NIKAELEON***“What is the agenda for today’s meeting?” I asked as I walked to the seat at the head of the table.Connor was still standing beside it with a flabbergasted expression on his face. For almost a minute, no one answered me, they were still trying to process the events of the last five minutes. It was the secretary seated apart from the board members taking minutes that replied to me.“The agenda of today’s meeting is to find a way to rectify the damage done by the past week’s misfortune. The company’s stock drop, the bad publicity, machinery failure and human resource issues to mention a few.”“Everything will be resolved this week. I’ll have the negative media articles removed by tomorrow.” I said.“We’ve tried to negotiate with the media houses about bringing all the articles down, but this time, they just won’t budge. We’ve exhausted all resources available on that end, there’s nothing that can be done about it at this point.” I was making sure that their connections w
NIKAELEON***Connor's glared at me as i replied to him and I turned away from him to face the secretary.“Set up a meeting with the managers and the head of departments for the next fifteen minutes. They will be informed of the change in management and other subsequent changes that will take place, like the company’s name change. They will in turn inform the employees under them. Schedule a press conference for tomorrow at 9 am as well, a meeting with the contractors for this particular project by 12 pm, and a meeting with the project supervisors by 1pm.” I said.“Yes sir.” He replied to me as he typed my instructions into the computer in front of him.“Also,” This time I turned to address the others seated around the table.“I will bring in a team to thoroughly vet every executive member of the company, from the board members, to the managers, assistants, and department heads. It has come to my notice that some people have been embezzling funds from the company. While that may have
NIKAELEON***The news of my takeover had already spread to the media. As I took my seat to begin the press conference, I could see the excitement on the reporter’s faces. They lived for drama, and what was more dramatic than a hostile takeover between people with history. The point of the press conference was so I could set the record straight, make sure that what they released was the original version of the story, or as close to original as I could get it. I didn’t really care what they wrote in their headlines, as long as it’s written in my favour.Three board members were also present and we all sat on four of the five chairs I had requested to be kept here. Only these three had indicated interest in being here today, but I had a gut feeling that the fourth person would be here even though he didn’t indicate interest in attending the press conference.“Before we begin, I would like to avoid this conference becoming raucous so if you have a question raise the tag that was given to
NIKAELEON *** “We are not friends.” Connor said spitefully. That was the first thing he had said since the interview, the reporters turned to him. “So, this is really a hostile takeover. Is that what you’re trying to say, Mr Grant?” The reporter Connor picked asked. “I would never have willingly sold away a company that has been in my company for so many years, a company founded by my ancestors and built on the blood and sweat of Grant’s for as long as the company exists.” Connor replied despite the subtle warnings the other board members were trying to give to him to not cause a scene. “Built on the blood and sweat of your workers, you mean. The same ones you exploit without adequate compensation. And if it makes you feel better, you didn’t sell me the whole company, just a controlling interest. Hopefully, the fact that you’re still part of the company will prevent your father from rolling in his grave.” I replied, purposely making reference to his father that no one else but me
NIKAELEON***As I walked into the lobby entrance of my new company, the employees milling about turned to watch me. I kept my expression impassive as I walked towards the elevator without my guards flanking me. I could read the expressions on their faces and through their body language, most of them were anxious about the new change, not certain if it would be good or bad for them despite the reassurance from me that not much will be changed in terms of their job security. Some were hopeful that the change in management would be good for them. Some were afraid that the change would affect them negatively, these ones were probably involved in some of the shady things going on in the company and were scared of getting caught. Then there were the women that eyed me like I was a piece of candy, wondering if they could use me to get to the top.I could understand that I was a dream come through for most of them. Extremely handsome, rich, with that bad boy vibe that makes women curious and
NIKAELEON***There was a knock on the door and I internally smiled because I could tell by the forcefulness of it that it was Connor. I intentionally delayed for about a minute.“Come in.” I said and he walked into the office with a cup of coffee on one hand like I requested, and a file on his other hand.I didn’t need the coffee, I already had a cup while talking to the investors. Even if I hadn’t drank coffee, I still wouldn’t drink anything Connor gives to me, he wasn’t above trying to poison me. I just wanted to toy with him.He walked to the desk where I was seated and dropped both items. I picked up the file first.“Is there anything else you would like me to do, sir.” He said the sir with as much disrespect as possible, but I ignored that.I had the upper hand here, there was no need to rise to the bait.“Actually, yes. I take my coffee black, this milky concoction just won’t do.” I tsked and as expected, Connor got even more angry.“How would I have known how you like your co
