As his grandfather's words reached his ears, a mix of anger, grief, and remorse flooded over Melvin. The weight of the past, the betrayal and murder he saw in that old man's actions, bore down on him. It was a struggle to reconcile the memories of the man he once revered with the reality of his sinister deeds. The room felt suffocating, emotions crashing against the walls of his heart, as he grappled with the tangled web of feelings that threatened to consume him.
Tears welled up in the old man's eyes as he continued to speak, his voice quivering with emotion. "Melvin, please understand. I know I've made mistakes in the past, mistakes that have hurt you deeply. But I've regretted those decisions every day since. I can't change the past, but I can promise you that I've learned from it."
His gaze was pleading, his expression a mix of remorse and desperation. "The company is not the same without you. We need your vision, your dedication. You're the rightful owner, and it's suffering without your leadership."
He wiped a tear from his wrinkled cheek, his vulnerability on full display. "I'm sorry, Melvin. I'm sorry for what I did to your father, for the pain I've caused you. If there's any chance for redemption, it's in rebuilding what was broken."
His voice cracked as he concluded, "Please, consider coming back. Not just for the company, but for the chance to heal the wounds between us."
Melvin's gaze remained fixed on his grandfather's face, his resolve being tested by the sight of those tear-filled eyes. It was a challenge to maintain his rigid stance in the face of such an emotional display.
He allowed the old man's words to linger in the air as he contemplated the offer once again. He recalled the interactions he had today - Naira's demeanor in the morning, the dismissive attitude from Mrs. Edward, and Bella's subtle but clear disregard. The weight of those experiences pressed on him, the hurt of being treated as an outsider still fresh.
As he pondered, his heart heavy with a mix of sadness and calculation, he thought about the potential benefits this offer could bring. The company's revival under his leadership, the chance to regain his rightful place, it all held a certain allure. But beneath the surface, a nagging doubt lingered, a caution born from the wounds of the past.
Finally, after moments that seemed to stretch into eternity, he spoke. His voice held a measured tone, a touch of acceptance, yet veiled with a hint of mystery. "Grandfather, I'm willing to give this a chance. I'll agree to rejoin the company." Upon hearing this, a wave of relief washed over the old man's face, a visible sign that his plea had been answered. He almost appeared to jump in his seat, the prospect of Melvin's return bringing a long-awaited respite. The company, in genuine dire need of revival, was on the brink of finding its savior.
Yet, despite his elation, he concealed the depths of his emotions carefully. The emotions he was truly harboring, his unspoken intentions, were hidden beneath a practiced facade. He had mastered the art of revealing just enough, while shrouding his true motivations in mystery. A veil of uncertainty surrounded his intentions, and he made sure that Melvin couldn't easily decipher the layers beneath.
His relief was tinged with a measured restraint, the mask he wore safeguarding the secrets he held close. And he was thankful that, so far, Melvin hadn't ventured to question or probe deeper into the details. The carefully constructed narrative remained intact, and he intended to keep it that way.
But then he added, "However, I have a condition."
His gaze was steady, his expression inscrutable as he let the words settle between them. In that moment, an aura of mystery and suspense enveloped the scene, the promise of an undisclosed condition adding an element of uncertainty to the air.
A sense of uncertainty washed over the old man, his expression shifting as if a prized possession had been snatched away from a child.
"What's that?" He managed to say, his voice betraying a hint of wavering.
Melvin's gaze remained steady as he addressed his condition. "I'll come back to the company, Grandfather," he began, his words carefully measured, "but only under one condition."
The old man leaned in, his curiosity piqued, though he attempted to maintain a composed exterior.
Melvin's voice held a touch of authority as he continued, "I want to be the CEO of the company. I want the authority to make decisions without any interference, without being questioned by anyone, including you."
The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the request hanging in the air. The old man's expression shifted from uncertainty to a mixture of surprise and consideration. The proposition, though unexpected, held a certain logic. It was a moment of decision, a crossroads where the past met the potential for a new beginning.
Melvin's eyes locked onto his grandfather's, waiting for his response. It was a gamble, a high-stakes play in the intricate dance of family, business, and secrets.
The old man leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face as he considered the weight of Melvin's condition.
"But..." he began, his voice trailing off as he attempted to weigh the implications.
Before he could continue, Melvin's firm voice cut through, leaving no room for doubt. "If you have reservations, that's okay. I can walk away, and I won't come back," his words rang out, carrying an air of businesslike determination.
The old man's lips moved as he seemed to contemplate his response, the shifting of the wrinkles on his face reflecting the internal struggle.
Finally, he leaned forward and spoke, the words carrying a blend of acceptance and resolution. "Alright. The deal is close."
Standing up from his chair, he extended a hand in Melvin's direction, a symbolic gesture sealing the agreement.
