Nate looked strangely at Henry. “You think that’s a lot?”
Henry was rendered speechless.
“Did you know that your father inherited the same amount as you?” Nate supplied. “That was like 20 years ago.” He added.
When Henry thought about it, he realized that his father was a lucky man because about 30 billion dollars about 20 years ago was a lot of money compared to his time now that the dollar had depreciated.
Henry sighed.
Nate moved closer to him. “You know why I say the family is stingy? The value of this inheritance should have increased over time but it didn’t. Nevertheless, your father was a generous man.”
Henry looked up at him. “Uncle Nate, what do you mean by that?”
“You must know that the wealth of the Parker family belongs to the family and as for those who died, their wealth will be used as a startup capital for the next generation,” Nate said.
Henry was paying keen attention.
“If those who inherit the wealth start their own business and succeed, they can control their money independently,” Nate revealed. He then moved closer to Henry and immersed him in a hug.
Nate leaned and began to whisper into Henry’s left ear. “Your father left you 20 billion dollars.”
“20 billion?” whispered a star-struck Henry.
Henry remembered that his father was a business mogul and the man had always mentioned how so many people had supported him to become the head of the family. Henry had never thought that his father had saved so much money for him, especially with the way his late father was spending on charity.
“20 billion!” Henry muttered in disbelief. The highest amount the other heirs received from their late fathers was 1 billion dollars.
Nate continued speaking. “I decided to become the President of City Bank because I promised your father that I’ll do my best to ensure you get the best in life. That was the amount I used as capital to start up the banking business and as we speak right now, the amount has doubled over the years to 40 billion.
Henry was taken aback.
Nate raised a finger from his left hand. “Lest I forget, I set up a foundation in your name and rendered charity on several occasions. Meanwhile, these funds we are talking about are accessible and you can have it anytime you want.”
Henry folded his arms across his chest and began to study Nate like it was the first time he was setting eyes on him. He concluded that no wonder his uncle Nate never bothered to start over. The man has been working day and night to help him grow his inheritance.
Henry had a deep conviction that his father left some money for him but not even in his wildest imagination did he think the money could be up to 20 billion dollars. Now, he was looking at over 50 billion dollars’ worth of cash not to mention the assets.
“Does this mean I have a fortune of about 100 billion? That’s too much?” Henry said after regaining from the shock.
Nate flashed a smile.
Henry couldn’t hide his excitement. 68 billion dollars combined was what the two other heirs before him got as their inheritance and there he was, having almost 100 billion dollars alone. All this while, he had thought that the mercenary lord and the business lord were supreme but now, his father had just made him financially powerful over them.
Henry turned to Nate and tried to regain his composure. He had been smiling so brightly that color was beginning to radiate from every corner of his face and it gladdened Nate’s heart.
“I will need some cash first then I can look at the assets and other things in the document later but for now, I would like you to keep a part of the profit you made for yourself,” Henry told Nate.
Nate swung his head from left to right in filial objection. “Henry, your father has already paid me in advance.”
Henry was taken aback.
Nate smiled. “I’ve been sorted. Everything here is yours. This is the rule.”
Henry insisted. “Uncle Nate, I know you don’t lack money at the moment but if you don’t take your share of the profits, it means I’m not loyal.”
Again, Nate shook his head in disagreement.
“How about 10 percent? You have to take 10 percent no matter what,” said Henry. “Except you don’t want me to feel bad.” He added with a serious face.
Nate sighed. “Alright, but consider it as a loan I’m obtaining from you. I will invest it.”
Henry chuckled. “Whatever, Uncle Nate.”
“Now, come with me, we need to transfer cash into your account and give you a debit card,” Nate said. They stepped out.
****
Two hours later, Nate led Henry to the bank entrance after he was able to complete the transaction he needed.
Henry was able to obtain a credit card and had some funds wired into his account. However, the transfer of assets was not a matter that could be tackled in a day, especially with the large amount of money Henry was now possessing so he had simply filled out the necessary forms and signed the contract for the transfer of assets.
