"My what?" Xavier asked"Behind you" Bianca repliedXavier turned and noticed the car that just drove in, at first, he thought that the car looked familiar and soon, he remembered why, however, he kept muttering a silent prayer to God, begging him that he should be wrong about the owner of the carSuddenly, the car door was open and a lady stepped out, Xavier kept looking at her feet, the sound of her heels was the only sound Xavier could hear at that momentXavier's heart raced as he scanned the parking lot, desperately trying to find an escape. He had been weaving a web of lies, carefully constructing a facade to protect his secrets, but now his worst fear was about to come trueHe finally gained the courage and he looked at the face of the lady walking towards them, it was a lady with piercing eyes and an unwavering gaze—a person they never expected to see, Elise ChapmanAs she walked towards them, Elise possessed an air of discernment, an aura that hinted at her ability to see thr
"To true friendship" Junior said"To true friendship" Elise echoed"Cheers" Bianca said and the three of them clinked their glassesBianca and Elise met up with Junior and the three of them agreed to have a drink to celebrate their victory against, not just Xavier, but the entire Harkin familyThe atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions and dynamics. The energy in the air is charged, a potent combination of relief, vindication, and perhaps a tinge of lingering skepticism on the part of Bianca"You guys have no idea just how glad I am that the charade is over, finally, I rest without worrying about getting a call from that imbecile" Elise saidBianca concurred. There was a collective sense of relief among the three of them, as they have successfully revealed the truth and brought Xavier's deceptive actions to lightBetween Junior and Elise, their shared experience of uncovering the lies strengthened their bond, reaffirming their trust in each other and their ability to rely on one
"Us?" Elise asked"Yes. I think we should be open and plain here" Junior replied"Okay?..." Elise responded, sounding unsure"If we're being honest, you'll agree with me that something has changed in our relationship" Junior said"You're right about that" Elise concurred"Well, I think I should start from the beginning, where it all started for me" Junior said"And where is that?" Elise asked"It started when you decided you would hang out with Xavier. I knew it was strictly in order to find out what he was up to, but still, it didn't sit well with meAnd it wasn't just because I was concerned about your safety, it was something else, I tried to fight it off, I even told myself I was confused, but I don't think I am any longer" Junior saidJunior paused to gather his thoughts together. He was about to explain to Elise, a woman who has been his friend and representative for a long time, his feelings when she told him about her decision to go out with Xavier. A mix of vulnerability, ho
"Well, the last time we spoke, I mentioned that Micah and Xavier were in debt. Do you remember?" Nina asked"Yes, I remember. You said they gamble a lot and they owed the people they gamble with or something like that" Elise answered"Yes. Well, it turns out that the situation is more serious that I had thought" Nina said"Nina, can you please explain? Did something happen to Micah?" Elise asked"Not really. The thing is, last week, Micah stayed at work really late and I had to stay with him as well. When we were done, he immediately left and I stayed behind to lock upWhen I was done and I got close to the parking lot of the company, I heard voices, at first I was tempted to call out loud to see who it was, but I didn't" Nina explained"Why didn't you?" Elise asked"Because I heard what sounded like a person being shoved against a car or something and then I heard a grunt, I got scared and I hid behind a car" Nina answered"Hmmmm. Then what happened next?" Elise inquired"After a whi
"Calm down I haven't even said anything yet" Elise said"You don't have to. I already know you're thinking of asking him for help and more information about what's happening in MacMatthew Corp" Junior said"How can you be so sure?" Elise asked defensively"Am I wrong?" Junior replied"Well, no. But hear me out. Jerry is a nice man. People make mistakes and what happened that day was a mistake. You have to overlook it, please" Elise pleaded"Overlook? That man judged me even before he got a chance to know me. First impressions matter a lot and the impression that man gave me, I do not like it" Junior said"Okay, I agree, first impressions really do matter, however, what about giving someone a second chance. Second impression?" Elise asked"Elise, no. Look for someone else" Junior said"Jerry works in the finance department and I'm sure he wouldn't lie to me. Also, I'm certain he knows more about this issue than any other staff" Elise said"I just can't get over the fact that he judg
Elise sat with an upright posture. Her back straight and her shoulders relaxed"I'm all ears," she replied. Her sitting position reflected her attentiveness and readiness to absorb whatever Jerry had to say"First, I need you to clarify what you just said. Were you indirectly implying that Mr Miller Junior is interested in acquiring MacMatthew Corporation?" Jerry asked"Typical Jerry" Elise muttered, he would never give out information without being certainElise leaned slightly forward "Yes, that's exactly what I mean Jerry. But I need you to tell me what's going on here and I need you to confirm if that will be a good investment or not" Elise explained"If Mansion Miller Junior is the good businessman you say he is and if his good record is anything to go by, then I can say with great measure of conviction that buying MacMatthew Corporation is going to be a good investment" Jerry said with his eyes focused on Elise"That's good. I need you to tell me if there's anything else going o