NIKAELEON***I almost rolled my eyes when Antonio and Scorpion joined me as I took a seat in my study. Nosy bastards, of course they would want to be here. But, they were my trusted men so I didn’t complain or order them back. Few minutes later, that same guard that had passed the information earlier walked into the study. The door was open so there was no need for him to knock. He was with the woman in question and just like he said, she looked filthy and exhausted. I waved my hand at the guard and he left.She was dark skinned, and her brown hair was matted with what looked like mud. It had to be mud because there were streaks of it all over her face and body, like she crawled all the way here in the dirt.“Who are you?” I asked and she looked up at me.“Can…” She started to speak but her voice sounded so hoarse, like it hadn’t been used in ages.She cleared her throat and tried again.“Can I get something to eat first, please, I’m starving.” She croaked.“You’re in no position to
NIKAELEON *** Uriel smiled as she called my name but I didn’t return the gesture. I hadn’t seen her since her wedding day, and she had refused to even say a word to me that day. She hadn’t even tried to reach out to me to explain things to me or even ask for forgiveness, yet here she was, smiling at me like everything was okay. “I’m surprised you still remember my name.” I said gruffly and her smile faltered. She seemed taken aback by my unreceptiveness which is ridiculous, there was no love lost between us. “Why would I forget your name, Nik, that’s ridiculous.” She replied to me. I could tell that my lack of enthusiasm at meeting her had taken down her confidence. She looked nervous now. “You tell me, Uriel. The last time I tried to speak to you, you pretended like I didn’t exist.” I said to her with a bored look. “There were cameras everywhere, Nik. People were watching, I didn’t want them to misunderstand our interaction.” She replied to me and I huffed. This was the best
EPILOGUE *** NIKAELEON * I thought I understood nervousness when I was about to get married, or fear when Aina had been held at gun point, none of that compared to the feeling of watching my child being born. Aina and I had already agreed before hand that I would be inside while she was giving birth. She needed my support because this was her first birth, and I wanted to watch , it would help me treasure her sacrifice to have our babies. Yes, babies. It seemed Sophia's prayer for a brother and sister came to pass. We found out we were having twins when we went for a late ultrasound scan. She screamed as another contraction hit her and her grip on my hand almost crushed my bones but I just stroked her hair with my other hand. "I don't think I can do this anymore." Aina sobbed and my heart broke for her. I wish I could take her pain away even if just a little bit and I hated being so helpless because at this point, there was nothing I could do for her. "Just a little bit more, Mr
NIKAELEON *** I never expected to be nervous today. It was usual to be nervous when you’re getting married, but I didn’t expect to be nervous, I expected to go through it calmly like I usually did everything in my life. Instead, I was fidgety, checking my reflection in the mirror a hundred times even though I looked perfect physically. “You look great, son. Stay still before you make a hole in the floor with your pacing.” My father chuckled as he walked into my room. “I don’t know why I’m even nervous. I was fine yesterday.” I said to him as I adjusted my tie again. “I was the same way when I married your mother. A lot of people no longer value marriage, but it’s supposed to be sacred. A lifelong vow of commitment to the one person you choose to live the rest of your life with. And you love her, you’re afraid of making a mistake and ruining what you both have.” I was about to protest and tell my father that this marriage was just an arrangement, after all, as a mafia boss, love w
NIKAELEON *** It has been weeks since Connor was arrested along with the leaders of the Black Knights. Some other lower ranked members had also been apprehended these past weeks. Connor and the leaders had already been tried in court and sentenced to life imprisonment. The others were still awaiting trial but it didn’t matter, they were just pawns, the main players were already in jail. Last I heard, Connor had been nearly paralysed and had to be hospitalised for almost two weeks. I had no sympathy for him and neither did the government, he was still sent back to prison on crutches to continue living with his assailants. My revenge on him was complete. Uriel had also been tried for illegal possession of a firearm and threatening people’s lives with it, but she hadn’t been sent to jail because I didn’t press charges to add to these ones. She was on house arrest for a year, with community service and court ordained therapy. I went to visit her occasionally so she could video call Soph
