The following evening, Michael and James made their way to Donovan's party. It was located in the exclusive neighborhood of Belvedere Heights. The mansion, bathed in soft, ambient light, stood majestically against the evening sky. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a tastefully decorated room, its elegance rivaling a grand ballroom.James, brimming with excitement, nudged Michael forward as they spotted some old classmates. "Come on, Mike. Let's go say hi," he said, his enthusiasm infectious. Michael reluctantly followed, his heart pounding in his chest with apprehension.As they joined the group, James regaled the crowd with stories of their high school days, and everyone laughed along. Michael, on the other hand, felt out of place, his anxiety heightened by the occasional mocking comment from his former bullies. One of their former classmates, Lary, who happened to be Donovan's best friend, caught sight of Michael and sneered, "Well, if it isn't the loser who could never
The room buzzed with excitement as Donovan directed everyone to the front of the room. Chairs were pushed aside, creating a large open space. "Alright everyone," he called out, "it's time for a game of 'Remember When'." A collective cheer erupted from the crowd, everyone eager to relive their high school days, except for Michael. He stood awkwardly at the back, a sense of dread pooling in his stomach. Donovan took charge of the game, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Now, let's see...where should we start?" He paused, a smirk playing on his lips before turning his gaze towards Michael. "Ah, yes, Michael. Remember when you tried to ask Victoria to the prom but ended up tripping and falling flat on your face?" Laughter erupted and Victoria shot Michael a look of disgust. "Oh, I remember that," she snorted, "it was priceless." The room filled with laughter at her comment, each chuckle a dagger to Michael's heart. Undeterred by the cringe on Michael's face, Donovan continued, "And who
James realized that Michael had stormed out of the room, his angry footsteps echoing down the hallway. Concern flooded James, pushing him to act quickly. Without a moment's hesitation, he dashed outside in search of his troubled friend. And there, on the front porch, stood Michael, seething with a mix of fury and hurt."Michael, wait!" James called out, his voice laced with urgency. "Where are you going?"The anger simmering within Michael was palpable as he turned to face James. "I can't stand being around them anymore, James. They're relentless with their mocking," he spat, his voice trembling with pent-up emotions.A flicker of understanding danced in James' eyes as he reached out a comforting hand. "I understand how hurtful it is," he began gently, "but running away won't solve anything. Come back inside and face them head-on."Michael's body trembled with conflicting emotions. The idea of confronting those heartless, despicable people filled him with both dread and a desperate ne
"Donovan, I won the jackpot! Who's the real winner now?" said Michael with a victorious smirk. The crowd was stunned, and Donovan was fuming with anger. He couldn't believe he had let Michael win the grand prize."Feeling less confident now, huh?" taunted Michael, turning to Donovan with a triumphant smile.Donovan, his face red with anger, shouted, "How did you win? This wasn't supposed to happen!"Michael chuckled and replied, "Well, Donovan, sometimes luck is on my side. Looks like it's not your day."Donovan's teeth ground together in frustration, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "Impossible," he muttered to himself, storming towards the wheel. He gave it a furious spin.But as soon as he turned the wheel, a bucket of stinking rotten fish water fell from above and poured over his head. Donovan's face contorted in disgust and anger as his clothes were drenched in fishy water. "Yuck!"Stunned silence gave way to raucous laughter. "Oh, Donovan, you smell like my grandma's week-old se
Three days later, Edward called Michael, who was still fast asleep. Startled by the ringing phone, Michael groggily answered, "Hello?"His father's authoritative voice resonated through the phone, "Michael, it's Edward. I have some news for you."Rubbing his eyes, Michael replied, "What is it, Dad?"Edward informed him, "Mr. Weller, the Marketing Director of Vanguard Industries who was supposed to accompany you, had an unexpected issue. Therefore, I want you to present yourself as the new Marketing Director of Vanguard Industries for the contract signing."Confused and still half-asleep, Michael protested, "But Dad, I'm not prepared for this. I don't even know the details of the contract! Can't we reschedule?""No time for that now, Michael. I've already informed them you'll be there. You have to represent the company." Edward said.Without giving Michael a chance to argue further, Edward abruptly hung up. Annoyed and reluctantly accepting his situation, Michael grumbled as he got out
Chapter 31Stepping out of the elevator, Donovan's eyes were incontinently drawn to Michael, who was standing at the event office. The sight of him caused a boo to grow on Donovan's face."Michael?" Donovan's voice echoed across the spacious hotel lobby, filled with a mixture of surprise and disdain. "What on earth are you doing here loser?" Donovan spat.Michael turned, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Donovan." I could ask you the same thing, Donovan," he riposted, trying to keep his voice steady." But it seems you've formerly made yourself relatively comfortable then."Within seconds, Michael made the connection, Donovan was to be the front office manager of Luminous Plaza Hotel. What an awful coincidence! Donovan approached him, his smirk widening. "Oh, I'm more than comfortable, Michael. This is my place. I run things here." Donovan gestured around grandly, indicating the opulent hotel lobby. "Didn’t expect to see me here, did you?"Michael clenched his jaw, his eyes
Chapter 32Donovan's demeanor changed instantly as he walked towards her with open arms, "Victoria, my love. I've missed you."Michael watched in disbelief as Donovan showered Victoria with affection, completely forgetting about him. He couldn't help but feel annoyed at how heartless Donovan was and how easily he could switch his emotions on and off.Victoria, the epitome of grace and elegance, sauntered towards them in her 10-centimeter heels. Her beauty was even more radiant today. As she reached Donovan, she leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips. Donovan reciprocated, and for a moment, Michael was left stunned. Were they a couple now?The receptionist, Linda, stood behind the front, her eyes fixed on Victoria and Donovan as they shared passionate kiss in the lobby. She couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy mixed with a tinge of disgust. Nearby, Lisa, the head of the cleaning department, also sneakedances at the couple, her features twisted with a sense of bitterness."Oh my
Chapter 33The luxurious suite of the Luminous Plaza Hotel was filled with the soft murmur of jazz music. In the center of the room, a burly man with a stern face, Mr. Rockefeller, the CEO of the hotel, was seated on a plush couch. A pretty blonde woman was nestled in his lap, her lips pressed against his in an attempt to soothe his nerves. Just as he was beginning to enjoy the distraction, his phone vibrated on the glass coffee table."Damn it," he muttered, gently pushing the woman off his lap. She yelped as her bottom hit the cold marble floor."Ouch! What's the problem?" She cried. Ignoring her cry, he reached for the phone. The caller ID read 'Mr. Ventura'. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Michael was supposed to be at a meeting with him, not calling him."Sir?" he answered, his voice gruff. "Mr. Rockefeller," Michael's voice came through, sounding strained. "I've been thrown out of the hotel.""What?" A gasp escaped Mr. Rockefeller's lips as he shot up from the couch, his f
~ 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