Meanwhile, Henry withdrew a large amount of money and had it enclosed in a briefcase.
As he stood at the entrance with Nate, a thought hit Henry. He hadn’t seen Nate in more than 10 years and he was considering having lunch with him. They had a lot of catching up to do.
However, he noticed that Nate was exhausted and since they had another meeting to continue the transfer of assets, Henry concluded that he would bring up lunch that time.
Nate placed a hand on Henry’s left shoulder. “It was so good to see you Henry after all these years. I’ve been looking forward to this day.”
Henry smiled. “Thank you, Uncle Nate. I just can’t thank you enough.”
“We will keep in touch,” Nate said and moved into the bank.
Henry clutched his briefcase and gazed up to the sky. He heaved a sigh of relief and when he looked down, Stacey was standing before him.
Stacey grinned. “Mr. Parker, what a coincidence. We meet again.”Henry stared at her intently. He realized that she was no longer wearing the long skirt and silk shirt she had earlier. She was now wearing a British suit with a mini skirt. She had even applied a light makeup and for a moment, Henry found her quite attractive.While Henry was yet to give her a response, Stacey moved closer to him, maintaining a sheepish grin. “Did you drive here? If not, I can give you a ride home.”Henry was speechless.Stacey continued. “You know, it’s such a coincidence that I had just closed for the day and it’s obvious you’ve been waiting here for a cab for quite a while so hop in and let me drop you off.”“Did you say coincidence?” Henry finally spoke. He cracked a smile and then the thought of Bella wavered in his mind. He found both women compatible because they had proven that their actions could be shaped by the power of money.Stacey began to fondle her pinky finger while licking her lips sli
The more Henry went through the messages. The more infuriated he was. Soon, more messages began flooding in. In a flash, Henry stood up and kicked the stool facing his bed.He had endured their demeaning comments for too long. They had gotten too far this time.Was that how they took advantage of his inactivity in the group to gossip about him? Wondered Henry.He kept restraining himself from reading the messages but again. Benedict was typing and Henry wanted to read what he wrote.Benedict finally dropped the message and it read: while you guys eat and drink, Bella and I will go to one of the hotel rooms and have fun. Is Henry there?While Henry’s rage heightened, he saw another message in the group and this time, the message was from Bella. As if she knew he was reading the messages, Bella wrote under Benedict’s message.That’s right Henry. Benedict and I are off to have fun. You can’t compare to him anyway.Henry felt his heart shredding into pieces. While his eyes burned with fur
With his head held high, Henry took graceful steps into the hall. All eyes were flung on him and when the audience noticed the dame beside him, tongues began to wag. Meanwhile, Stacy’s arm was tucked right around Henry’s. She was holding onto him tightly to prove to the crowd that her relationship with him wasn’t platonic. Murmurs began to fly through every corner of the room. “Is that his girlfriend?”“She’s so damn hot!”“Where did Henry get such a beauty from?”When Henry was approaching Benedict, the whole room fell silent. Everyone had understood that there was about to be a battle between Benedict and Henry. Benedict broke into a dry laugh and cast a contemptuous look at Henry. Henry held up his malicious stare and reciprocated the look. As the boys kept staring at each other with fury in their eyes, the crowd couldn’t help but compare Bella’s beauty to Stacey’s. If Bella’s skin was as bright as the sun and her beauty was as blinding, Stacey’s skin glowed and could illumin
Benedict straightened his hands on the table. “Look, I know you’re a poor man and a loser but I’ve always thought you were an honest man so cut the crap about paying the dame 6 million dollars.” He told Henry. “I meant what I said.” Henry maintained. Benedict broke into a laugh. He pressed his lips into a thin line and looked intensely at Henry. Was Henry making fun of him? He wondered. “How can a scavenger of all people be so arrogant?” Benedict spat with a vicious face. His voice was ringing with disgust. He couldn’t take it anymore. He pointed a finger at Henry. “What do you mean by 6 million dollars? Look, we are all coursemates here so who do you want to impress?”Henry wasn’t bothered by the fact that Benedict was turning red. He ignored his hostile face and reached for the wine in Stacey’s hand. She passed it to him. He took a sip and handed it back to her. Benedict clenched his jaw. Henry sighed and threw his back against the chair. “Look, Benedict. I’m not a good acto