"Let me get this straight Micah's debt cannot be repaid at once. His father is aware of his debts and he is also aware that Micah has been the one collecting money from the company, correct?" Elise asked"Yes" Jerry answered"If that's the case, why is he lying to his staff? What does he hope to achieve?" Elise asked"It's simple. He's owing workers and he doesn't want to pay. Since the company is losing funds and not making enough to cover for it, he doesn't want to release more money" Jerry answered"Even to workers who have labored and earned their pay?" Elise asked, she was baffled"Even to workers who have earned their pay" Jerry said"That's completely wrong and unfair. Employees deserve to be paid for their work, and it's the responsibility of Mr Michael to ensure that happens" Elise said"Absolutely. When someone takes up a job, they enter into an agreement with their employer. They provide their skills, time, and effort in exchange for a fair wage. Denying them their right
"All right Donald, I'll call you when I'm done" Elise said to Donald and got down from the carShe paused and looked at the signboard in front of her "Pen&Pen Limited" it readGetting the names of those Michael MacMatthew owed wasn't as difficult as they had imagined, with just a phone call to Nina, Elise had gotten the names in less than an hourSo here she was, her first stop for the day, hopefully, she would be able to play her part perfectlyElise exuded an air of professionalism and confidence as she strode into the building, dressed impeccably in a corporate attire. Her tailored charcoal gray pantsuit accentuated her strong and elegant figure, conveying a sense of power and authority. The jacket fitted her perfectly, hugging her shoulders and emphasizing her poiseBeneath the jacket, Elise wore a crisp white button-up blouse, neatly tucked into her pants, exhibiting a sense of classic refinement. The fabric drapes smoothly, highlighting her attention to detail and the importance
The warehouse which Micah and the thieves were supposed to meet Vincent Vincenzo stood in silent neglect.The creaking doors, reluctantly swaying in the breeze, echoed with a ghostly memory of bustling activity. "This place looks empty." Micah commented."Don't worry, they'll be here soon." Alan said."Waiting for me?" A voice from asked said.The four of them turned, it was Vincent Vincenzo.He emerged, clad in a tailored charcoal suit that seemed to absorb the ambient light. The sharp angles of his attire mirrored the calculating expression etched across his face. As he stepped forward, the faintest smirk played on his lips, casting an ominous shadow over the encounter.Vincent Vincenzo's demeanor shifted imperceptibly as his eyes fell upon Micah. The steely resolve in his expression gave way to a flicker of recognition, quickly replaced by a thinly veiled disdain. "What is he doing here?" Vincent asked angrily."What is who doing here?" Alan asked."Are you stupid? What is MacMa
"Vincent Vincenzo?" Junior yelled.They were sitting inside Junior's car in the parking lot at D'premium branch.Micah had arrived at work earlier than normal and he had called Elise and Junior to fill them in as usual."I can't believe it! Elise exclaimed."It all makes sense now." Junior mused. His eyes widened, pupils dilating as the pieces of the puzzle finally clicked into place. His brows furrowed, and a slow, subtle grin tugged at the corners of his lips. It was the expression of revelation, a mix of surprise and understanding, etched across his face like the first light of dawn breaking through the darkness."You know what? Things just got better." Junior said after a while."Everything ends today." Elise said."Everything ends today." Junior repeated in a lower tone."Here," Elise said, handing over the bag which contained the remaining two wristwatches to Micah. "Take it to them and let them lead you to Vincent, text us the address immediately you can, okay?""Okay." Micah r
Alan froze, his hand still clutching a stolen item. Sam stumbled backward, knocking over a stack of boxes. Winner, caught in the act of stuffing his bag, looked like a deer caught in headlights.Time hung suspended as Micah's gaze bore into each of them. Alan's palms grew clammy, Winner stammered incoherently, and Sam's face paled. The air was thick with tension as guilt painted their expressions, a tableau of wrongdoing.Micah's voice sliced through the silence, demanding an explanation. The three of them exchanged furtive glances, unable to conjure a convincing response. The room felt smaller, the weight of their misdeeds pressing down on them.In that stolen moment of confrontation, fear etched lines on Alan, Winner, and Sam's faces, weaving an unforeseen twist into the story of their ill-fated heist."Why are you doing this, guys?" Micah asked.Panicking, Alan stammered, "Micah, it's not what it looks like! I was just rearranging the inventory for better organization. You see, I n
