The public hall buzzed with anticipation as Isabella made her entrance, exuding confidence that commanded attention. She glanced around, taking note of the formidable representatives from the four prominent families, their expressions determined as they prepared for the heated auction ahead.Isabella approached the bidding table with a steely resolve, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As the auctioneer announced the commencement of the bidding, she wasted no time in jumping into the fray."I will start with 10 million," Isabella declared boldly, her voice ringing out with conviction.Immediately, representatives from the other families countered with higher bids, sparking a fierce competition that filled the hall with tension. Isabella didn't flinch, doubling and tripling her bids as the stakes continued to rise."We will offer 30 million," one of the prominent family representatives announced confidently.Isabella met the challenge head-on, matching their bid without hesit
One beautiful afternoon, Camila went to pick up Jessie from school. As she approached her car, the familiar voice calling out her name sent a shiver down her spine. Turning, she was met with the unexpected sight of a woman standing a few paces away. Her heart raced with a mixture of surprise and apprehension at the reunion."Kiara?" Camila uttered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.As Kiara approached, Camella's heart skipped a beat, recognizing her old classmate from college. Her smile faltered slightly, unsure of what Kiara wanted after all these years."Camella!" Kiara's voice rang out, drawing Camella's attention. She couldn't hide her surprise at seeing Kiara after so long."Kiara, hi!" Camella greeted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She exchanged a brief hug with Kiara before turning to introduce Jessie."Nice to meet you, Jessie," Kiara said warmly, smiling at the little girl who stood beside her mother.After the initial pleasantries, Kiara's question about her husband c
After arriving home, Camella ensured Jessie freshened up after her lunch. Once Jessie was settled, Camella slouched on the living room couch, her mind swirling with thoughts of Kiara's invitation. The idea of the dinner weighed on her, stirring a mix of curiosity and apprehension.As she pondered, her phone beeped, drawing her attention to a new message. It was from Kiara, detailing the place they would meet that evening. Camella's eyes lingered on the screen, absorbing the information, when Jessie approached her."Mommy, are you going out with Daddy later this evening?" Jessie asked, her innocent eyes filled with curiosity.Camella hesitated, her thoughts still caught in a whirlwind. "Yes, sweetheart, I think we are," she finally responded.Jessie smiled brightly. "Can I spend the evening with Aunt Jojo and play with her daughter? I won't bother you and Daddy."Camella's heart warmed at her daughter's thoughtfulness. She nodded, pulling Jessie into a tight hug. "Of course, honey. Tha
Camella couldn't believe her ears. She shook her head, still processing the information. "Are you serious? You are not pulling my leg, right?"Gabriel chuckled. "I am dead serious. You can spend it on anything you want."Initially skeptical, Camella stared at him, trying to gauge if he was joking. "You won a sure odds?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.He nodded, a playful smile on his face. "Yep.""Did you steal that money?" she interjected in a low voice, her suspicion rising.Gabriel glanced at the driver, then burst into laughter. "No, I didn't steal it. It was all legitimate."Camella's expression softened, a mix of relief and astonishment. "I can't believe it. 100 million...""It's true," Gabriel affirmed. "I wanted to surprise you."She leaned back in her seat, her mind racing with possibilities. "Well, this changes everything," she said, her tone shifting to one of excitement.Gabriel smiled, enjoying her reaction. "Yes, it does. And I trust you will make the best
They arrived at the restaurant reserved by Kiara. As they stepped inside, Kiara greeted them with an exuberant smile. "Camella, Gabriel, this is my boyfriend, Francis. He's an Oxford-educated PhD," she said proudly.Francis stood up, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you both.""Nice to meet you, Francis," Camella said, shaking his hand warmly. Gabriel nodded, shaking Francis' hand firmly.As they took their seats, Kiara began singing Francis' praises. "Francis has been working on some groundbreaking research. It's really quite impressive. Tell them about your latest project, honey."Francis launched into a detailed explanation of his work. Kiara hung on his every word, nodding enthusiastically. "Isn't he amazing?" she said, glancing briefly at Gabriel and Camella.Camella tried to engage in the conversation. "That's fascinating, Francis. Gabriel has been working on some exciting projects too."Kiara, however, seemed intent on sidelining Gabriel. "Yes, well, not everyone can have a Ph
Noticing Gabriel's silence, Kiara then deliberately suggested, “Once Francis becomes the assistant manager at Greenovation Gardens, he could arrange a job for Gabriel. It would be a great opportunity for him.”Camella took a sip of her drink, thinking about Greenovation Gardens. She knew the company had been rising tremendously since its establishment less than a week ago. She recalled watching the news and learning that the company’s building was being set up on the most credible land in the city.Francis began to bluff, “I am confident I will get the job. With my credentials, it’s just a matter of time.”Camella smiled politely. “I wish you all the best, Francis,” she said, still pondering the possibility of Gabriel working at such a prestigious company.Kiara pressed further, her tone sweet yet patronizing. “I really care about you, Camella, and your family. I’ll do anything to ensure your family’s well-being.”Gabriel, who had been silent, finally spoke up, his voice calm and meas
After a brief chat with her boyfriend and allowing Camella to cool her temper by holding Gabriel's hand, Kiara turned back to Camella with a sly smile. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you,” she began, “I invited another one of our classmates to join us.” Curiosity piqued, Camella asked, “Who did you invite?”“Benson,” Kiara announced. Camella smiled, remembering Benson fondly, but Gabriel’s expression turned stoic as memories of Benson came flooding back.With a thinly veiled attempt to insult Gabriel, Kiara began praising Benson’s success. “Benson has done so well for himself,” she said, glancing at Gabriel with a smirk. “He’s really made a name in the industry.”Feigning politeness but with an edge to her tone, Kiara added, “Gabriel, why don’t you cover the bill tonight? Consider it an investment in our help to get you that job.”Gabriel didn’t object, remaining calm and collected. “Sure,” he agreed, much to Camella’s silent admiration.At that moment, Kiara’s eyes lit up as she spott
Benson, harboring deep resentment towards Gabriel, seized an opportunity to humiliate him further. With a condescending smile, he said, “Camella, Gabriel, you both must join us for the class reunion I’ve organized. It’s going to be a grand event.”Camella, sensing the ill intent, tried to steer the conversation away. “Oh, that sounds lovely, Benson, but I’ve been swamped with work at Baigh Group. And Gabriel has a lot on his plate too.”Kiara, ever the antagonist, interjected smoothly, “Oh, but Gabriel doesn’t have a job right now, does he? Surely, he can make time.”Camella’s smile tightened. “I’m the Director of Sales at Baigh Group, and my schedule is quite demanding, Kiara. Besides, Gabriel has been busy with some personal projects.”Kiara, having done her homework, smirked. “I know Gabriel isn’t working as a security guard at Baigh anymore. It’s common knowledge. What could be so important that you can’t make time for old friends?”Gabriel, maintaining his composure, replied calm