2024-12-26 05:11:54It was a regular afternoon in the Harper Corporation. Somehow, word had gotten out about Roxanne's mission to find new investors or be made to leave her current husband and marry the Larsen's heir, so it was the current hot topic of discussion in the office.
"Did you hear the news about Roxanne?" One lady called to another from her cubicle.
"Oh yes I did. Such juicy information." The second lady replied.
"I really do hope she divorces that her good for nothing husband. I was lucky to see Seth Larsen once, he's so tall and handsome." The first one said, clasping her hands in front of her chest with a dreamy look in her face.
"That means you want our company not to get investors?" the second one chided her.
"If she marries Seth Larsen, the Larsen's family business will partner with us, so what do we need investors for? Don't forget they're a second rate family." The first lady reminded the second one.
"Oh well, you're right. But that's enough Roxanne drama, she's still our boss and won't like to see us lolly gagging about like this." The second lady said and turned to face her computer.
"Yes, let's get back to work." The first one replied and also returned to her workstation.
Meredith Harper, Roxanne's sister was in the building and happened to overhear the conversation between the two employees. Wity a mean smile on her face, she took the elevator up to the floor where her sister's office was located.
Without even knocking, she let herself into the office, making Roxanne look up from the paperwork she was handing.
"Hello sister," she said, dropping into the chair opposite Roxanne and crossing her legs.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Meredith?" Roxanne asked, shutting down her computer. She knew that her sister hardly came with good intentions, and that she was most likely here to cause trouble.
"I heard a few of your staff talking," Meredith began.
"And? Staff talk all the time." Roxanne deadpanned.
"But they were talking about you." Meredith continued.
Roxanne just fixed her with a plain look. She was aware of all of Meredith's antics, and she knew her in and out.
"Anyway," Meredith began, uncrossing her legs, "I'm only here with good intentions. People are talking, Roxanne. Why are you still with that wastrel of a husband? Even willing to sacrifice our family company all for him? A freeloader like him isn't worth it! What value has he added to us?"
Roxanne felt anger begin to rise in her chest."I won't have you walk into my office, insult my husband and make a joke out of my marriage, Meredith."
"What do you mean make a joke? Asher Griffin being married to you is the biggest joke in this city and everybody knows it. Which is why you should marry Seth instead. Divorce that loser and ally yourself with the Larsens who are a better fit for us all." Meredith scoffed.
Roxanne got up from her chair so quickly that it startled Meredith. She balanced her palms on her desk, leaned down and looked straight into Meredith's eyes, then said,
"We may be family, but some things I will not tolerate, Meredith. How I run my life doesn't concern you in any way. If you like the Larsen family so much, then marry Seth yourself."
Meredith also stood up and glared at Roxanne.
"Fine, sister. But let's wait and see where being so arrogant and selfish will lead you. Let's hope you don't become a laughing stock in the end. Have a nice day." Meredith said before leaving the office and slamming the door shut after her.
After Meredith left, Roxanne dropped back into her chair and sighed heavily. Since she agreed to that deal with her father earlier, news had spread very fast. She had sent out a few proposals that morning, but she wasn't expecting any tangible results.
Her husband had told her not to worry, but she couldn't help but worry. How exactly did he plan on helping her? The Harper Corporation was struggling financially, so finding investors willing to partner with them was proving to be a big problem.
As she was deep in thoughts, her secretary, a young woman burst into her office suddenly.
"Ms. Harper! Ms. Harper! You'll never believe it!" The secretary squealed excitedly.
"What is it, Rose?' Roxanne inquired.
"A delegation just arrived, and they said they're from the Garrison group! And they want to speak with you, to discuss the terms of a new partnership!" Rose, the secretary announced in the same excited tone.
Roxanne couldn't believe her ears. The Garrison group? The Garrisons were a high level second rate family, even higher than the Larsens in the social ladder. If she could seal this partnership deal with them, it would save her marriage and bring even more benefits to the company than the Larsens could.
She tried to keep the excitement in her voice to a minimum and look professional, before nodding to her secretary, "Bring them in, Rose."
