“Because you are double crossing me. This wasn't the deal.”Sandra cackled like a chicken. Then she got serious. “Oh, poor Ethan. The moment you signedthe contract, you agreed to my terms. I won't hesitate to make your life a living hell if you stopme. I will take charge of this project and that's final.”“Er.. no.” Ethan said with a smile playing on his lips. Now, he could see what the old man wassaying. Her true colors were becoming visible by the second. “Sandra, do you know one ofAnderson's strengths?”How words seemed to confuse her. “And where are you going with this discussion?”“It’s the four houses' weaknesses. That's why you can never beat me.” Ethan knew he was justbluffing, but he had other things to assign Rachel to. “Either you play by my rules or I cut theproject off totally. It is my building, my project, my rules.”“The Houses will hear about this.”What House? Ethan scoffed. “They are only waiting for you to mess up so that they would scoopin and
"You're all fired." Ethan concluded. It was the only way he could think off to keep everyone around him safe. "Master Ethan..." Paul began. He had never seen anyone so frightened, despite how Ethan tried so hard to hide it."I can't risk it Paul." Ethan interjected. "It's the only way to nib this in the bud.""You're excused." Rachel faced the other person with them. It was obvious that this was now becoming an inner circle issue."I suggest we call the Housekeeper and also keep him in the loop." Rachel suggested once the other lady left them."Definitely I'll do that. But your safety is more important right now." Ethan still insisted.Rachel and Paul looked at each other and suddenly understood why Ethan was so much bothered about their safety. — Suzan.It was obvious that their beloved Master was still grieving and while they may not hold the same weight Suzan did, he cared for them all the same."You don't have to worry about us Master Ethan" Paul assured him with a smile."We kno
"It's Denera Lockwood." The maid answered."What could be her motive for coming here?" Sandra thought in her mind. She knew Denera wasn't someone to do something without planning at least 5 steps ahead.She was a Lockwood after all. It was carved into their system. Constantly being aware of Denera's end goal has been how Sandra always beat her but now she couldn't place her reason for coming to her house - something she had never done before. She didn't like it one bit."Keep her in the visitor's living room, I'll be there shortly." Sandra ordered the maid after contemplating for a while. It would be rude to refuse to see her after all."Yes ma'am" the maid bowed and walked out to do as told.Sandra turned her gaze back to her meal, but she had already lost interest. This was why she hated being disturbed during meals. She pushed the plate away from her front. "Let's get this over with." She said to herself, standing up to meet her visitor.———"I thought my maid wasn't seeing well
**FLASHBACK**13 YEARS AGO"There's hope for people like you anyway." A young highschool boy said, pushing sixteen year old Ethan to the ground."Stop it Sean." A young girl cautioned. She was clad in ........"Stay out of this Rebekah!" Sean fired back. "This good-for-nothing has to know that just because he schooled with us doesn't mean he'll make it life like we'll do." Sean spewed out, facing young Ethan who was on the floor..His clothes was already mixed with dirt, a symbolism of his social status and the gap between him and the rest of his classmates.It was the last day of highschool. Everyone was with their loved ones enjoying the happy moment — except Ethan.He had no one to share the joy of the day with, despite being one of the best academically in his class. Picking him self from the ground, Ethan Dusted himself off and took a look at Sean and Rebekah. "Get lost before I make you one eyed." Sean threatened. "Jesus! Sean!" Rebekah couldn't believe what she was hearing.
**PRESENT DAY**"So what happened next?" The Old Man asked, filled to the brim with curiosity."The unbelievable happened." Ethan answered... **FLASHBACK**10 YEARS AGO"How long do you think the food scarcity will last?" The other man asked, as he and Ethan reached the spot where the distribution would take place.As soon as the two guys reached there, almost as if laced with magnets, all the kids starting trooping out one after the other. "No idea, let's just get this over with." Ethan answered. "Make a straight line everyone." Ethan commanded, facing the kids. Even in his late teenage years, he already had a built shape and a commanding appearance. He didn't look like the Ethan that was bullied 3 years ago.Without wasting time, they all fell in line, eager to receive food from the men. Each child took a step forward and received a small package from the men, with joyful smiles on their faces as they collected the package. — Food at last!"You're only entitled to one package." T
"Very well then. You're to leave as soon as possible." Ethan agreed."At once Master Ethan." The Old Man stood up on his feet and headed for the door. The mission at hand was a time sensitive one and each second counts."Housekeeper." Ethan called before he turned the door handle."Yes Master Ethan?""I'm counting on you.""I won't let you down." The old Man assured as he left the office.Back alone in his office, Ethan fell back on the chair. To an extent his worries have been alleviated. He really prayed the Old Man would be successful in the task he had undertaken.Digging his hands into his pocket, he brought out his phone. "Shit!" He had forgotten his phone was on silent. He had put it on silent so as to avoid been disturbed. He scrolled through his phone as he saw numerous missed calls from Sandra"What does she want now?" He wondered in his mind. "Can't deal with this right now." He said out loud as he tucked his phone back into his pocket. He would come back to her later, ri
"Hey big brother." Denera greeted as her elder brother appeared from the staircase."You didn't forget about our weekly dinner, did you?" She added.“Lovely to see you too, dear sister. I'm doing alright thanks for asking.” The young man said sarcastically."You don't have to be such a child Jason.""Says the last born." Jason the young man replied. "Shall we?" Jason asked as he clapped his hands..A team of skilled chefs moved into the dinning room with choreographed precision, each one focused on their task with unwavering dedication. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs, mingling together to create a symphony of scents that promised an unforgettable culinary experience.Plates were garnished with delicate sprigs of fresh herbs, sauces were drizzled with artistic flair, and each dish was inspected with meticulous attention to detail before being whisked away to the awaiting diners.The soft glow of candlelight in the dining room, cast a warm and invitin
"Very well then brother, I have a plan." Denera voiced out, after a few seconds passed by. "Well don't keep me waiting Denera, let's hear it." Jason said as he dropped the fork and knife in his hands, giving his sister his undivided attention."Well if you want to ruffle Ethan's feathers, a good place to start will be going back to Sandra." Denera began. Her eyes completely balanced on her brother's face. She knew she had to structure her words very well so he does not see through her manipulation, after all they're both members of the same house with the same traits."Going back to Sandra? And why would I do that?" Jason asked, leaning back into the chair."Rumor has it that, Ethan picked Sandra to be his partner not based on professional observation but because of a secret bond they shared." Denera answered."If you can weave your way into Sandra's life and find proof of their bond, you can expose them to everyone. Ethan would lose his balance which will make the contract to be ta