NIKAELEON***A FEW DAYS LATER*The courtroom buzzed with tension as the arguments echoed through the room, each side presenting their case for Sophia's custody. It was Manolo’s turn to speak now."Your Honor, We have substantial evidence to establish that Ms. Uriel is mentally unstable and unfit to provide a stable and nurturing environment for Sophia. We also have expert testimonies from qualified mental health professionals who have evaluated Ms. Uriel and have concluded that her mental state poses a risk to the well-being of the child."We gave the court a video clip from the security footage from the mansion showing the moment Uriel had grabbed Sophia roughly after Sophia announced that she was having a sibling. There was no sound because it was CCTV, but it was evident that Uriel was being aggressive to Sophia. That was enough to help our case.Uriel's lawyer countered with equal enthusiasm.“Your Honor, I assure you that my client is mentally sound. Those reports were taken wh
NIKAELEON***“I know what you’re going to say, Aina. You want me to release them without punishment, but I can’t do that. Yes, I know they’re in love and no one is above mistakes, I also know that this crime isn’t as bad as it would have been if he had been the traitor.” I said to her as we stepped out of the interrogation room and began to walk towards the back entrance to the house.“If you know, then why can’t you just release them?” She asked.“I’m sure you already know why. I set my rules for a reason, and if someone breaks any of my rules, no matter how justified they are, there has to be a consequence or no one will respect my rules. That’s why there are laws, and prison is the consequence if those laws are broken.”“Can’t you make an exception just this once? She’s pregnant, Nik.” She said and I sighed.“I’m not sending them away if that’s what you think. For their own good and mine. If they aren’t here, they’ll be easy to kill by my enemies or captured and tortured for infor
NIKALEOEN***“Fine. You can come along. But don’t interfere.” I said to her and the look she gave me said she would definitely interfere.“Don’t interfere too much.” I acquiesced with a sigh and she smiled.“And you better not cry.” I said to her and she huffed.“I’m not a baby.”As much as I wanted her by my side, I knew the path that lay ahead would test the limits of her resolve. "I never said you were a baby, Aina, this won't be easy. I may have to resort to violent means, and I may do things you may not approve. I don’t want you to resent me for it and begin to see me as some kind of monster. I really don't want you to witness what might transpire in that interrogation room. It could get ugly." I admitted.“I’ve always known there is a dark side of you, Nik. And I’ve made my peace with it. I know you don’t just go about torturing or hurting people on a whim or for fun, and when you do anything, it’s for a reason. I won’t blame you for anything you do today, you’re trying to pro
NIKAELEON***“And I also wanted to apologise for the scene I caused, it wasn’t my intention to let Sophia know that you’re my baby’s father. I just wanted to get her mind off seeing you both fighting so I told her I was having a baby and showed her the sonogram. When she asked me who the baby’s father was, I just replied without thinking and then she bolted out here to tell you before I could stop her.” Aina explained.“It’s fine. I know you didn’t have an ulterior motive for telling her, and I could see the look on your face when she ran here with the sonogram, I knew it was just a mistake and I don’t blame you for it. In fact, I think I’m relieved, I’ve been thinking of a way to tell Sophia that she would have a sibling soon, wondering how she would react. Now I know that I was just worried for nothing.” I replied to her.“Yeah, she’s so excited to be a big sister. She has already told me in detail all the things she plans to do, and by the way, she says she wants two siblings, one
AINA***I led Sophia away and she followed me, her tiny hand clutching onto me tightly.I took her to my room and sat down on the bed with her in my lap. I put her small hand on my tummy.“I have a baby in my tummy now.” I said and her eyes widened in surprise and childish delight.“You swallowed a baby?” She asked incredulously and I burst into startled laughter.“Oh! Heavens no! I can’t swallow a baby, I’m not a cannibal. The baby is growing in my tummy.” I said to her and there was a look of childish wonder in her eyes.“Babies grow in tummies? I thought they were sent from heaven by storks, I watched that in a cartoon. All the animals were on a train and when it was time for them to have babies, the birds carried the babies in white cloth and dropped them off one by one in the mummy and daddy’s cages.” Sophia said and I laughed again.I definitely wasn’t having the talk on where babies come from with her. It had been awkward when my own mother had ‘the talk’ with me, and I wasn’t
NIKAELEON***“We need to talk, Nik. That’s why I’m here.” She replied to me and I nearly chuckled at the audacity she had to show up at my house to demand an audience with me.“We have nothing to talk about, Uriel. Or rather, I have nothing to talk about with you even though you may have something to say. I have no interest, nor do I have the time or patience to listen to whatever nonsense you want to say to me. So leave before I have you arrested for trespassing.” I said to her.“You can’t do that.” She said and I scoffed.“You have no idea what I’m capable of, Uriel. I suspect it’s the reason why you dare defy me so often.” I said to her. “If the police come, I’ll just tell them that I came to see Sophia and you denied me entrance. It will look bad on you while the custody case is still being deliberated on by the court.” She said.I was about to tell her to go fuck herself when Aina put a hand on my forearm. I turned to look at her and she didn’t need to speak to communicate her