The drive back to the Ashers' residence was a quiet one. Declan's focus was on the road like his life depended on it. Mandy would spare quick glances his way at intervals. His expression was stoic, giving nothing about how he felt away. "Are you okay?" Mandy finally broke the silence. "Yeah. Why?" Mandy bit her lower lip, not sure if she should thread in the part of her thoughts. "What happened in there, is that how you've always lived? I mean, I know you all were not on the best of terms but never in my wildest dream did I imagine that it was that bad." Declan's grip tightened on the steering but was loosened, almost as fast as it happened. "I don't know what you mean but trust me it's nothing. She's properly not in her full mindset yet." Mandy opened her mouth to say something but closed it. She blinked, not believing that Declan would defend Clara after her ungratefulness and disregard of his effort. "When are you finalizing the divorce?" The question came as a shock
"Hmm...." Bench stood up and started to walk up and down the room. "I have never heard of him." "It is not surprising. His reputation barely precedes him. Unless you have an encounter, you may never know how much of a trouble he really is." Jordan poured a quick drink for himself and chugged it down his dry throat. "You make him sound tactical yet you say he is a poor useless son-in-law." Bench remarked, truly intrigued. Jordan pushed out a rush of air from his lungs. "Then you should get to know him by yourself and maybe you will understand better."Jordan pressed his molars together as he spoke with fury in his eyes. Bench walked into his study when he got home and immediately disappeared into his secret room. He pressed in some codes into his space and brought out a list of reputable families he knew of. After hearing what Jordan Smith had to say about Declan, Bench only concluded that Declan was not a wretch. No poor man would step on the feet of the great Jordan Smith a
"So what are we going to do now?" Clara's panicked voice trailed. May had just broken the news of their burnt house to her. "We will move into our villa at hilltop for now then I will figure out what next to do." "Nonsense May! Arrant nonsense! You think a roof over my head is my problem? Have you forgotten my aunt left me a mansion before she died?" May pushed out a breath. "Good riddance. At least you have options." Clara made a grunt, her eyes flaring. "You miss the whole point, May. I have assets in that house. My golds, diamonds… all my rare gems. All my luxurious limited collections. How could you tell me they are all gone? No! It's not possible." May pressed her eyes shut. She always knew telling her mom the news would be hard but she never imagined it to be this painful and devastating. "Mom, you should be grateful. Grateful that we made it. Grateful that you didn't die that night and your body burnt in that fire. Grateful that help came when it did and you were able
"What do I do next boss?" Peter asked Bench. "Send him an invitation. I mean Declan King. I want to meet with him as soon as possible." Bench stated with enthusiasm. Peter bowed and walked away. Declan received an email shortly, that a certain Bench Cowper invited him for lunch . "This is interesting." He said, reading the mail from the top of his dark shades. He had heard a whiff about Bench and his multi million dollars real estate company but had never really paid attention. He didn't need to bother his mind with the curiosity of what the invitation was about for he already had a clue. For all Declan knew, Bench was very much acquainted with the Livingstons. "Let's go get the party started" Declan downed the rest of the whiskey and got up. Straightening his blazers, he picked up his key and walked off. "Please come in." Bench stood to welcome Declan. They were at the lounge of one Bench's hotel in the city." "Uhm... Bench Cowper?" "Oh yes. It's a pleasure to final
Mr Bench looked out through the window on his drive home. A small smile plastered on his face. Getting Declan on his side was easier than he expected. The power of money. Who in his sane mind would reject such a gift. Even the wealthiest man would fall for one gold toad, then how much more a worthless son-in-law?Bench pushed out a breath in relief. With Declan on his side now, he could push through with his plans and make multiple returns from his investments. He couldn't wait. ***"The product of the B11 and B12 medicine is set to resume and a new launching date will be announced soon. This was made known by the new chairman of the Board, Robinson Clark today at the company's board meeting held at...."Mandy switched off the television and flung the remote on the couch. "That was sooner than I expected." Declan remarked, seated on an armchair in Mandy Asher's office. "I saw it coming. Many people invested in that project and they wouldn't sit and watch their money wash down the
"Two glasses of champagne please."Mandy said to the waiter by her side. She turned to Declan and smiled at him sweetly. They just finished dinner at one of the 5 star restaurants in the city. "For a moment I was scared you stood me up.""Sorry I was late. I had an unexpected delay with my agent.""What agent?" Mandy asked, using a hand to support her head. "It's a personal matter.""Oh. My bad." Mandy forced a smile. Luckily, the waiter came at that moment to save her from the awkwardness that was beginning to creep up her skin. "Thank you" she took the glass and gulped down a little bit more than necessary.""Ahhh. Well then, any move so far about the snakes or is that alsi a personal matter?" Mandy asked with a glimpse of Sarcasm. "Our assumptions so far are correct. But Bench and Jordan invested a huge chunk in the production. They were the highest investors. Over a billion dollars each.""Whoa! That's huge.""Yeah. I got a researcher to help me look into the B11 and B12 med
"The organized crime inspection commission has hinted at a possible shutdown of Livingston's pharmaceutical to halt the production of the B11 and B12 medicine. This report came as a result of a tipoff the organization received regarding the deadly side effect of the medicines. An investigation will be carried out on this effect and updates will be brought to the general public soon. However, the competence of heavy investors in this project are however now questionable in the eyes of the public. Companies like the Smith's enterprise, Bench Cowper's real estate enterprise and so many—""Nonsense!" Bench growled, throwing the remote across the room after switching off the television. "Argh!" He snarled, pushing everything on his table down with great force. He shook in anger, his eyes red in fury. "Who did this! How dare they?! I swear I will kill them all!" He growled, his heart moving heavily in his chest. "What should I do boss?" Peter asked at the corner with his bow low like
The locks of the prison bars opened and James stepped out. "You came. Was wondering what kept you." He said, staring at Mr Bench. "You look quite well" Bench commended scanning James with his eyes. "They know to be very respectful, I can't complain." James stepped up and sat across Bench on a table. "Speaking about respect, how hard can it be to treat others with that? I used to know you as a reputable business man, what changed." Bench said with seriousness."I don't know what you mean, Bench, but it's nice to see you again.""I wish I could say the same. Ah— let me rephrase that, I wish what brought me here permits me to feel the same way."James's eyes darted to the sides menacingly, then back at Bench. He already knew there was a problem "Cut the chase Bench, what's the problem?""You are the problem James. You can't fall and take everyone down with you.""What do you mean!" James said with a low grit." I'm saying you should stop toying with us. I won't ask nicely next time.