2024-08-07 17:52:38Kevin nodded once and took the card from Mia.
Mia moved towards the front door. She actually thought Kevin was going to refuse her order.
But then he could be dumb but not that dumb. He was supposed to know that she was very busy which was why she had to ask him to do it.
Besides, Kevin doesn't do anything else in the house. And she pays his bills, provides shelter and even feeds him. This was the least he could do for her.
Kevin pocketed the card and walked out of the villa as well without any word.
He flagged down a taxi. “Phoenix Plaza!”
The driver nodded once and Kevin got inside the car. He couldn't wait to see Alessia again.
A smile was on his face as the car pulled off in front of the plaza. He got down and handed over some wads of notes to the driver.
He hesitated briefly before he walked inside. He stopped almost immediately, in the lobby when he saw Alessia standing with some men and women in expensive suits.
He didn't expect to see Alessia amidst many people. He thought he would be able to see her alone.
He glanced at his clothes and concluded instantly that he would see Alessia some other time.
But before he could turn away, Alessia already saw him. Their gaze held and locked for a moment.
Alessia teared up. She couldn't believe her eyes. That she could finally be looking at Lord Phoenix after so long.
She unconsciously took a step closer, placed her hands together in front of her, and started to go down. She was going to kneel and chant for Kevin's name. After all, he owns Phoenix Plaza and he should be known by all and sundry that he was back!
Kevin saw what she was about to do. He rushed forward and stopped her before she would kneel. He pulled her into a hug immediately, shocking Alessia for a moment because she wasn't expecting it.
Everyone around stared at them, shocked. Then comments flew in from different directions.
The workers’ eyes widened in shock.
“This has never happened before.”
“Who is that man?”
“Why is she hugging him?”
“Whoever he is. He must be very important to her because Alessia barely feels anything. She's not at all emotional.”
“She doesn't even have a love interest.”
“B_boss,” Alessia stammered. She didn't know what to do at first. The boss was hugging her and that was so strange.
It was the first time it would happen and eventhough she wanted just that, she dared not propose it.
Kevin patted her back slightly, unconcerned. “I can't reveal my identity yet, Alessia. Not here, not now. I don't want anyone to know that Phoenix is still alive,” he whispered into her ears.
Alessia nodded once in understanding and Kevin pulled back.
Her face changed drastically. She knew that she had made a very big mistake. She would have spoilt the plan if Kevin hadn't hugged her sooner.
She turned to look at the faces of the people who were staring back at her with skeptical expressions. They were waiting for her to talk, to let them in on what was happening because Alessia had never been in that kind of position. She has always been strict and maybe harsh most of the time.
And it has never even been rumoured that she had a boyfriend.
Alessia cleared her throat meaningfully. “So, everyone, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Kevin,” she announced.
Everyone's expression went weird as they regarded Kevin for a moment. They were not expecting it at all. They were there for something else. They were the executives of Phoenix Group anyway.
“Really?” One of the men, Mr Jude said suddenly, with a wide smile on his face. “So nice to meet you, Mr Kevin,” he said happily.
“Yes! I must say I'm really shocked. I never expected to see the boyfriend of our pretty and hardworking CEO. It's nice meeting you,” Mr Oscar smiled.
Kevin smiled, flabbergasted but Alessia was shy. She couldn't imagine what she had just said. She just made everything more awkward and she hoped Kevin wasn't upset with her about it.
“Yes! I'm happy for you, Miss Alessia,” Mrs Cynthia congratulated her.
Alessia nodded once, with a wide smile on her face. “I need to attend to something. I will speak to you all later,” he excused herself and led Kevin inside the elevator.
The executives were still smiling and chatting happily before Alessia and Kevin were out of sight.
“I thought I was going to meet you alone,” Kevin said suddenly as the elevator ascended.
“I'm sorry Boss. I_” she started but the elevator opened. “Please, let's go to my office. We can talk better there,” she explained and stepped out.
Kevin nodded once and followed her. They entered the spacious office of Alessia.
She closed the door and knelt in front of Kevin. “I'm so sorry boss! I thought I should reveal your identity to everyone which was why I called the executives over but I'm so sorry. Because I almost put you in another disaster.”
