Ten

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 and get wine for them.”

“Is that so? Hurry, you good for nothing fellow. Maybe you can be of some good use for the first time,” Amelia added. If only they knew who they were sending on an errand!

“But ma, I'm only here to pick up my few belongings…” Jake argued but was cut short with a slap from Amelia. 

“What? This poor thing whom I cloth and feed now has the effontery to talk back at me. Have you lost your mind? I see that I'm being too lenient with you!”

Before Jake could react, a transparent sweet flavoured fluid, streamed down his face, blocking his line of sight and entering his eyes. 

“I need more wine. Be off right now!” Vincent, who poured him wine, ordered. Jake's eyes stung as the alcohol entered his eyes and he wiped his face with his hands to enable him see clearly. 

“Are you still here? Get out!” Vincent said loudly, causing more people to turn towards him. Now that a lot of people were staring, Jake decided to rid Vincent Winters of his pride! 

“Now that you have the chance, plead for forgiveness or I'll have you pay for pouring wine on me.”

This was getting more interesting! Vincent looked at Jake and laughed. When Sky saw what was happening, she hurried to her boyfriend's side and kissed his cheek. She wanted to show everyone how her super boyfriend would put this miserable man in his place. 

“Will you plead or not?” Jake asked. 

Sky sprang up immediately and rushed at Jake, aiming to slap him but Jake evaded it, surprising her. 

“You piece if trash! What the hell are you doing? Will you be able to take responsibility for speaking to Mr Winters like that? Are you tired of living a happy life?” 

A mumur erupted in the crowd. Of course, everyone was in Vincent's side. Extremely pleased with the attention he attracted, Vincent sat comfortably on the couch, exuding the charm and arrogance of a long reigning king. 

“Cheap threat. I'm sure you don't want to see what I can do, do you?”

“You have a minute to beg me now or I'll render you bankrupt in a twinkle of an eye!” Jake stated. His voice was flat, emotionless and he spoke as if he was discussing business with a business partner. 

“Aha. Some low life is trying to put up a show. Is this because of the show you put up at the restaurant yesterday? I can't wait to see you make me bankrupt. Do you know me? Vincent Winters. Let me spell it out to you!”

The crowd cheered him when he called his name for the name Winters was a popular one in the business world. 

“Thirty seconds left.”

Vincent folded his arms across his chest and the sapphires on his cufflinks shone brightly. 

“I'm eagerly waiting to see what a poor thing can do. But when you are done with this show and embarrassment, I'll make sure you get locked up for daring to contend with me!” Vincent threatened. 

“Two seconds left!” Jake said again and when the two seconds had elasped, he took out his phone from his pocket and made a phone call.

“I want the Winters group to go bankrupt in a minute! Get rid of all there shares and their stock!”

“Yes sir!” the person at the other end of the phone answered. 

Just then, Vincent's phone rang. He stared mockingly at Jake and took out his expensive phone. He slid his hands across the screen and when the call connected, his father's clear and angry voice rang out,

“You silly son of mine! What have you done? Who have you offended amongst the higher ups? Our company is now bankrupt!”