Grandfather Ashley looked at Jake's little old phone and frowned.
“Dear son, you can't be using that phone.”
He opened his drawers and brought out a brand new phone which was also the latest model.
“Manage this for a while please. I will ask Richard to send your phone to you in a few hours.”
Jake stared at the phone, his mouth shaped an O and he couldn't even say a word.
“Sir.. Grandfather, you mean, this phone, is mine?”
He had only seen this phone on billboards along the streets where it was placed for advertisement. Back then, he admired it and quickly took his mind off it for he knew he would never be able to afford it.
“Yes, but it's just for a moment. Your own phone will be ready before tomorrow ends.”
“Thank you so much, grandfather…” he began.
“Oh no! There's no need to thank me. It's all yours. And you deserve even more to compensate you for all the years you spent outside your home. That reminds me, you will be needing a lot of things. You are a Fredrick and must dress, behave and act like one. You will be needing a house, cars, change of wardrobe and a lot more. I'll…”
A knock on the door interrupted him.
“Come in.”
Richard entered and bowed before him.
“Master, the platinum card is here.”
He took out a wrapped envelope and handed it to Ashley who in turn gave it to Jake.
“Open it.”
Jake obeyed and tore it open with utmost care. A glittering black platinum card came to light. The words,
‘Conglomerate
Fredrick group of companies.’
were imprinted boldly on both sides of the card. And at the bottom was his name,
‘Young master Frederick’
“That's your platinum card and it's limitless,” Grandfather Ashley explained to Jake and turning to Richard, he said,
“Jake will be needing a car. Take him to the garage, let him choose any one of them. Afterwards, I think he can go and see the estates that are around here, what do you think, son? Do you want to check out some of the estates around us here?”
Jake nodded, too shocked and excited to speak.
“Good. You will go with Richard to the garage for a car. Anything you need, son, anything at all, feel free to get or or let me know whatever it is. I'm here for you, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you so much, grandfather.”
“Don't mention, my dear son.”
With that, Jake and Richard stepped out of the study. They got to the garage in no time and Jake was amazed by what he saw. There were so many luxury cars, from top automobile companies, including the ones under his conglomerate. Some of these cars were cars that he had seen only in movies and some that these very rich men drove.
As he looked around him, utterly impressed and mesmerised by what he saw, Richard called out to him.
“Don't get too impressed, young master. All these ones are not the latest. We have more inside that you are yet to see. This way.”
Jake's mouth fell open. He was yet to see more?
He followed Richard closely and they came to a stop at the entrance of the underground parking lot. From where he stood, Jake could count more than twenty luxury cars of limited edition! These cars weren't made for everyone but only a few people! He could remember when some rich young master's of wealthy families came to the restaurant where he worked as a waiter. They were looking at the pictures of cars and discussing them. He remembered that they talked about these cars of limited edition and according to the boys, the cars worth twenty million dollars!
“Young master, please, make your choice,” Richard addressed him politely.
“I want to ask a question. What's the worth of these cars?”
“The lowest is twenty five million dollars, and it's the black car over there, while the most expensive is this blue sports car. It costs sixty million dollars.”
Sixty million for just a car? This meant that his family had so much money than he thought! After close inspection, Jake settled for a very beautiful Ash sports car.
“Alright, young master. We will have it customised for you in no time. Are you ready to see the estates now, young master?”
“I think I will like to see my own house first. Then, we move to the estate.”
“Sure, young master!”
Jake chose another car from the garage for the journey. The driver drove to the house grandfather had prepared for him. Words alone couldn't describe the beauty of the house. It was similar to the Fredrick mansion but it was nicer and bigger than the former. The mansion was situated in the hub of the area secluded for only elites and the topmost people amongst the elites! His mansion was the biggest and prettiest in the estate, with it's well kept lawns and gardens, a tennis lawn and many other things that added life and colour to ensure maximum comfort in the mansion.
Jake took a brief tour and was impressed by what he saw.
“Let's go to the estates owned by the Fredrick family,” he instructed.
Throughout the ride, Jake's mind was preoccupied with various thoughts. He was just a poor man, a very poor man a few hours ago, but now, a very wealthy man. He thought of various ways to get back at all his enemies. The first person that came to his mind was that evil Mr. Brian. He would surely make him pay! A man who was that mean or wicked didn't deserve to live!
“We are here, young master,” Richard called, pulling Jake out of his reverie and causing him to look around.
Wait a minute! Was his eyes playing tricks on him? Why does this place look so familiar? As the car entered the estate, Jake realised he wasn't mistaken. This was the estate and house that Mr. Brian had brought him to work the previous day!