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Kevin moved closer to her slowly.“I deserve to die, boss!” Alessia muttered, with her head bowed.Kevin ignored her words and gently pulled her up. “If I kill you, where do I get a new general Tiger, Little cat?” He teased.Alessia smiled softly and Kevin could remember the last time he had seen her smile. That was a year ago, just before the accident happened.He was on his way to Penia City in his private ship when he was ambushed. Kevin was asleep when he heard noises. When he walked out of his room, corpses were lying on the floor. Kevin was caught off guard. He rushed inside to grab his gun but even with that, he was suddenly feeling dizzy and his head hurt so much.Before he could say more, some men in black rushed out with guns in their hands.One of them fired a shot almost immediately but the ship moved to a side suddenly, making them miss their target.Kevin used the opportunity to shoot one of them and rush over to the ship’s Bridge. The helmsman was dead!He doesn't even
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Alessia thought for a moment and a smile evaded her face. “I think I might have a good gift.”“Really?”Alessia nodded slightly and moved away. She moved to her bar and retrieved a bottle of wine.“This is the best gift,” she announced with a wide smile.Kevin moved closer and took the bottle of wine from her.“This is Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tache. It's one of the most expensive wines in the world. It costs over 200k dollars. If you give this as a gift to anyone, they will surely be happy and grateful about it.”Kevin nodded several times “This is the best gift. Thank you so much, Alessia.”Alessia reciprocated his smile. “Anytime, boss. Though, I think we still have a lot to catch up to.”Kevin nodded in agreement. “Sure, and there is plenty of time to do that. But I better leave now.”“Alright.”Alessia watched him until he was out of the office. She was more than happy and she would like if not anything, to show Lionel that he was wrong and Phoenix was alive but they were g
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Mia’s face turned pale, she didn’t expect Kevin would screw up. She saw the look on Mrs Perry's face and knew instantly that she was enraged. That was the last thing she wanted.She got up and hurried to stand in front of Mrs Perry. “Grandmother, please. Don't be offended!” She apologized with a trembling voice.It looked like everyone was against her already. If her grandmother get disappointed at her, it would be disastrous. Mendy laughed. At first, he thought it was true. He recognized Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tache immediately. His eyes went wide with shock when Kevin revealed it. It was the most expensive wine in the world but there was no way someone like Kevin would have it. It's just not possible unless it's truly fake like Mrs Perry has said.No, he was certain. Kevin was poor! Mrs Perry has a dark frown on her face. She was still fuming. “How dare you! How could you think so low of me!” She growled. She couldn't believe that her son-in-law would disgrace her like tha
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The response got Mrs Perry super furious. She couldn't quite contain the anger building up inside her. She looked at Kevin with hatred emanating from her eyes. “You are so shameless! How dare you make the whole Perry family awkward! How dare you as the son-in-law of this family!”Mia was so awkward. She couldn't confidently look at her cousins. She felt embarrassed. Yet, she turned to Kevin, brimming fire.“What do you think you are doing, Kevin?” She yelled at him instead. “When will you stop making trouble here? What is wrong with you!” She scolded him.Mendy laughed, feeling pleased with himself. He was so happy that Kevin was helping him with his plan.He decided to further make use of the opportunity.“In fact,” Mendy said suddenly, turning attention back to him. “I know the senior manager of Phoenix Group and well, he can also help the Perry family to cooperate with them. But then, that wouldn't work if they knew the son-in-law of the Perry family had offended the owner of the P
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How did Phoenix Group hear of Mrs Perry's birthday party?Everyone was shocked.The man cleared his throat meaningfully when no one replied to him. “Sorry, may I know who Mrs Perry is?” He asked again as everyone was too shocked to say a word.Phoenix Group is one of the most important and influential groups in Falcone state. Sending gifts to someone like Perry's family was considered a high honour.“She's our grandmother!” Morris said quickly.Mrs Perry moved forward, with a wide smile on her face. “I am. Did you say you are from Miss Alessia Anderson?”The man nodded once. “Yes ma’am. And here is what she has for you_”Just as he said this, four men walked inside carrying one or two things. They walked to Mrs Perry and started presenting the gifts to her.Mrs Perry took the first gift with a sudden gasp. “Is this Chinese Famille-Rose Baluster Vase?”The man nodded with a smile. “Very well, ma’am.”Mrs Perry couldn't believe it. She ran her fingers around the vase. She had seen a pic