Rose left and returned shortly with a group of people, two men and one woman. She recognised the man in the lead immediately, Liam Garrison. He was the younger brother of the current family head, Andrew Garrison, and had a stellar reputation as a very astute businessman.
"Good day, Mr. Garrison," Roxanne greeted, extending her right hand for a handshake.
"Mrs Harper-Griffin, a good day to you too." He gripped her hand in his, shaking it firmly but gently.
Roxanne felt warmth spreading through her as she heard his manner of address. Not many people recognised her husband or married status, so the fact that he did pleased her greatly.
It was in that good mood that she asked, "And how may I be of service to you and your associates this afternoon Mr. Garrison? Please, sit." She pointed to the chairs opposite her as she took her seat too.
"No cause for worry, ma'am, we come in good faith. As your secretary may have told you, we come bearing a proposal for a partnership." Liam Garrison began to say.
Roxanne was stunned. Hearing it from her secretary was one thing, but having it confirmed by a top level member of the Garrison family was another thing entirely. She just sat in an excited silence and listened as he explained the finer points of the contract.
"So, Mrs. Griffin, as the Garrison group has plans on expanding into the insurance sector, partnering with a trusted firm such as yours will helo build our reputation with the customers, as well as boost your company. So as you can see, it's a win win for both our companies." Liam Garrison explained.
Roxanne nodded, showing her agreement.
"In that case, shall we make it official?" Liam gestured to the woman who accompanied him, and she handed him a contract encased in a black leather folio. "If you sign here, here, and here," he pointed to three places across the papers, "it will be finalised by both our lawyers, and the partnership will take full effect in the next 24 hours."
Roxanne watched as he slid the file across the desk to her. She read through the contract, not finding any loopholes and seeing that it was genuine. Taking a pen from her drawer, she signed the contract.
Liam Garrison smiled as she handed the contract back to him. "I look forward to working with you, Mrs. Griffin. You'll receive your copy of the contract from your lawyers. " He extended his hand for a handshake with Roxanne.
"Thank you, and the feeling is mutual, Mr. Garrison. The Harper Corporation won't let you down." Roxanne shook the offered hand.
"Alright then. We'll remain in touch. Good day, Mrs. Griffin." Liam Garrison said, then stood up and left the office, followed by his associates.
As they left, Roxanne slumped down in her seat. She was in a state of shock. One moment, she was worrying about how to solve her problems, the next moment a solution came swooping in. Just like her husb and had assured her.
That led her to begin to wonder, just who exactly had she married?
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Nine.
Asher was back in his room at the hotel when he received a phone call from Andrew Garrison. He picked and placed the phone against his ear. "Hello, Andrew. I assume the first thing has been done?" "Yes, Mr. G, done exactly according to your instructions. I even sent my brother as a show of good faith." Andrew's voice came over the phone. "Good. I know that some of your staff may have their reservations, but trust me. I'll send you three hundred million dollars right now as an initial investment." Asher said. "Sir, wow. Thank you sir." Andrew breathed in gratitude. "It's nothing, Andrew. This is just the beginning of what you stand to gain by allying yourself with me." "I understand, sir. I await further instructions.""I'll get back to you when I need you." Asher said. "Yes sir." Andrew said and hung up. Almost immediately, Asher received another call, but this time from Roxanne. "Hello, my dear," he purred into the phone as he picked up. "Asher, you would never believe it!"
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Ten.
On seeing what he did, Odette flew into a frenzy. "Now look what you've done, you useless good for nothing. Stop hindering our chances at a better life! Maybe of we just cut you off this family you'll learn your lesson."Roland stood behind his wife in support. "She's right, Asher, you're just a leech feeding off this family's resources. But no more. As from today, the Harpers disown you as a member of the family. You no longer have any ties to us, social or otherwise. And once we find a way to separate you from Roxanne, it will be permanent."Asher felt nothing as he heard his father in law's words. It changed nothing, they had never treated him like a part of the family anyway. All they did was humiliate and insult him. Roxanne, however, was torn apart. She moved to beg her family but Asher gripped her hand, giving her a small, subtle shake of the head as a signal not to act. She nodded her head, learning to trust her husband in such situations. A member of the wait staff came and
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Eleven.
