Chapter 16 “What can I do for you, sir?” Michael shifted his gaze back to Fred and asked after he finished apologizing to his wife. “Just remove my shoes,” Fred demanded as he stretched out his legs to him. He sat comfortably on the couch, having his back relaxed on it. Michael was stunned at his audacity. Was removing his shoes that difficult for him to do? He looked at Rose, expecting her to say something but the hatred she had towards him didn't allow her to say a word. She just sat beside Fred with an ‘I don't care attitude.’ But was she going to allow her husband to remove his classmate's shoes in her presence? “I should remove your….” Michael, who felt like he didn't hear what Fred clearly said was about to ask when Fred completed the sentence for him. “My shoes! Get them off my legs! Or is there anything wrong with what I said?” “No, sir.” Michael politely replied and he gently crouched down in pain at Fred's presence. His eyes were set fixed on Rose as he slowl
Chapter 17 Michael got up the stairs and walked past the first room door which belonged to Grandma Isabella and he continued walking. But when he was about to walk past the second room door which belonged to his mother-in-law and father-in-law, he overheard a conversation and it wasn't nice at all. “Fred told me that he will be spending some days with us and you must do everything to make him yours. Once it's done, then you can divorce that thing you called husband.” Maria whispered. Her voice smirks. “Mom, I can't do that to Michael. I know that I despised him a lot but I don't want to break his heart.” “Heart, you say?” Stephen chimed in, his voice still in a whisper but full of contempt. “Does he have a heart? He had broken our hearts already. Do you know how I felt ashamed in front of Cho and his bodyguards earlier, do you? If not for God who brought Fred at the right time, do you know where we all have been?” The conversations within the family were all coming out as whi
Chapter 18He took a walk closer to him. Rose was not there because she was in the bathroom taking her bath.“What are you doing in our room and why on our bed? Don't you know it's our matrimonial bed and no one is allowed to sit on it?” He inquired. But his voice was polite. “And who are you to tell me not to sit on my friend's bed?” Fred shot back and stood on his feet.“Don't you know I'm Rose's husband and you aren't allowed in here especially when I'm not inside? And if you want to talk with Rose then that should be done in the living room and not in here.”He explained but Fred gave him no attention. He knew that Michael had no say in the family since everyone despised him so this worthless man couldn't threaten him.“Get out of my sight, you stinky man.” Fred was about to push Michael to the ground but Michael quickly noticed it and held his hand. He didn't retaliate back because he was his wife's friend and if not for that, he was a visitor in the house so he probably wouldn
Chapter 19 He didn't complete what he wanted to say when Rose out of anger gave him a resounding slap on the cheek. “Just shut up.” She yelled and slapped him on the right cheek which turned his face backward because of how forceful it came. “I can't believe you're like this, Michael.” A hint of disappointment ran through her face after she believed Fred's bunch of lies. “I only thought you were poor and kind-hearted, never did I know you're such a cold-hearted man. If someone had told me that you're like this I would have probably defended you but today you have shown me your true color. Just get out, I don't want to see you, you're a green snake in green grasses.” She hit him on the chest, pushing him away. “Rose! You're overreacting, you should hear from him also before concluding. He also has something to say. Allow us to hear from him.” Grandma Isabella said interrupted and defensively, not believing any single word that Fred had said. She knew Michael could never s
Chapter 20She flashed out of the room in anger before Michael fell onto his knees in front of Fred and he apologized humbly. “I'm sorry, sir. Please, forgive me, I promise this won't repeat itself.” He didn't mind whether he was the one at fault or not.Fred glanced down at him and smiled. “You're forgiven.” He then extended his hand to help Michael get up so he should be addressed as a kind person. But Michael declined, however, he gave him his hand and he got up.“Fred, I never knew you were so kind-hearted.” Stephen was convinced by the fake attitude that he had put on.“I'm not cold-hearted like some people.” He giggled and looked at Michael who immediately understood what he was implying. “I thank God for that and also for making Rose find someone like you. I wished she had met you earlier before she got married.” Their tones were filled with sarcasm that left a piercing knife through Michael's heart. They were indirectly talking to him with every single word of theirs which
Chapter 21Quickly, he began to serve each portion into bowls. He specially filled Rose's bowl into the topmost rim and kept it on one side specifically for her.He cared for her and had always wanted her to feel special. With a last smile on his face, he carried the tray of bowls and headed to the dining hall. He got there with the tray of bowls in his hand and walked straight to the dining hall then placed it on the table. With that, he turned around and looked at everyone who seemed to be busy with their stuff. His father-in-law was busy reading his favorite newspaper, ‘The USA TODAY’, which he normally never fails to buy while returning from work.His eyes also quickly moved to where Rose and his mother-in-law were. They were busy sorting out beautiful designs that Rose would take to the nightclub to present to the CEO.“Mom, I think this design looks pretty ok.” Rose praised the efforts she had put into making the fashion-designing clothes. “Yes, my dear. It does and I believ