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Henry moved closer to be able to see the wine very well.He made a nod of his head. “There's no way I will be mistaken.”“Are you sure?” Mrs Perry probed further.Henry nodded again. “I mean this wine is definitely from the CEO. There's no way it will be a fake. She got it at the auction,” He explained further.Mrs Perry was confused for a moment. She looked at Kevin. Could that be right? If the wine was really real, then Kevin got such an expensive wine for her birthday. And that's all that matters!“How hard did you work to have been able to afford this wine?” She asked because she didn't believe that Kevin was truly Alessia's friend. The thought of it made her laugh.Mia looked at Kevin, shocked. “Is that true? The wine is real and you are really a friend of the CEO?”Even though she found it hard to believe, little facts were staring right at them.Kevin felt it was ridiculous and couldn't answer. Mia chose to believe everything she heard from people and not him. There was no poin
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Kevin woke up earlier and walked back to the room. He knocked several times and when Mia didn't respond, he pushed the door open.“What do you think you are doing here?” Mia's cold voice boomed suddenly.She was at the dressing table, applying makeup on her face.“Good morning, i_”“You didn't answer my question,” she cut in harshly. Her voice was not only cold but brutal. Kevin could hear the hatred emanating from it.Kevin released a sigh. “I want to use the bathroom. You didn't let me sleep here last night. Should I not wash this morning?”Mia scoffed. “Why should I be concerned if you wash or not? You don't even have a job you resume every morning,” she turned to look at Kevin. “Your only job was to be the best husband.”Kevin released a sigh of frustration. Not again! He had no strength to pursue it.“You should be ready to apologize to my grandmother.”“And why should I do that? Mr Henry confirmed that the wine was indeed authentic. What should I be apologizing for?”Mia scoffed
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Mia heard Kevin let out a long sigh. And she couldn't help but wonder what he thought of her. Clingy? Pathetic? She sure sounded like one. But she didn't care. At that moment, at least. She just wanted to see him, talk things out with him, and have that tranquillity she suddenly believed that she deserved.“Kevin, are you still there?" She bit her lips when he let out another sigh.“What do you want to talk about, Mia? What do we have to talk about?” He still sounded exasperated like he had sounded since he picked up the call, but there was the hint of concern in his tone. And Mia latched onto it like a lifeline.“Don't you think we have to talk? I understand that you already signed the divorce papers, but it can't just end like that. Please, let's meet even if it's the last time.”A brief silence. Then, “Which bar are you at?”Mia frowned. Her gaze went to the entrance and then around the bar, but there was no name or address anywhere inside.“I'm not sure,” she told him, feeling dum
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Mia had always known that her grandmother never cared about her or anyone at all. She uses people for her gain, but, somehow, she fooled herself into thinking and believing that her case might be different. After all, she has given her life to the company she so cherishes, working tirelessly to keep it in the limelight, thus allowing her grandmother to keep her shoulder high… but it meant nothing to her. Perhaps her grandmother thought she was so mighty that everyone had to worship her.But just for once, couldn't she have pretended? Mia thought. Mia had never allowed herself to get this mad or show emotion like this. It was a telltale of how angry and saddened she was, yet her grandmother disregarded it like it was nothing.Mia regarded her grandmother for a while, wondering what would ever make her see anyone other than herself as a human with emotions.“What use are wishes if they don't get granted?” Mia spat at her grandmother, not bothering to keep the anger and distaste from her
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It's only been about ten minutes, but it felt like twenty hours as Mia repeatedly tapped her feet on the floor.The stares had begun to irritate her, and she couldn't stop herself from turning to the restaurant's entranceway, hoping that her date would step in.“Good evening, ma'am,” another table attendant with a practiced smile similar to her colleague's stopped by her table. "What would you like to have?”Mia, despite the growing anger in her, managed to offer her a smile. "Water,” she grinned. "Sparkling water would do," she finished, her smile still intact. She was not interested in anything, but she couldn't allow the fourth attendant to walk up to her again.The lady's eyes fell on the table, and Mia followed her gaze. When she saw the crystal glass pitcher filled with water and the flute glass before her, she muttered, “Of course," and pressed her lips together. That was what she had told the first table attendant that she wanted. It was still untouched.Her cheeks flushed wi
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The voice at the other end hesitated. Then he cleared his throat. “Mia. How are you?"“Fine."Mia felt a bit guilty. Donald wasn't a bad man. At least, compared to all the men her grandmother had tried to pair her with, he was a good man, but she just couldn't help it. He could have refused the date unless he got her consent, but then grandmother could be cunning whenever she wanted to be. But still… she couldn't soothe the raging anger in her. She couldn’t help but be mad at him. All of these were happening because of his presence.“Okay. So, my driver will be at your villa to pick you up."“Okay," she said, and before Donald could utter another word, she ended the call.It was with even more annoyance that she returned to the vanity mirror to continue dressing up.A while later, a knock came on her door. She stared at the door for a while. Could it be grandmother again? She wondered.On the third knock, she walked to the door and unlocked it.Her anger grew when she came face to fac