"You're the new CEO of the company," he announced, a smile that held a hint of artifice appearing on his lips.
Melvin remained seated in the plush leather chair, a mixture of astonishment and disbelief etched across his face as he observed his grandfather. The old man's countenance radiated with a rare and unbridled joy, a vibrant flush of happiness suffusing his features. The words that had left his grandfather's lips resonated in Melvin's ears like a melodic tune, "CEO of the company!"Melvin grappled with the question that swirled within his mind like an elusive wisp of smoke. Was this a dream, a fantastical reverie conjured by his imagination, or had reality taken an astonishing twist? Just that very morning, he had endured the sting of humiliation, bearing the weight of his perceived lowly status. Now, he found himself perched at the pinnacle of the corporate hierarchy, bearing the esteemed title of CEO. It was almost too much to fathom.Melvin's thoughts raced, racing like a whirlwind through the chasm of his mind. Could it truly be this simple? The abrupt transformation of his fate le
"Melvin…." Naira's voice reverberated through the house as she stormed out of her room, clutching her phone tightly to her ear. She had been repeatedly dialing Melvin's number, desperation creeping into her voice with each unanswered call."Melvin... where are you?" Standing near the first-floor railing, she peered down into the hall below, hoping to catch a glimpse of her elusive housemate. She assumed he might be in the kitchen, engrossed in his usual culinary escapades. It had been one of those rare mornings when she had overslept, and Melvin was nowhere to be seen.Under normal circumstances, Naira wouldn't have bothered searching for him; her mornings were typically solo affairs. But today was different; the situation demanded his immediate presence. Frustration bubbled within her as she continued calling his room with increasing volume, but there was no response, not even a hint of movement from his quarters."Oh, goodness. Where on earth could he have vanished to? That lazy, in
Melvin slowly slid off the car, his heart weighed down by the unsettling scene he had just witnessed. He wandered into the house, his mind in a whirlwind of questions. Why had Naira chosen to go with someone else? Where was her usual driver? Even if he wasn't available, couldn't she have waited for him? These thoughts gnawed at him, a feeling of betrayal closing in.As he entered the house, a cloud of thoughts enveloped him, and he was oblivious to everything else. He had just received the most significant news of his life today, regaining his lost wealth. But the jubilation that should have accompanied this momentous occasion had dimmed. It was as if nothing else mattered except the fact that Naira was not by his side.Suddenly, a sharp voice shattered the fragile cocoon of his thoughts. "Where have you been, lazyass?" The voice belonged to Mrs. Edward, who stood in the main doorway, fixing him with a peculiar gaze.Melvin's face already bore the weariness of witnessing Naira's depar
Naira shifted her gaze towards Melvin, who stood near the stable. A smile once gracing her lips vanished, swiftly replaced by a surge of anger that darkened her features."Melvin..." Her voice carried a stern edge. "Where on earth did you disappear this afternoon?" She fired the question before he had a chance to respond.Melvin met her accusatory tone with a knowing look, trying to anticipate the impending insult. His eyes then darted toward Jess, who stood beside Naira with a curious smile."I... I went to visit my father's grave," he replied slowly, his gaze conveying a subtle plea to Naira, urging her not to escalate the matter. He understood that discussing their private affairs in the presence of onlookers was inappropriate. But it seemed his silent plea fell on deaf ears. Melvin lacked the courage to voice his thoughts."Father's grave?" Jess interjected, revealing his surprise."So, paying respects at your late father's grave was more important to you than being with Naira?" J
"Naira, you know I'm just a ping away, whenever your lousy husband and irresponsible driver betray you. You can hit me up!" Jess quipped with a sly grin, his eyes shifting to Melvin, who had silently approached Naira. Tension simmered in the room as Jess slowly rose from his chair, his comment deliberately designed to provoke a reaction from Melvin.Melvin's face flushed with anger, but he managed to summon a strained smile. "Huh, I'll see you in private," he muttered through gritted teeth.Naira, ever the diplomat, diffused the situation with a courteous response. "Sure. See ya," she replied, the tension in the room now thick as molasses. Her mother, a master of social grace, chimed in, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "Yeah, Naira will definitely ping you," she giggled in her typical manner, though her eyes conveyed an underlying message.Melvin shot Naira's mother a stern gaze, his disappointment apparent on his face. It was clear that the rivalry between Jess and Melvin was f
Naira's frustration was evident, her emotions running high as she confronted Melvin. "See, that's your level of carelessness," she shot up from the sofa, her voice trembling with disappointment.Melvin, sensing the tension, quickly rose to his feet. "Naira… what are you..." he began, attempting to reason with her, but she interrupted him sharply."Shut up. You think I am a fool," Naira continued, her tone escalating. Her eyes bore into his, reflecting the hurt she felt. "I called you so many times. You deliberately ignored my call."Melvin struggled to explain himself, "Why do you think I ignored your calls?" His voice held a hint of defensiveness. He knew he had silenced his phone to avoid disturbances from his mother-in-law earlier, but he regretted that choice now, as he hadn't been aware of Naira's attempts to contact him.Naira remained adamant, her frustration unyielding. "You're assuming," he pleaded, moving closer, but she instinctively took a step back.Naira's skepticism was
