Chapter 2Michael took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You don't get to talk to me like that, Samantha. This is a big deal, and you don't even care."Ryan stood up, his eyes flashing. "Listen to her, loser. You're nothing but a worthless cog in the machine. You should thank me for helping you get demoted and put you in your place..."Michael, seething with anger, shot back, "I've had enough of your bullshit, Ryan! You've always been an arrogant prick, but I never thought you would stoop this low. Did you have something to do with my demotion?"Ryan and Samantha burst into laughter, mocking Michael. "You're so naive that it is hilarious!" the spoilt brat exclaimed.Michael's face turned red with fury. He clenched his jaw and took a step closer to Ryan. "You're not telling me everything, Ryan. What did you do?"Ryan smirked, thoroughly enjoying Michael's torment. "Oh, Michael... You have no idea what's been going on behind your back. Samantha and I orchestrated your downfall. We ma
Chapter 3: fired"Look! That guy is waking up," a gruff voice woke him up.Michael opened his eyes to see two unfamiliar faces looming over him. They looked homeless and destitute. He realized he had been lying on the concrete in a dark alley, just beneath a large dumpster. Immediately, a wave of nausea hit him and his pounded like a hammer.As he sat up, the men backed away, leaving Michael confused and disoriented. Nausea hit him like a wave, and he wondered," what had happened?"He took a deep breath and tried to sit up, his hand instinctively went to his neck, where the necklace his family had passed down to him was supposed to be. He had a nightmare that it has somehow slipped into his body and disappeared.He searched the garbage pile, hoping to find it, but it wasn't there. Michael's heart sank as he realized that his last link to his family was now lost.As he stood up, he realized that he didn't feel any pain, though he knew he had taken a severe beating. He must have passe
Michael was trembling with anger and frustration. "I can't believe this is happening," he muttered to himself."One more thing," John said with a smirk. "If you try to speak out against this decision or take any legal action, I'll sue you for slander." After threatening him he left the room . As Michael was being led out, Samantha and Ryan followed closely behind, wearing sneaky smiles. Samantha whispered slyly, "You know, Michael, this whole situation wasn't just a coincidence." Ryan nodded, an arrogant glint in his eyes. "That's right, buddy. We set you up." Michael's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'set me up'? What did you do?" Samantha giggled mockingly. "Remember when you misplaced your security card last week? Well, it wasn't misplaced at all. I took it." Ryan chimed in, a malicious twist to his words. "And guess what? I used that card to sneak into the storage room and steal some valuable items. Oh, the look on your face when you were accused of being a thi
" Ooh My God!""Look at his face!" The crowd laughed, and Michael tried to understand what happened. Confusion overwhelmed him, as everyone looked at Ryan on the ground, in agony.Thoughts raced through Michael's mind, and a chilling realization seeped into his consciousness. "Did I make him trip just by wishing it? No, that's ludicrous. Nobody can possess that kind of power. " He thought.But deep down, a small voice whispered, reminding him of the warm surge he felt in his chest when he wished for Ryan's downfall.Yet, with the chaos unfolding before his eyes, Michael couldn't afford to dwell on his newfound abilities. The drama surged back, drawing his attention back to Ryan, who struggled to regain his composure. Michael feeling avenged couldn't help himself and let out a quiet chuckle. But as Ryan laid there in a heap on the floor, the people around him began to giggle, mock, and point him."Guess karma isn't too fond of bullies, is it?" Michael said, his voice laced with a hi
Chapter 6As Michael closed in on the old man, the commotion around him grew louder. Concerned onlookers began to gather, their faces etched with worry."Oh my God, someone's hurt!" Someone shouted."Someone needs to call an ambulance!" another voice yelled, desperately seeking assistance."Hurry, we need medical help!" someone else cried out their urgency resonating through the air.People started to panic, their voices mixing with the sound of sirens in the distance."They already did!" Two men shouted back, panic in their voice.The urgency in Michael's stride matched the urgency in the voices around him.Feeling the weight of the situation, Michael's instincts kicked in. He knelt down beside the old man, his heart pounding in his chest."Sir, can you hear me?" Michael asked, gently placing his hand on the man's body.The old man's eyelids fluttered, and he weakly turned his head towards Michael, struggling to form words."I... can't... breathe," he managed to gasp out."Sir, stay
Chapter 7:Meanwhile, Michael's younger sister, Emily, decided to pay him a surprise visit at his workplace. She walked into the office, looking around for her brother. Finally, she spotted a familiar face behind the reception desk."Excuse me," Emily approached the receptionist. "Is Michael here? I'd like to see him."The receptionist, Megan, hesitated for a moment before forcing a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I have some unfortunate news. Michael is no longer with the company. He was actually let go a few hours ago for theft."Emily's heart sunk, shock and concern evident on her face. "What? I had no idea. Are you sure? Is there any way I can reach him?"Megan nodded compassionately. "I'm afraid so , he stole confidential documents and the gold bond of the son of the CEO of the company. I'm really sorry to be the one to tell you. I'm not sure about his exact whereabouts, but you could try reaching him on his cell phone."Feeling a mix of disappointment and worry, Emily thanked