Chapter 22 Rose quickly tasted it and she was the first person. “Wow, this is delicious.” She admitted and took more spoons. Everyone had shocking expressions on their faces except for Grandma Isabella and Ella. Grandma Isabella had been aware that Michael had always been sorting out possible means to get Rose to reciprocate his love. But all his efforts to do that were always regarded as nothing. Instead of reciprocating his love, her heart hardened more toward him. “Michael is such an amazing cook.” Grandma Isabella immediately announced without wasting any time as she tasted it. And her words broke no argument because it was the truth. No one of them could even say a thing as they ate. Both Stephen, Joseph and Maria couldn't talk. They silently enjoyed the meal and wondered within themselves how Michael was able to cook such a delicious meal. “Grandma, do you mean Michael was the one who prepared this?” Ella took a glimpse at her and asked. She didn't fail to stop eating
Chapter 23He nodded while Ella and Grandma Isabella took a glance of pity at him.He was going when Rose remembered something and shouted at him. “Go inside the room and get my gown ironed.” He let out a deep sigh before leaving, obeying the last command of his wife. He didn't have a say.Not long after he left, the whole family finished eating and each person left to their various ways, leaving the dirty dishes on the table for Michael. Ella and Rose engaged in a long conversation as they went into the bedroom she and Michael had together.“Rose! Don't tell me you still haven't fallen in love with him?” Ella called out to her and asked.“Fall in love with that low-life man? Never!” She spat. Not looking at her as she led the way.They were climbing up the stairs so they moved cautiously while they talked. Ella let out a deep sigh. “Have you forgotten the saying that NO ONE KNOWS TOMORROW? He might be poor today but things may turn out well tomorrow and he might…”“He'll never am
Chapter 173 *Weeks later* The hall was decorated with balloons, and luxurious cars were parked everywhere in the surroundings. Men and women in elegant suits were happily moving around with glasses of red wine in their hands. Cameras were already mounted everywhere with photographers taking pictures. The event was streamed live on all channels all over the world making people stay connected to it. “Wow, this is a remarkable and unforgettable day of my life. I'm gonna frame this for my grandchildren.” One exclaimed, smiling widely, taking in the luxurious atmosphere. ‘Indeed, it is. It's worth sharing!” One responded. Soon, everywhere became hushed like a graveyard, with everyone seated as a man dressed in a vestment with a cassock worn under the white vestment. He also wore a stole around his neck and a chasuble worn around his shoulders and stood in front of everyone. This is the priest. Close to him but in front of him stood a handsome, wealthy-looking man dressed in
Chapter 172 On the podium, Mr. John pointed at Michael and said, “He's the president of this great company from today henceforth.” He declared firmly. And the whole hall erupted into applause. And murmuring started, “Oh, wow. He looks handsome and young to handle such a company.” “I believe he's capable of handling it, that's why it's been handed to him.” The announcement had been made and yet the journalists seemed not to be leaving. One brave journalist stepped forward and said directly to Michael, “Sir, please, can you tell us? Do you have any experience in this before now?” Michael smiled, shaking his head, “No, I don't. However, I have studied and mastered everything that has to be done through the mentor of my beloved Uncle and manager.” He pointed to John and Franklin. “So, if I must answer, then yes.” The journalist nodded, impressed, “So, tell us, sir. What's your exact age?” “Just 26.” “26, and you're controlling a trillion-dollar company?” She swallowed an
Chapter 171Meanwhile, the next day, early in the morning, a group of vehicles filled with journalists with their big cameras, microphones, notebooks and pens, digital recorders, and some with smartphones arrived at Maple's biggest company ahead of the announcement to be made. Inside the big office in the company, Mr. John Lewis and Franklin sat. He looked at Franklin and asked, “Have they arrived?” “Yes, sir.” Franklin nodded.“What about Michael, has he arrived yet?” Franklin shook his head, “I don't think he has arrived. But let me call him.” He brought out his phone and called Michael. The phone kept ringing but there was no response after several trials. John looked at him and said, “Maybe, he might be on his way. Just go and lead the journalists in.” Franklin nodded and left. Getting outside, he saw a group of journalists who were all dressed in black and navy suits. He approached them with an authoritative demeanor, drawing everyone's attention of everyone to himself, “Go
Chapter 170 Still in the store, the sales representative looked at Michael and asked, “Do you have any brand or model in mind?” Michael shook his head and replied, “No, I don't. I just need a smartphone of any brand that has amazing features, a long-lasting battery, and fast browsing. Any latest model or brand at all.” “Alright, do you want an iPhone 16? It's fast and has a good camera….” The sales representative began. Michael interrupted, “And what about the battery? Just don't worry about it, I'm using that brand and the battery doesn't last long. Don't you have any other brand apart from the Apple brand?” The sales representative nodded, “We do. Samsung Galaxy is another best brand that provides you with a long-lasting battery and other amazing features.” “What's the model?” “Samsung Galaxy S24, sir.” “Please, bring that for me.” Michael requested, “Bring it in pairs.” He wanted to taste the brand as well. “Sorry, I forgot, bring two HP computers alongside.”