The way Henry gave orders to Nate stating that the hotel’s top staff be assembled made him seem like the owner and it pissed Benedict off. Benedict sighed and was determined not to deal with Henry just yet. He would rather wait for him to make a fool of himself. Benedict sat and Bella settled right next to him. They began to whisper while Henry was stamping his left leg patiently. Stacey was simply enjoying the drama and while some of the students had resolved to chat and dine, others were determined not to move an inch for they were determined to see the last of Henry’s games. About ten minutes later, a knock landed on the glass door. As if their gazes were guided by a magical wand, everyone turned in that direction. A dignified man in a customized suit walked in. His black hair had receded and he was about 50 years of age. The man was Mr. Cross, Star Moon’s hotel manager. Not only was Mr. Cross a dignified staff in the hotel, but he was also a respected man in Marylyn and was
Molly, who was standing next to Bella turned to her with stars in her eyes. “Wait, Henry bought Star Moon Hotel? Can you imagine how powerful he is?”The other students began to whisper among themselves. “Did Mr. Cross just refer to Henry as president?”“Can you imagine how rich he is to have secured this hotel?”“I don’t understand. How is all this even possible?”The students went on speaking. Jared slipped behind Benedict and walked up to Markus. They began to whisper to each other.“I think it’s time we accept the fact that he’s rich. The signs are everywhere.” Markus said with his arms folded across his chest.Everyone was staring in disbelief as the staff went on to introduce themselves to Henry. “If he was this rich then why did he spend his life picking up trash? This whole thing is driving me nuts.” Jared cried out. Molly moved away from Bella and stood before her colleagues. “Seems like Henry had been playing games with us all these while. Isn’t it evident that he’s ric
Bella’s face was covered with a shocked reaction after Henry made the response. She then joined her palms together and went on begging him. Henry was disgusted by Bella’s actions. What does she take him for? A fool? He knew she was bent on getting back with him because of his newfound money. He shook his head. “I’m not as lowly as you are.” He then walked away, leaving behind a stunned Bella. Benedict was trying to keep his temper in check and possibly free himself from the humiliating position he was in. When he saw Bella hovering over Henry like a bear at the sight of honey, he wasn’t bothered but the determined Bella went running down the lobby after Henry with tears rolling down her cheeks. The students began to point at Benedict and giggle. “Get away from him, Bella!” Benedict yelled, shooing her like a dog. Mr. Cross turned to the students. “Party is over. What are you all still doing here?”They vanished. Meanwhile, one of the guards had arrived with a camp-size bed. He
Henry pressed his eyes against each other and slowly opened them. He felt his arms wrapped around something or someone rather. When he darted his gaze down, he saw Stacey in his arms, smiling at him. She was tucked beneath the sheets just like him. The sheets were the only covering around them. Henry’s eyes widened when the flashes of the previous night came wavering on his mind. Stacey was looking up at him with her eyes filled with desire. “Good morning, sleepy head.” “What time is it?” he quickly sat up and wiped his eyes with the edge of his left palm. Stacey stared at the wall clock. “noon on the dot.” She turned to Henry with a smile. “What a perfect time to wake up.”Henry’s brows went up in disbelief. “noon?” He then looked through the window. The sun was already up, shining brightly. “How on earth did I sleep for this long?” He cried out and lowered the sheet to his waist. Henry would always wake up at dawn to collect trash. It was the first time in 6 years that he ha