Chapter 8:After Ryan hung up , John turned back to Emily. "The boss will see you in his office. It seems he was intrigued by your determination." He said with a playful smile . Emily asked nervously," what is he like? Will he help my brother?"" You'll find out soon enough. Just follow me." John said leading her .The men escorted Emily to Ryan's office, their lecherous laughter echoing down the hallway, their hands already reaching out to touch her. But she quickly stepped back, giving them a defiant stare. "Don't even think about it," she warned.The guards chuckled amongst themselves, teasingly calling her a tigress before walking away. She let out a sigh of relief and composed herself before approaching Ryan's office.Taking a moment to steady herself, she raised her hand and knocked on the heavy wooden door.Ryan, who had been expecting her, calmly adjusted himself in his chair, preparing for her entrance. "Come in," he commanded coolly, his voice filled with authority.Turning
Chapter 9:Michael rushed to his former company, Goldrex Corporation. He hailed a taxi, but unfortunately, there was a terrible traffic jam that delayed his arrival. After a long 30-minute journey, he finally reached the gates of "Goldrex Corporation."Anxious and worried, Michael hastily entered the building in search of his sister, Emily. She had mentioned earlier that she would be leaving the company. As he looked around, he couldn't find her anywhere. Frustrated, he took out his phone from his pocket and dialed her number, hoping for some reassurance.But to his dismay, Emily did not answer the call. Michael's fear intensified, and he began to panic. Unsure of what to do next, he walked towards the reception desk where Megan, the receptionist, was stationed. Megan was known to be at least nice and polite to Michael, even during his time of employment.At the reception desk, Michael asked Megan, the receptionist, "Have you seen my sister? She said she was here."Megan looked up fro
~ 6 months later, ~It had been 6 months since Edward's return, and Michael was filled with joy. Life seemed perfect - his father was healthy, the company thriving, and his love for Olivia deeper than ever. Tonight, he planned to take their relationship to the next level. After work, Michael drove them to their favorite spot overlooking the city. A picnic dinner was laid out as the sun set over the horizon, bathing them in a glow of warmth.Michael gazed deeply into Olivia's eyes. "Liv, I still remember the first time I saw you, a year ago at that coffee shop. You were yelling so ferociously on the phone, and even though you pushed me away at first, something about your spirit drew me in."Olivia gave a watery laugh. "I was always feisty, even then. But you wore me down with that handsome smile of yours," she teased. "When you told me what Maxwell was doing, threatening and blackmailing you, I felt such rage," Michael continued, his eyes darkening briefly
The next day, Michael, now fully aware of his responsibilities, took center stage at the press conference. Reporters gathered, cameras flashing, as he faced the daunting task of addressing not only his father's disappearance but also his unexpected inheritance of the conglomerate.Michael began, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. As many of you are aware, my father, Edward Ventura, has been missing for the past three days. It is a challenging time for our family, and we appreciate your support during this difficult period."Questions flew from the reporters, probing into the circumstances and expressing condolences. Michael, composed yet vulnerable, answered with sincerity. He continued, "In light of my father's absence, I have assumed the interim leadership of the Ventura conglomerate. It's a role I never anticipated, but I am committed to upholding my father's legacy and guiding the company through these uncertain times."A murmur of surprise rippled through the
182"Douglas, there has to be hope. We can't give up on him," Michael pleaded desperately. The thought of his father's life hanging by a thread was unbearable.Douglas, placed a comforting hand on Michael's shoulder. "I understand your feelings, but false hopes can be more devastating. We need to prepare for the worst," he replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "And his disappearance is not good for the conglomerate," Douglas continued, his tone becoming more serious. Michael looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What does his disappearance mean for the conglomerate?" he asked, resigned to the fact that the situation had larger implications.Douglas hesitated momentarily before responding, his words carefully chosen. "Your father has already signed his will, Michael. If anything happens to him, he has designated you to take full control," he revealed, his voice steady but filled with a weighty sense of responsibility.Michael's shock was palpable. "What? I'm not ready for that. I