This time, Jake didn't wait for the door to be opened for him. He came down himself and looked around to be sure he was at the right place. “Is there a problem, young master?” Richard asked, noticing his movements. “Is this the estate? The one I own?”“Yes, young master. All but one of the houses are occupied. The last one has been paid for but the owner is yet to move in. You can be rest assured that there are no men of questionable character here. They are all wealthy men, who are into legitimate businesses and they all pay their rents as at when due. Let's take a tour sir, do you mind?”“No, I don't. Let's go please.”Richard took him around, explaining what was necessary to him. Finally, they got to the house that Jake worked in.“This is the house, young master. A wealthy business tycoon just got this house a few days ago. The humongous beauty, superior and superb nature of this estate is known to everyone, the occupants and the public alike. That is why we take only the best,
“Good day, sir. Welcome to Becky Luxury stores,” the attendant greeted. She was recently employed and she didn't mind his poor clothes. She was eager to treat her customers well, be in their good books and earn a good commission for the clothes and jewellery she sold. Jake looked at the stunning young woman in front of him and at the store too. It screamed wealth, classy, exclusively for the wealthy! Finally, he was wealthy and could buy things from this shop now. Impressive. With the attendant as his right hand man, he selected some clothes and finally went to the jewellery section. There was this very nice and lovely masculine chain that caught his attention. The price tag on it was $12,000. He gasped when he saw the price but when he remembered that he was a rich man now, he heaved an inward sigh of relief and smiled to himself. He even owned the Becky stores for it was under his conglomerate! “Give me that,” he ordered, pointing at the chain. “Okay sir.”“That would be all. Pac
But Jake did not say anything. He only stared coldly at the manager. The man looked at the inscriptions on the card, ‘ConglomerateFredrick group of companies.’‘Young master Frederick.’The attendant was surprised at the manager's attitude but she was in for more surprises. The manager fell on his knees before Jake in front of everyone! “I'm sorry sir. I'm sorry, young master. Please, forgive my stupidity,” he begged and turning to the attendant, he half shouted,“Kneel will you? Kneel and beg!” and the attendant obeyed immediately. “I'm so sorry sir…”Vincent, Sky and all present were taken aback by the sudden change of events. Few seconds ago, they were shouting at Jake but now, they were on their knees on front of him! Jake's silence only made things worse for the poor manager. “I'm sorry, young master. We will not delay you further. I'll have them pack up everything for you sir. You can take it for free, after all, it's yours. Please, see it as a compensation from me for my m
As Jake stepped into the house, the first person to see him was Amelia, Sky's mother. “You wretched fool! What have you come here to do? Beg?” Her voice was loud enough to attract the attention of other people nearby. “I'm here to take my few belongings, mother…”“Did I hear mother? How dare you!”“I'm sorry ma.”Vincent came around at that time and Amelia turned to him. Her company has been trying for many years to get a chance to do business with a popular jewellery company owned by the Winters to no avail. She believed that if she treated him well, and he agrees to be her in law, that would be a walkover!“Hi, Vincent. I hope you are enjoying the party. Have you been served?”“Yes ma'am. And of course, I'm enjoying the party. Here's my glass of wine, I've been served,” Vincent answered. He looked up to say hello to everyone around Amelia and he sighted Jake. “Tsk! Tsk! What's this poor fool doing here? Go in and get useful. The people at the end of the room need more wine. Go an
Vincent's eyes grew bewildered at what his father just said. “But how?” he asked his father over the phone.“All our stocks and investors are pulling out. What have you done?” his father said at the verge of tears, his voice trembling.“What?” He was shocked and stared blankly at Jake who had no expression on his face. “You heard me. We are going bankrupt. All of our investors are pulling out and the consumers are leaving negative report.”“I'll call you back.” Vincent hung up the phone and slowly and steadily placed his phone back into his pocket. Still confused and oblivious he asked,“What the hell did you do to my father's company punk?” he aggressively asked, yanking Jake's suit and was about punching his face but Jake stopped him.“I wouldn't do that If I were you. You should really be humble and not so arrogant.” He blocked Vincent's fist, lowering it down. Vincent had no words as he noticed that Jake was much stronger than him.“What do you think you're doing Jake? You were h
Immediately Jake arrived home, he went straight to the living room where he met his grandfather on the call with someone. “Wait hold on, I'll call you soon,” Ashley ended the call and reverted to Jake who seemed to be in a hurry. “Wait, son. I have something to tell you,” he said and Jake stopped in his tracks. “You look a bit worried. Is anything the problem?” He asked concern laced his face as he spoke carefully. “It's nothing. Just had a bad day. That's all.” Jake shrugged off the question. “Do you have something to say?” Jake queried, taking his seat beside his Grandfather. “Oh, yes I do. So, I heard from someone not long before you walked in that there are some plottings. We don't know the persons are actually but they are evil-doers going around now seeking whom to devour. Now that you're the heir, I advise you to stay off Media, as you'll be traced and hunted down quickly.” Ashely said “But why will they be after me? I don't understand it.” “Well, I have my fai
Jake spat out the food that was in his mouth, choking on the remaining, he grabbed water and gulped down.“You want what?” He asked as if he had just heard an absurd thing. “You seem surprised.” Ashley responded.“Well, I am. I just got out of a tight marriage. I'm not planning on entering one, not after the trauma I went through in the hands of that woman,” he said“Look, I understand your reasons but that wouldn't stop you from getting married. I'm growing old and I want great grandchildren.” Ashely said, trying to talk sense into his grandson, but Jake was adamant.“I need time to heal, probably like four years…” he exaggerated“Is that after I die? Come on now son. All I'm saying is, you're the next in line for inheritance, sure, but you still need a successor because they're people after us,” he explained cautiously.“You keep saying that but I don't see anybody coming. And even if they do, we're rich and ward them off with a single snap of the fingers,” Jake gestured his finger
The waiter tried to free his hands but all his struggle was futile as Jake was way stronger than him. “Let go of my arms,” the waiter whined but Jake only pressed tightly against his wrist.“This is your last warning..” he said in a low growl close to the waiter's ear, momentarily, the waiter felt goosebumps running through his body. The waiter nodded his head like an agama lizard and Jake let go of his arms.As the waiter retreated his wrist, it was already bright red and arched like crazy.“I'm sorry,” he bowed and apologized before walking away, embarrassed. Jake sat back in his seat and continued eating the food the waiter had brought. He ate as if nothing had happened even though there were lots of eyes on him.“You're tough,” a female voice said beside him. He never realized the lady beside him up until now…“Pardon?”“That was brave or should I say stupid. You know they're people here who can send you right to jail if you disrupt their gathering,” she spoke freely, sipping a g