Her gaze followed the contours of his neck, tracing the rhythmic rise and fall as he swallowed nervously. His lips, tantalizingly parted, beckoned her in closer.Naira, pressed against the wall, quivered like a leaf swaying on a precarious branch, trembling at the mere caress of the faintest breeze. "Stop, Melvin," she managed to whisper, her voice a fragile thread of resistance.Melvin's response was a shushing gesture, a single finger pressed gently against her quivering lips. Yet, it was the smoldering intensity in his eyes that silenced her more effectively than any words ever could.Drawing closer, he bridged the chasm of empty space that had separated them. The room itself seemed to pulse with the palpable waves of pleasure, akin to a vast sea surging with desires and the ever-mounting tension of an unquenched, fiery passion."You've always been one to ride the impatient broom," he whispered, his voice a seductive murmur. A glint of mischief danced in the small gap between them,
Naira's voice quivered as she confronted him, her words laced with a simmering anger. Her back was firmly pressed against the unforgiving wall, her face etched with defiance.Melvin, in response, decisively turned her to face him. The blaze in her eyes was unmistakable, a reflection of the fury that consumed her. He had breached the boundaries she had meticulously set, and the breach was unforgivable."Do you desire retribution?" he inquired, a glint of intrigue in his eyes.Naira swallowed hard, feeling a newfound audacity rise within her. Challenging him openly was an uncommon act for her, but this night felt exceptional, different from the norm. Melvin had transformed, and the unpredictability in his demeanor was unsettling. It was challenging to discern whether he burned with the fervor of passion or the icy grip of vengeance.With a firm push, she sent him stumbling backward, then briskly made her way to the bed. Her words carried an edge of impatience as she spoke, her plans fo
Naira's breath caught in her throat as she exclaimed, "Oh, my God." The box she held seemed to emit an ethereal glow as she eagerly lifted the lid, revealing a dazzling diamond necklace nestled within. Her fingers delicately traced the contours of the large, glittering diamonds, captivated by their brilliance.With a hint of smugness, Jess Snickered and declared, "I knew it, you'd love it. That's why I brought it for you." His arrogance added an intriguing layer to the atmosphere, contrasting with the awe-inspiring beauty of the necklace.The onlookers in the office, engrossed in the unfolding scene, couldn't help but be drawn into the allure of the necklace. Its exquisite craftsmanship demanded appreciation and attention, making it clear that this was no ordinary piece of jewelry."Aww.. Jess. I'm so happy," Naira gushed, her eyes fixed on the mesmerizing necklace. The way it adorned her fingers sent shivers of delight down her spine.Jess's chest swelled with pride as Naira continue
Naira's frustration flared, and her voice trembled with a mix of anger and exasperation as she addressed Melvin. "Melvin, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Her teeth were gritted, her eyes ablaze with intensity, as she confronted her husband.Before Melvin could muster a response, Jess, a sudden intrusion into the escalating tension, chimed in. "Look, Naira, your useless husband is fighting with me." Jess spoke with a hint of superiority, adjusting his disheveled collar and meticulously dusting off the creases on his sleeves.Melvin, seething with anger, retorted, "Mind your language," his voice dripping with irritation. He made a menacing move toward Jess, as if he were about to grab the man's collar once more. But Naira, with a swift, firm tug, pulled him back."Enough, Melvin," Naira snapped, her tone resolute. "This is not a battleground; it's my office. Behave yourself." Her voice commanded authority, and the strength of her grip left no room for argument.Melvin's eyes l
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the sleek, modern building, a crisp, "Good afternoon, Sir," rang out from the security guard, his uniform immaculate in navy blue, his demeanor disciplined and respectful. The guard saluted as the enigmatic man strolled confidently into the entrance. Clutched in his hand was a bag, its contents concealed, leaving an air of intrigue.The glass doors glided open with a soft hiss, making way for his entrance. All eyes within the reception area turned to follow this mysterious newcomer, curiosity and speculation swirling in the air like a palpable mist.Amid the commotion, Melvin, a man whose animated discussion with the receptionist had garnered attention of its own, swiveled his head to gaze upon the unexpected visitor. The deep furrows on his brow deepened further as he observed the enigmatic figure in the midst of the office.A flood of thoughts rushed through Melvin's mind. "What's he doing here?" he pondered, his emotions