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After a hectic day at work, Mia usually liked to shut down in every way she could and just have time to herself. Half the time, she's unable to enjoy the rest because her mind would either wander about the ways to make the company better, or something work-related would come up.Today, it wasn't work that was on Mia's mind as she paced her room, nor was it rest.She hissed as she walked back to her chair and dropped into it. The document she had opened on the laptop on the desk before her, a spreadsheet that showcased the employees that were contributing to the company's growth and how they contributed, was the last thing she wanted to deal with right then. She had decided to go through it, hoping she'd get her mind off what happened, but she couldn't get her grandmother's words or Kevin's out of her head.She found it hard to believe that Kevin had been made to sign a divorce paper, and worse, he thinks she was in on it.She couldn't believe she was really divorced. Grandmother had m
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Kevin had begun to clear up his desk, getting ready to retire for the day, when his phone vibrated on his desk.He peeked at it before he crammed the phone between his cheek and shoulder. “Hello, Gideon,"He said as he gathered the scattered files on the desk, stacked them together, and carefully placed them in the top drawer.“Good evening, boss,” Gideon answered.Kevin could hear the soft rustle of papers in the background as he waited for him to speak.“So, boss, I sent out the vacancy post and put it up, and so far, I have about ten people that have indicated their interest for the post.”“Oh wow. That was fast.”“Yes, boss. There are quite a number of Landary Province residents that are in need of a means of income. I'm pretty sure that there will be more interests before the day ends. Should I keep the vacancy up or interview these ones for now?”“Let's interview this one first and see if they'd qualify,” Kevin said as he relaxed in his seat. “Alright then. The interview will c
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Leo began to explain. “This model has adaptive focus technology. Unlike standard cameras, it automatically adjusts its focus depending on the distance of the object or the person it’s capturing, ensuring clarity in every frame. With this model, there would be no blurry images because of distance. It also has a dual power system; we made it battery-operated with a solar charging feature for outdoor use.”Kevin nodded as he spoke. He was beyond impressed. He was certain that they must have worked day and night to achieve this. It was the only way.“And,” Stone took up from there, “we’ve incorporated advanced motion detection. It doesn’t just record when there’s movement; it will distinguish between humans, animals, and objects. This cuts down on unnecessary alerts and saves storage space.”Leo nodded, agreeing with what his colleague said. Then he added, “The feature we want to add now is a cloud-based storage system. We want to ensure that data is secure and accessible from anywhere.”
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The engineers, Leo Richard and Stone Marshal, were doing very well. Kevin hasn't been there physically to check out their progress, but he could tell that they were putting in the required efforts.He had seen pictures and short clips of them at work. The excitement in the way they shared ideas, the glint in their eyes as they tested out an idea. He could easily say their hard work was driven by the pay they would get, but anyone would be able to tell that they were just men who simply enjoyed what they did. They desired and strived for excellence in everything they did. Kevin had told them he valued quality more than quantity—almost everyone with a working head does—and they were diligently working toward it.Earlier that day, Gideon had gone on and on about how the men were working so hard.Kevin remembered his words, “I can tell that they're working on something awesome, boss." After Gideon had dropped updates about the new equipment that would be needed and how everything was go
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“Take a deep breath," Mia told herself with her eyes closed. She repeated the action for a while. After she had been able to gather herself, she made her way out of the parking lot and toward the house where the dinner party was happening.Back inside, soulful music was on. People got on the dance floor in twos and danced and laughed away. Some preferred to stand aside and have a light-hearted talk, filled with smiles and grins. It was a cheery mood, one that would uplift anyone's mood, but it didn't do a dent in Mia's mood.She just wanted to find her grandmother or Morris or anyone and demand an explanation.Her gaze roamed the room, past the dancers and talkers, and eventually landed on her grandmother. She was among the few that chose to stand aside and talk. Her grandmother stood with a man, donned in an expensive suit with a full head. Mia was sure she didn't know the man, but one thing was sure: he was a businessman. A successful one. Else, her grandmother would not waste her