After Asher left the party, he called a car to come and pick him up. Not too long after that, Liam Garrison came to stand beside him. "Aren't you offended by their actions, sir?" Liam asked him. "And why should I be?" Asher asked, a small smirk stretching his lips. "Sir…" Liam trailed off. "Exactly." Asher stated. "There's no need for me to reveal myself this early, and the Harpers aren't worth me sabotaging myself just this soon. All except one anyway.""I understand." Liam nodded, just as the car arrived. Asher stepped into the backseat of the car and waited as Liam got into the other side. "Where to now, sir?" Liam asked. "I need to find a place to stay. Something more long term. Are there any available properties for sale in the city?" Asher asked. "Yes sir, there are." Liam replied. "I want the absolute best that money can buy, I have a lot of it just sitting in my account collecting dust." Asher said. "In that case sir, I know the perfect place for you to purchase a ho
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Twelve.
Meanwhile, Asher was unaware of the commotion his new purchase had caused in the outside world. He currently sat in the back of his blacked out Rolls Royce, on his way to meet another of New York City's influential families. The Eastwood family was also another first rate family in New York City. They ran in the same circles as the Garrison family, and they were very well known. The dominated the luxury good business in the city, with only a few competitors. They also had very distant ties to the Kane clan, just not as deep and strong as the ties the Garrison family held. The Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the Eastwood manor. The security guards, unlike previous guards that Asher had come in contact with let him through without any hassle. The news about the purchase of the house earlier had everyone on tenterhooks, as nobody wanted to unwittingly offend anybody for now. As the car went round the circular driveway surrounding the manor, it rolled to a stop in front of the main
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Thirteen.
Inside the Eastwood manor, Zachary told Asher to wait in a small parlor, while he went on to get their family head. Not too long after that, Asher heard voices approaching the parlor, just as a distinguished older man came into view. He looked to be in his late 50s, but he was very fit for his age. Asher wasn't surprised, he knew that martial arts was one of the Eastwood's many hobbies. As Asher was sizing the man up, he was also doing the same thing to Asher. Lionel Eastwood wondered just who the young man in front of him was. He seemed to be about the same age with his son, and didn't look like he came from a notable family, if not, he would have recognised him. He waited for Asher to speak first. "You must be the head of the Eastwood family." Asher's voice rang out. A quick flash of displeasure raced through Lionel. He ignored the way Asher spoke to him as an equal and replied, "Watch your tone, boy. You should know how to interact with a family head."Asher just ignored the w
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Fourteen.
Asher had directed the driver to head towards his new residence because he was in need of a shower and a change of clothes. They were close to the estate when a call came into his phone. He looked down at the caller ID, it was an unsaved number. He picked up the call with a small frown, "Hello? Who is this?" A panicked voice came from the other end, "Hello, Mr. Griffin! Its Mr. Cheng, the manager of the hotel you purchased not too long ago."Recognition dawned on Asher. "Is anything the matter, Mr. Cheng?" "As a matter of fact, yes sir. There's a situation at the hotel, and they won't listen to me. You have to hurry here sir.""They? Who are they?" Asher asked. "They from the mob, sir. They work for-" The line suddenly went dead. Asher stated at the phone, wondering exactly what was going on. He had only bought that hotel as a show of power, but if anyone thought they could mess with him, they were in for a surprise. "Change of plans, take me to the Lotus Resort immediately." He
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Fifteen.
The man hesitated before answering, relenting only when Asher pressed his knee even deeper into his back. "Vladimir Mozorov," he said, "he's a king in the underworld of this city, and he'll have your head on a platter for crossing him.""And why are you here?" "This hotel is under his protection, and such, a portion of the profits belong to him. Mr. Cheng here was supposed to remit those funds yesterday, but he didn't. Already, he said he didn't want the hotel under Boss Mozorov's protection anymore.""Then why didn't you listen to him?" The gang leader laughed. "It doesn't work like that, pretty boy. No one can just use Boss Mozorov's protection however they wish. And now that you've crossed him, you'll pay the price. All of you."Asher contemplated for a moment, then got up from the gang leader's back. "Take your trash with you and get out of here," he pointed to the men lying in various positions on the ground, "and tell your boss that if he has a problem, he can settle it with
Asher's Legacy. Chapter Sixteen.