"Uhm, well, you're Sasha," Tara stammered, attempting to redirect the conversation. She flashed a nervous giggle at Melvin, her discomfort palpable. "He does seem to have a knack for carrying files, doesn't he?"The atmosphere was charged with tension as Tara's comment hung in the air, a palpable reminder of her earlier imprudent remark. She tried to recover, her voice unsteady as she turned to Melvin."He looks good walking behind you, doesn't he?" Tara inquired, her words laced with an air of flirtation as she attempted to change the subject. "By the way, would you mind lending your services to me for a day? I have some work at the office that could use some extra manpower."Melvin found himself caught in the middle of a surreal confrontation, feeling like an object being bartered between these two women who were now subtly vying for his assistance. The subtext was not lost on him, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. They were treating him as if he were just a cog in
Melvind found himself locked in a silent exchange with her, attempting to decipher the cryptic message hidden within her words. He furrowed his brow, his mind racing as he grappled with the meaning behind her directive."Get out of the car," she repeated, her voice unwavering as she gestured towards a stack of files reclining casually on the backseat, almost as if they were sharing a secret. Her eyes, unyielding and determined, bore into his, leaving him to question the gravity of the task at hand.His gaze shifted from the tantalizing mystery of the files to her unwavering countenance. It was a poker face, a visage that betrayed no inkling of jest. There was no room for doubt. "What are you staring at?" she snapped, her tone commanding, like a seasoned captain of industry. "I don't have time. Do it quickly."Without uttering a single word, Melvind turned the car's key, sending the engine into slumber, and exited the vehicle. The world outside was shrouded in a sense of urgency, as i
Naira stirred, her body protesting as she stretched and reached for the remnants of a night's sleep that had not been particularly peaceful. A dull ache spiraled down her spine as she straightened her back. With a resigned sigh, she realized that she hadn't slept in an appropriate position all night, thanks to the unsettling presence of her husband, Melvin.Her eyes wandered to the figure sleeping beside her, his features peaceful in slumber. But that serenity was at odds with the bitter memory of his words from the previous night. "I hate your mother," he had said, words that lingered in her mind like a bitter aftertaste.Curling her lips in disappointment, Naira swung her feet over the edge of the bed, her thoughts a jumble of conflicted emotions. She couldn't shake the feeling that a storm was brewing beneath the surface of their relationship, one that threatened to disrupt the fragile peace that they had known until now.Naira hurriedly got ready for her office, her reflection in
Naira's emotions flared into an intense, burning rage at the sound of Melvin's words. How dare he misbehave regarding her mother? The anger surged within her, causing her chest to heave as he loomed over her, his touch sending shivers of revulsion through her.For as long as Naira could remember, she had maintained a strict boundary, never allowing Melvin to breach the walls she had erected around her. He had never dared to come closer, always respecting her distance. What had emboldened him today, she wondered? She resolved to uncover the source of his newfound courage, but for now, the immediate task at hand was to wrestle him off.Melvin's voice quivered as he admitted, "Your mom, I don't like her." His words were tinged with an unexpected emotional vulnerability, a torrent of memories flooding his mind – recollections of the times he had been belittled by his mother-in-law. Unconsciously, he continued to twirl a strand of her hair between his fingers.In that unguarded moment, Mel
Naira's voice quivered as she confronted him, her words laced with a simmering anger. Her back was firmly pressed against the unforgiving wall, her face etched with defiance.Melvin, in response, decisively turned her to face him. The blaze in her eyes was unmistakable, a reflection of the fury that consumed her. He had breached the boundaries she had meticulously set, and the breach was unforgivable."Do you desire retribution?" he inquired, a glint of intrigue in his eyes.Naira swallowed hard, feeling a newfound audacity rise within her. Challenging him openly was an uncommon act for her, but this night felt exceptional, different from the norm. Melvin had transformed, and the unpredictability in his demeanor was unsettling. It was challenging to discern whether he burned with the fervor of passion or the icy grip of vengeance.With a firm push, she sent him stumbling backward, then briskly made her way to the bed. Her words carried an edge of impatience as she spoke, her plans fo
Her gaze followed the contours of his neck, tracing the rhythmic rise and fall as he swallowed nervously. His lips, tantalizingly parted, beckoned her in closer.Naira, pressed against the wall, quivered like a leaf swaying on a precarious branch, trembling at the mere caress of the faintest breeze. "Stop, Melvin," she managed to whisper, her voice a fragile thread of resistance.Melvin's response was a shushing gesture, a single finger pressed gently against her quivering lips. Yet, it was the smoldering intensity in his eyes that silenced her more effectively than any words ever could.Drawing closer, he bridged the chasm of empty space that had separated them. The room itself seemed to pulse with the palpable waves of pleasure, akin to a vast sea surging with desires and the ever-mounting tension of an unquenched, fiery passion."You've always been one to ride the impatient broom," he whispered, his voice a seductive murmur. A glint of mischief danced in the small gap between them,