hoodlums, and he also felt bad for the naïve, weak lady. He sighed heavily before looking at them.“After all, there is no gain in paying evil to evil.” He mumbled to himself.“Please, spare this lady.” He said.The men laughed loudly and approached them, dusting their knuckles.“Look here, young man, this is none of your business, so back off and allow us to settle our differences!” One man said.“Yes. Her loan is over 11,500 dollars and it has been pending
“You?” The woman and her husband were stunned to see him as he walked into the mall completely.“I told you I will return, didn’t I?” He raised a brow, looking at them slyly. That was the same mall where he had gotten the red purse for Mia.“Yeah, we know, but why are you back?” The woman batted her lashes as her husband retired to the counter. “The news of theft has reduced since the last intercession. Are you back for more?” She scoffed, and he rolled his eyes.“Again, I’m here to shop.” He paused. “I thought you had learned your lesson last time.” He shook his head in disappointment as he went over to the exclusive area. She followed him.“You are in the wrong direction. That way is for expensive outfits of $10,000.” She tried to stop him, but he refused, tucking his hand into his trouser pocket.“I know what I want.” He clicked his tongue.He entered the area where limited edition outfits were organized, especially for rich men and celebrities.The woman gave him a dirty look befo
He watched her as she constantly exhaled and inhaled. He didn’t say a word as she finally gulped the water and looked in his direction. Her eyes permeating anger changed to something warm. She clicked her fingers on her desk.“This project, I want you to take it up with Martins.” She said.“Why?” He raised a brow. “I can work on it on my own.” He smirked. “It’s something I’m used to.” He unintentionally bragged.“I know, but this is a multi-trillion company and any mistake would render us enormous loss.” She began. “You need to work with someone who is familiar with the system and that’s Martins. Am I clear?” She raised a sharp brow, urging him seriously.He nodded, admitting defeat. She wasn’t completely wrong. “Sure.” He said. “The meeting will be held in two days from now. I will work on it with Martins.” He informed her.“Good.” She sighed.The preparation went on as the unpleasant rating and reviews for the company’s application slowly subsided.“It’s replacing the software engin
“Seriously? And you want me to believe you.” The investor sucked his teeth.“Get lost while you still can. How can someone as poor as you are outwit Martins?” They shook their head in disappointment.Jamal laughed like an insane person as he stepped out of the company. They fired him for fighting for his rights after only a week. He even had to report to some boards of directors and shareholders about the mishap, but they didn’t believe him because he had no proof.The worst thing that can happen to a scientist is if their work was being stolen, it was nothing different from death to them.“Hey! Get me a bottle of beer!” He called out to the seller as he sat roughly on the chair.He crashed at a nearby street bar on his way home. The seller smirked, dropping his orders on the table.“Why do rich people always love ripping the poor? Is it because I have no connection and money that they leave my voice unheard?” He complained in distraught as he gulped the alcohol.“I knew something was
“So, you mean I should give up?” He scoffed. “But it’s not supposed to be so.” He shook his head.“You have to accept it the way it is and lay low, Jamal.” Dennis began. “At this point, they won’t listen to me.” Dennis sighed.“Is there any difference between them and criminals?” He hasn’t been able to forget about the incident that happened at the company. They only tainted his name and made other staff think he was a good-for-nothing.“I know how you are feeling, but I want you to stay away from them. Too bad, Old Jack is not here to protect you.” Dennis sighed. “Train away from them and have the last bite when the time comes.” Dennis encouraged him curtly.“Fine.” He sighed, taking a short stroll around the space.“I will restrict my contact with you for safety reasons. Beware of your step-brothers, they are evil but that doesn’t mean you should hate them.” Dennis rubbed his nose bridge, stood up, and patted Jamal’s shoulder. “All will be fine. You just have to rely on your strengt
“No, I’m not.” His voice resonated in the atmosphere as Nathan’s brows fluttered.“What? Why?” Nathan raised an anxious brow.“I don’t know. But one thing is for sure, I don’t think it’s necessary.” He explained to him rashly. “Whether I’m able to crumble them relies on my strength.” He added and Nathan smirked.“But you need manpower to survive. Who do you know in the family or how well are you connected with them? Do you think only Dennis can help you?” Nathan made a laughable smirk. “The Dashiell Jackie-Ville family is deeply rooted in its empire and if you don’t get closer, you will only be fooled,” Nathan added.All the while, he listened to him in keen interest but later sighed. He didn’t know if it was fatigue or Nathan’s persistent attitude that was thrilling him up.Nathan shrugged. “Anyways, we are family. I’m already here to help.” He smiled. “See you around.” He watched his stepbrother stroll into another dimension on the street.He went back to his studio apartment to foc
¬ Dear Jamal, ¬[~ You are specially invited to my 40th birthday party~][~ holding tomorrow the 5th of July.~]He returned home and read the invitation card over and over again. He tried to ascertain the kind of connection he had with her that she would be inviting him to her birthday party. The last time he checked, they used him and fired him from his father’s company.“I just have to go and show them that I’m still living comfortably with or without their money.” He muttered to himself.The following morning, he visited the mall to get something to wear. It was his stepmother’s birthday and he knew how ridiculous they can be if ever he wore rage. To them, an outfit worth $1,000 is rag but to him, he just had to look good.“What’s going on.” He lowered his face as he strolled into the mall. Unfamiliar people kept on waving at him and greeting him with a smile, it was an unusual scene and got him scared for a bit.“What’s - -” He wanted to ask the mall attendant when he peeped throu