"Micah, that suggestion of yours in the meeting was brilliant," Alan commended when they got to where Micah, Kelly and Sam were standing.Sam concurred by nodding appreciatively and Winner chimed in with praises for Micah.Alan then said, "Well, I must say, our suggestions were good too. Mr Black just needs to think outside of the box to see it," a hint of mischief in his eyes.Ben was able to stiffle his laugh when he heard that statement, Kelly on the other hand couldn't help the smirk that formed on her face. Curiosity flickered in Alan's gaze as he turned to Kelly. "Got something to add?" he inquired. Kelly, however, simply brushed off the question, choosing to ignore him.Sensing a hint of tension, Ben interjected with a diplomatic suggestion. "How about we all put our creative minds together over lunch? We can continue brainstorming in a more relaxed setting.""Great idea." Kelly said walking away with the others behind her.…When they entered the cafeteria, Kelly opted for a
It was almost lunch time, suddenly, the intercom crackled to life, its echo filling the bustling office."Attention, team members," a steady voice announced. "Please gather in the conference room for an important meeting. Your presence is requested promptly. Thank you." The hum of activity ceased as employees exchanged curious glances, abandoning their desks to follow the unspoken call.Micah, Kelly, and Ben huddled near the door, exchanging puzzled glances as the announcement echoed through the office, summoning all workers to the conference room. The hum of speculation buzzed in the air.Micah, with a raised eyebrow, asked, "Any idea what this meeting could be about?"Kelly, tapping her pen against her notebook, shrugged. "Could be anything. Maybe they're finally addressing the mystery of the disappearing office supplies."Micah kept mute, feigning innocence and for the second time in less than 30 minutes, he raised an eyebrow at Kelly's casual remark.Micah, maintaining his compose
It was way past closing hours and Micah was yet to see anything or be approached by anyone. He would have called it a day but he wasn't tired yet, also, he intended to fulfill his promise to Sam.To help him stay fully awake, he decided to get coffee. Thankfully, the building was empty, so he wasn't afraid of having a repeat of the incident which had happened the previous day.When he was getting closer to the storage room, Micah heard voices, he paused. The voices paused too.Micah simply shrugged and continued on his way, but then, he heard the voices again and decided to turn back.On tiptoes, Micah made his way to the door of the storage room. His hand trembled as it grasped the cold metal handle of the storage room door. The hinges creaked in protest as he slowly swung it open, revealing a scene that stole his breath. His eyes widened, pupils dilating in disbelief, as the stark fluorescent light spilled into the room, casting an eerie glow. A gasp escaped his lips, and for a mom
Micah strolled into the company. He was just about to enter his work area when he was stopped by Mr Black."Good morning Sir." Micah said. However, he got no response."I completed Janet's task yesterday. You can go and confirm if you'd like. Also, I know the incident yesterday must have painted me in a bad light, but I want to assure you, that is not who I am. It was an accident, I am not clumsy and what happened yesterday will never repeat itself again."Mr Black just kept on staring at him, so he asked "Can I go now?" He didn't feel comfortable under the manager's intense scrutinizing gaze."Micah, what are you really doing here?" Mr Black finally asked."I beg your pardon?" Micah replied."I said, what are you really doing here?" The manager asked again.Micah's palms grew clammy as his manager's piercing gaze bore into him. The air seemed to thicken as he fumbled for words, anxiety tightening his throat. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, betraying the composed facade he had
"I have and in the most unfortunate circumstances." Micah replied.Letting out a chuckle, Kelly said, "I doubt there's anyone in this company who met Janet in fortunate circumstances. However, I'd like to hear your own unfortunate encounter, tell me all about it."Micah proceeded to tell her what had truly happened and when he was done, Kelly scoffed."There was really no point trying to explain your side of the story to Mr Black." She said."Why? What do you mean?" Micah asked curiously."For one thing, it's a known secret that Janet and Mr Black are in a relationship." Kelly answered.Micah's eyes shot up as realization dawned on him. "No wonder." He mused."Mr Black will always take Janet's side. So I'll advise you to try and avoid further encounters with her. Also, it's best if you head to her table first. In Fact, go right now and should also go along with two cups of coffee, you're going to need them." Kelly advised."And why's that?" Micah asked."Knowing Janet, I can confident
Micah was tired. He never knew packaging wristwatches could be that stressful.Micah's eyes, which had been vibrant and full of life just that morning, now held the heavy burden of exhaustion. Deep, dark circles etched beneath them, telling a tale of his need to sleep and his restlessness. Shoulders slouched, as if carrying the weight of the world, Micah moved with a sluggish rhythm, each step echoing the struggle against the invisible forces pulling him down.He was thirsty and decided to get water. And coffee as well, to help him stay awake for the remaining one hour before his closing time for the day.He had gotten his drinks and was on his way back when the least thing he was expecting happened.His mind was consumed by the need to finish his packaging before closing hours, he rounded a corner only to collide with a lady adorned with vibrant red hair who had been walking too fast. The collision unfolded in an unfortunate symphony of mishap. The contents in Micah's hands, water