181Lea stepped forward, grinning. "Well, your dad here orchestrated a little surprise for you."Edward chuckled. "I couldn't let you go through all that without something to lift your spirits."Emily could hardly believe her eyes. After everything that had happened, seeing her father and Lea Boutin standing there seemed too good to be true. "Is it really true?" She pinched herself and felt the pain, so it was true.Her father beckoned to her with a smile. "Come now darling, don't stand in the doorway. Let us in, you must be exhausted."Emily slowly stepped aside numbly as they entered. Lea presented the bouquet with a gentle grin. "These are for you Emily, to lift your spirits as your father said."Still in shock, Emily turned to her father. "Dad...is this real? Or am I dreaming?" He patted her arm reassuringly. "It's no dream sweetheart. I promised you something to cheer you up, and I meant it."Lea nodded. "It's truly me, Emily. Not the fraud who deceived you before. When your fa
180"What incompetence is this?" Ryan exclaimed incredulously. "Ouuuuuuch!" The thug groaned in pain, writhing on the floor, and Ryan's expression turned from shock to fury.Seething with anger, he barked orders, "You imbecile! Get up and finish the job!"The thug continued writhing on the floor, screaming in agony as the poison started to take effect. "The syringe...it broke the skin...I can feel it burning!" "Get up you fool!" Ryan screamed, his face red with rage. But the man was incapacitated, gripped by the searing pain shooting through his veins. Ryan scoffed in frustration and snatched the fallen syringe. "It seems I'll have to take matters into my own hands." He swung his gaze to Emily, eyes glinting manically."No!" Michael shouted, straining against his bonds. "I warned you Ryan, you're in over your head!" But Ryan ignored him, advancing on Emily with the syringe. She sobbed in terror, shrinking back against the wall. "Please, don't do this!""Emily!" Michael cried despe
179Ryan sauntered into the room, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, well, Michael Ventura, fancy meeting you here. What brings you to our little hideout?" A sardonic grin etching his features. Michael, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his adversary, spat out the words, "Ryan. Should've known you'd be slithering behind all this."He leaned against the cold, concrete wall, his arms folded in mock admiration. "Surprised, Mikey? I've been watching you play hero on the six o'clock news. Quite the spectacle you made, snagging those two-bit kidnappers," he said disdainfully, "It was almost as enjoyable as the time I sent those three goons to rough you up but you beat them up. Quite impressive of you ."Michael's jaw clenched, his anger barely contained. "Why am I not surprised? You always were a coward, hiding behind others to do your dirty work."Ryan chuckled darkly, circling Michael like a predator. "Oh, Michael, always so direct. Coward or not, Mikey, I always find a way to get what I
178The disguised voice continued, "We're watching you, Mr. Ventura. You have five minutes to find a safe, isolated location. We'll call you back. Don't test our patience."Michael, feeling the weight of the situation, disconnected the call. He looked at Olivia, his face tense."What was that, Michael? Who was on the phone?" Olivia asked, concern etched on her face.Michael hesitated for a moment, then lied, "It's the police. They've got a new lead, and I need to go meet them. I can't take you with me right now."Olivia, puzzled, insisted, "But Michael, we're in this together. Let me come with you. We can face whatever it is as a team."Michael, wanting to protect her, shook his head. "No, Olivia. This is police business. I'll update you as soon as I can. Just trust me on this."Olivia, sensing something amiss, pressed further, "Michael, you're hiding something. I can feel it. Is there something you're not telling me?"Michael, his tone firm, replied, "Olivia, this is not the time. I
177The store employees were in a state of panic, the air thick with confusion and fear following Emily's abrupt abduction. Lily, Emily's trusted assistant, was the first to recover her wits and dial the police, her hands trembling as she held the phone."911, what's your emergency?" the dispatcher's voice crackled over the line.Lily stammered, choking back tears, "It's... it's an abduction. My boss, Emily Ventura, she’s just been taken in broad daylight outside our store!"The dispatcher's tone sharpened with urgency. "Can you describe the vehicle or the abductors?""It was a black van, no license plates visible. The men... they wore masks. We have surveillance cameras! You might get something from them," Lily relayed, struggling to stay composed."Officers are on the way. Keep the line open and do not touch anything. We need all potential evidence intact," the dispatcher instructed.As the police sirens approached, Lily called Michael, her voice a mix of fear and urgency."Mr. Vent
176Emily eagerly called Olivia to share a stunning revelation."Olivia, you won't believe what just happened! Remember that person I mentioned?"Olivia, intrigued, responded, "Oh, yeah! Congratulations on whatever it is! What is the name ?""It's Lea Boutin! Can you believe it? Things are finally happening!" Emily exclaimed.Olivia's voice crackled with surprise, "Lea Boutin? Are you serious?""Yes, deadly serious," Emily exclaimed.But Olivia, with a hint of skepticism, mentioned, "Lea Boutin? I thought she was abroad for a fashion show."Dismissing Olivia's doubt, Emily insisted, "No way! I saw her, we even had a conversation today. It's definitely her, same voice and everything."A note of concern crept into Olivia's voice, "Are you sure? Lea's supposed to be out of the country."Frustration creeping into her voice, Emily insisted, "I saw her, Olivia. We talked. It was Lea, no doubt. Same voice, same presence."A note of doubt lingered in Olivia's response, "Em, I'm certain Lea is