Not too long after his conversation with Roxanne, Asher was on his way to a jewellery store. He knew that Roxanne wasn't moved by material things, but he hadn't gifted her a lot while they were together, and he decided to break that chain. He swung his sedan into the parking lot of the mall complex, where it was surrounded by many flashy cars. Aston Martins, Bentleys amd Rolls Royces were littered about, making his sedan stick out like a sore thumb. But he wasn't bothered, not even in the slightest. He could afford any and all of the cars here, not to forget, he was being chauffeured about in a ridiculously expensive Rolls Royce a few days ago. He made sure his car was locked and he had his wallet, then he left the parking lot and went into the mall complex. The entire area screamed luxury. Many big brands had outlets here. Jewellery, clothes, skincare, food, you name it, a luxury version of everything could be found here. And surrounded by people wearing high end clothing and walki
Latest Chapter
Chapter One Hundred and Forty Five.
Asher finally told Roxanne his real identity, which made Roxanne slumped on the bed on hearing every details of the story. Ryder had hurried out to call the doctor, while Asher stayed back but confused on what he could do next.But the doctor arrived few minutes after Ryder had ran off to his office. "Take it easy guys, Roxanne is well okay, but I think she actually needs some rest now"The doctor said after running his checks on him, then Ryder suggested they take a stroll round the hospital, but Asher insisted it was best they stay around and probably keep a close eyes on her."Come on man, you were here when the doctor said she's fine. Let’s get out of here, you need to some air, I think your brain had really gone through so much"Ryder insisted and when Asher tried kicking against it for the second time, he quietly reached for his hand and pulled Asher along with him.As their walked round the hospital premises, taking a clear view of what the environment looks liked.Ryder noti
Chapter One Hundred and Forty Four.
Jessica who had been calling to find out why Meredith didn’t call back as she promised, but continued getting same response. She became really angry and wondered if that was her way of trying to avoid her questions which she knew how serious it was.After calling the whole day and still go no response. She decided to drive down to Meredith's house to find out what was going on.With how angry she was, she drove into Roland’s premises and hurried down from her car. She had walked a little distance when she realised she had left the car open. "Sh**t!" she could pierce her neck with a knife if she was with one, as the point.Immediately she turned and hurried back to the car to close it. But as she hurried, the heel to one of her shoes pulled off. "What the heck is going on?" She spat, burning in a flame of anger, as she bent and completely pulled her shoes off, then hurried to close the car. She got to the door afterwards and unleashed her anger on the doorbell as she pressed on it s
Chapter One Hundred and Forty Three.
"I want to believe whoever responsible for this is as rich as Robert?"Roland continued pacing back and forth of his living room, while his wife Odette, sat next to Meredith leaning her body above her knees while facing the floor.She felt numbed as she could not say a word but let the tears flow off her eyes freely without trying to stop them.**Flash back **"Congratulations to you guys, I’m sure the young lady you brought in here is your daughter inlaw?"Roland shifted his eyes to Odette, as if trying to ask her if the doctor really knew what he was talking about. But to his surprise, Odette was even more confused more than he was.Before he could turned back to ask the doctor the meaning of what he had said, Odette said."Hello Doctor, sorry I was actually the woman whom you ask to stay behind and wait, few hours back"The doctor smiled, as he wondered what had come over the Roland and his wife. Why would he pass on a report if he wasn’t sure of who they were? He thought to himsel
Chapter One Hundred and Forty Two.
Ryder took Asher's hand as he quietly pushed him to a corner. "Listen Asher, this thing right now is at your own detriment, so I think is time you let Roxanne know who you are, you can't keep this secret anymore especially not now.Ryder said trying to sound serious and Asher who kept wondering how he was going to tell Roxanne everything. Stood, his head bent facing the floor. He was thinking Forth and back but every response he got was rather a dangerous one and he was scared it could actually ruin his chances completely."I understand okay?" Ryder continued. "Don’t worry Asher, just let me do this for you"Asher exhaled, letting out the air he had held up for a long while thinking on how he was going to go through it, knowing Roxanne would never be happy to find out he kept such information from her for a long time."I really appreciate this Ryder, but do you think it’s actually right to let her know?"He sighed, repeating everything Asher had said. Ryder was amused as he kept smil
Chapter One Hundred and Forty One.