Chapter 169 Meanwhile, after Michael and Philip finished freshening up themselves, they headed to the parking lot. Michael, holding two car keys, threw one to Philip while he retained one. The car key he handed to Philip was the one belonging to a Mercedes Benz AMG that was worth over $200,000. “That's the key to that car.” He pointed at the sleek black Mercedes Ben that was parked in the lot. “It belongs to you from henceforth.” He said, walking to hop into the same brand of car. “Mine?” Philip said out with disbelief causing Michael to halt in his steps. He turned back and nodded with confirmation, “Yes, it's yours. Whenever you're going out, go with it. This is a small gift from me to you for being a good friend.” Overwhelmed with gratitude, Philip was about to fall on his knees in Michael's front but Michael swiftly caught him right in the air, shaking his head lightly, “You don't have to. You were there by my side when those school bullies were after my life.” He said
Chapter 168 Meanwhile, a car pulled in front of a black gate, and a lady came out of the car, looking gorgeously dressed. Her face was filled with thick makeup that made her look extremely beautiful. Also, her neck was adorned with gold jewelry that added to her beauty. She walked into a compound with graceful steps carrying a handbag. As she got inside the living room where the whole family was sitting, she let out a warm smile. “Aah! Ella? You're here?” Rose jumped and hugged her, happily. “You didn't tell me you were coming so fast.” She helped with the handbag. Ella smiled, “But at least I told you that I'll come to visit you. That's what is important.” She then walked to Stephen, “Good day, sir.” Turning to Maria, she greeted, “Good day, ma'am.” Then to Grandma Isabella, she said, “Good day, Granny.” Grandma Isabella smiled, “You're welcome, my granddaughter. We have missed you a lot. And you look beautiful today.” “Yes, Grandma. I'm wondering what's making her look s
Chapter 167Philip was startled, hearing that. His hand vibrated for fear, causing the glass of coffee to fall from his hand to the ground.Michael took a sharp look at him, “What's wrong, Philip? Is he the man?” He asked.Philip nodded, opening his mouth to answer but no words came out from his mouth. He then stood up as a group of officers walked into the coffee shop.“Here's that bastard!” Noah said, eyeing Philip with contempt.“Hey, you can't call him that!” Michael intervened, warning Noah. Noah glanced at him with a surprise yet furious gaze, “And who are you?” “I’m his brother and I won't…..” Noah interjected, “So, you're that bastard who had the guts to speak to me over the phone that way?” He moved to grab Michael but the senior officer interrupted, feeling belittled.“Mr. Noah, with all due respect, sir we won't tolerate this act of yours. We are here and you can't take laws into your hands.” He said and turned to Philip.“Young man, you're under arrest for trying to ru
Chapter 166 Philip raised an eyebrow at Michael, “What do you mean by I know him?” He asked, “You're rich yet you don't know him. How will I know him then?” Michael, still wearing a smiling expression, said dismissively, “Don't worry, you will get to know when it's time.” Philip was silent, looking at him with dull and heavy eyes. He was slowly feeling sleepy, his eyes growing dim. He then managed to say, “Whatever.” He stood up and taped Michael's shoulder, “I need to sleep. Good night.” “Alright, have a nice rest,” Michael responded, also sensing his eyes going heavy, intending to sleep too. Without any more words, Philip walked out and slammed the door behind him. The next day around six o'clock, the morning broke at a sophisticated building with a spacious compound. By the left side of the house was a blue canopy accommodating two sleek black and red cars. Inside the living room of this house, a man was spotted, sitting on a sofa, looking through the door, and seem
Chapter 165 “Why? Why should I leave the man I love?” Jennifer retorted her father's words, sounding angry. All this time, Morgan was still there, looking surprised and shocked, confusion washing all over him. He wasn't hearing what Jennifer was discussing with her father but her actions and replies were beginning to make him feel uncomfortable. Noah cleared his throat and explained softly, “Jennifer, it's not that I'm against your relationship with him. From the picture that you sent to me, it's clearly stated and instructed that no company, both small and big, should employ this young man that I'm seeing.” Jennifer squeezed her face, looking confused, “What do you mean no company should employ him? And by whose order was such law made? And why?” Noah, trying to steady his voice, said, “I don't know the reason why but the law was made by the newly elected anonymous president of the Golden Group of Companies.” “What?” Jennifer was startled. How did the new president even