"Okay doctor, I need you to look into my eyes and tell me what you just said right now wasn’t a joke"Asher said.The moment Asher saw Jane was still on the position where he had left her, he felt no help could actually come from someone who would be so lazy to stand up after a mere throw.He hurried back outside, and there he saw a car driving towards the hotel exit. Immediately, he ran after the car and in approaching it, he begged severely. Asking the man inside the car to help him catch up with the car that had just left the premises.One of his luckiest day, He thought as he the man nodded his head in acceptance without having to ask him why."Yes Griffin. You heard me just right, she's actually three months gone"Asher threw himself into Ryder arms out of excitement, that was probably the only thing he could do to help him hold back his tears. Cause at the point, he was already emotional and could actually get the doctor thinking he was crying in regrets.Ryder then opened up hi
Chapter One Hundred and Forty.
"What mother said had truths in them, but what can we possibly do to get us off here? What if we are destined to remain like this?" She asked muttered "But what In God's name made them think of asking someone who’s already married to leave her husband for some crippled fellow?"It seemed all shades of impossibility as Meredith thought about it, while walking her way back to her room. She had lost her appetite and felt her brain was too congested to start thinking of how to take anything down her stomach.As she walked the stairs bit by bit while her mind kept travelling distance, she missed her step and fell down, Her loud scream drew Odette's attention, that she had to ran out immediately to see what what was happening to her, that could warrant the loud scream. But then, she came out and saw Meredith laying on the stairs."Are you alright? Why did you have to scream that hard, wnat happened to you?" Odette asked as she hurried to meet Meredith on the stairs. But she was shocked to
Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Nine.
"Far from it Mom" Meredith said on seeing the look on her mother’s face. Odette neither happy nor sad on hearing Meredith say her mind but rather, she was disappointed at herself, knowing it had gotten to that point where she would have to remind her kids of a certain situation whenever they are in need of something.For a moment she remaind calm, taking her eyes round Meredith's face. What could she do? It was never her desire for things to turn the way they are, but it would have been a lot easier for the family, if she also had a business of her own and not dependent on her husband as well. But since life choose to happen to them in that way, what could she possibly do to help get them back to their feet?Odette thought as Meredith on the other hand locked her eyes on her faces wondering what was going through her mind.After a while. She hummed, trying to break the silence. "What is it mother? You look like something is going through your mind, what is it?"And then, Odette sho
Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Eight.
Even though Meredith had promised Roxanne she would not going to confront their parents over their demand from her, she continued to have this burning desire to talk to them about it at least.And because of that, she grew cold with them. Always looking for this slight chance to let it out, cause she believes keeping it for too long within her and not voice out could actually a bit dangerous.She had skipped school for days, cause lately she was unable to meet up with her clique's exceptions, which got everyone of them talking and making mockery of her. Except Jessica, her best friend. Who was sure something was definitely wrong and decided to confront her, to know why she was suddenly lashing out.But since she was scared of being kicked off or sidelined. She decided it was best she made herself the only one aware of her flaws, not even Jessica could get her to talk.And because of that, school suddenly became a nightmare. She woke up that that faithful day, and decided it was going
Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Seven.
Roxanne had forced herself off Ryder’s arms and made her way out of the room, she felt the both have just too much to explain. She was certain that Ryder definitely knew something she doesn’t, and she could only grant them a listening ear when they feel it was time to talk.As Asher watched Roxanne walked out of the room, he pleaded with Ryder to help him stop her from going out of the hotel, cause he knew, it would definitely be a different story if she successfully finds her way out of the hotel.But Ryder was still confused as he witnessed the drama unfold. For the first time since he knew Asher, he was seeing him so emotional about something.But as he was about to run after Roxanne, the thought of not knowing what was happening before he walked in on them, hit him. He paused, turning to look at Asher who was following him like a little child under instruction."I just realised no one told me what this whole drama is about, what exactly is going on? Why does she look so upset to t
