Chapter 2
As Michael got to the kitchen, he took a deep breath with the hope of getting everything done thereby fulfilling his wife's wish. He quickly dipped his hand into his pocket, bringing out his cheap Android phone which had several broken glasses and was half blind. The phone was so bad that he struggled to type, ‘step-by-step tutorials on how to prepare Black Pudding' on YouTube. After several minutes of struggling, he was able to type it and multiple results came out and he selected one of them and began to watch. “What a nonsense day for me. I can't even see anything on the screen. I'm not seeing a single thing.” Michael mumbled as he struggled to watch the video but couldn't see a single thing. Not seeing anything that was on screen got him so annoyed that he angrily switched it off. And with an annoying sigh, he pocketed it and sat in the air. “I can't even afford a good phone. How then am I going to make my darling Rose the meal she demanded?” He sighed and got up on his feet. “I'm not going to let her go to work on an empty stomach. I will make her Ma Po Tofu instead. And I'll make it more delicious like never before. And I believe she'll love it." Immediately, he began gathering ingredients, his hand moving as fast as possible like a flash as he set to prepare the meal. As Michael was busy gathering and setting things in order, Maria walked into the kitchen and glared at him angrily. She was Rose's mother and Michael's mother-in-law and she despised him to the core. She had warned her daughter, Rose, to get him divorced, however, Rose had retorted because Michael was hardworking and easily controllable. Seeing Michael still living in the house with her always gets her annoyed. “Good morning, mother-in-law.” Michael greeted her as soon as he took a glimpse at her. However, Maria's expression remained grim as it was, but she shook her head angrily. “What's good about the morning when you have chosen to make my daughter's life miserable? Your mates are the breadwinners of their home and you…? What are you? A man with no job, a man who can't provide for his family. Shame! Shame on you, Michael!” She scoffed and spat at the same time. Michael was calm as he gently digested every one of his mother-in-law's words. His heart sank deeply. “I will make sure Rose gets you divorced, and get married to a well-to-do man, who can take good care of her and give her whatever she asks for.” She continued, her voice evident of her seriousness. Hearing his mother-in-law talk about divorce, a hint of panic made its way to Michael's heart. Although he was badly treated by Rose, he still loved her and wasn't ready to let her go. “Mother-in-law, I know that I'm not capable of taking good care of your daughter, Rose, my wife too well as you all expected but I'm trying my best to see to it that I'll become the best husband to her, and best son-in-law to you too.” He pleaded and paused, then continued…. “And besides it's not my fault that I'm poor. Everything is….” Before he could complete his statement, he was cut short by Maria. “Yes, you're right. You're not to blame but rather your good-for-nothing parents who didn't brush you up well.” Michael felt his heart ached in pain as he heard his parents being addressed that way. But he couldn't utter a word. “Now, get back to what you were doing because soon Rose will be leaving off to the office to fetch money for your feeding since you're not independent. And be fast with it before she leaves.” She snapped and stormed out of the kitchen. As Maria walked out, Michael let out a heavy sigh, his face twisted in frustration. “Why do they keep treating me like a nobody?” He murmured to himself. “It's because I'm not wealthy. But I promise to prove to myself that I'm capable of taking good care of their daughter. And I won't stop until it's proven.” Without further talks, he faced what was at hand. “I need to be fast before she leaves so that she can eat something.” He hurried as he saw the time on his $2 wristwatch. It was 5:30 am, thirty minutes to the exact time that Rose was to leave for work. Since it wasn't his first time making Ma Po Tofu for the entire family, it didn't take him much time and he was done. He quickly and cautiously served it to each one's bowl and carried them then walked down the stairs to the dining hall. As he entered, his eyes lingered on everyone. They were already seated waiting for him. His eyes lingered constantly on Isabella, her grandmother. Isabella was in her early seventies. She was the mother of Adams Stephen, Rose's father. Michael had wished that everyone would have been like her because of how nicely she treated him. Unlike everyone including Joseph, Rose's younger brother, who insults him on regular occasions despite that he is two years older than him. “What kept you so long in the kitchen?” Stephen asked, looking furious. “Father-in-law….” Michael didn't finish his sentence when Stephen cut in again. His blood boiled. “Just shut up and don't dare call me that next time. In short, just bring the meals and get lost.” “Stephen! Take it easy on him. You know he has been the only one doing everything. You don't expect him to be fast in everything.” Isabella defended. Stephen let out a sigh. “He doesn't do anything useful in this house so I don't see any reason why he should spend the whole day in the kitchen.” “Aren't we going to eat, huh?” Joseph snapped at Michael as he watched his in-laws argue. Quickly, Michael began to serve them, positioning each bowl in front of each of the family members. Michael was heading back to the kitchen when Grandma Isabella's calm voice caused him to halt in his steps. And he quickly turned around. “Aren't you going to dine with us?” “What?” Everyone's eyes were bewildered. “No, Grandma, I respect you so much but that fool can't eat with us on the same table. Never!” Rose ranted.Chapter 3 “Why? Rose, isn't he your husband? Why can't he dine with us?” Isabella queried, looking disappointed. “He's not my husband and can never be until he's capable of doing what other men are doing for their wives and family.” Rose retorted with a sharp tone. “Period!” Everyone supported, which made Michael bow his head in shame as he stood speechless. Not wanting to prolong the conversation which seemed unfavorable to her, Isabella sighed deeply and quietly opened her bowl to eat. The rest of the family also opened theirs. While Michael turned to go back to the kitchen. Just as he moved, Rose's angry voice caused him to halt in his steps again as he turned. “What the hell is this? Why Ma Po Tofu? Why did you prepare it? Didn't I tell you to prepare Black Pudding?” She angrily slammed her hand on the table, standing on her feet. “Yes, you did. But I don't know how to prepare Black Pudding.” Michael admitted calmly, walking closer and standing beside his father-in-law.
Chapter 4 “Rose, you know that I don't have money for now but I assure you that I'll fix everything right soon.” He said, concentrating on his driving. “Then dare not ask me a single thing about my family life ever again when you're not capable of helping.” Rose shunned and remained silent. Michael noticed how angry she looked so he also kept silent and gently drove not wanting to cause any more ire. “Why is my life so miserable like this? I can't even help when they need me the most. Dear God, please help me.” He muttered to himself as he drove. After driving for half an hour, the car abruptly stopped in front of an open building painted white and red. It was the small company that Rose had inherited from her parents as a result of their trust in her. Most of the staff were already carrying out some necessary work and they were all on black and white shirts as it was mandatory for all of them. Most of them who noticed their presence didn't fail to murmur as they saw Michael
Chapter 5 Michael drove on the street and finally stopped beside the roadside, parked the car, and sat under a giant tree that gave him a shield from the hotness of the sun. Onlookers didn't fail to throw at him mocking words. However, he ignored them and was left alone to his thoughts. Who didn't know him as the popular broke man in the whole town of Maple? He slumped down onto the ground, having his head buried between his legs as he sobbed. “I am such a useless man. I can't even provide for my wife and in-laws. Soon, we'll be kicked out of the house and I don't even know what to do.” His heart sank deeply as tears welled down from his eyes. “Father-in-law was right. I'm just living off their earnings instead of providing. What a worthless man I am.” He couldn't hold back his tears. Immediately, he wiped off his tears and raised his eyebrows, he spotted a car driving towards where he was and he quickly wiped off his tears and stood on his feet as he watched the car appr
Chapter 6 John took Michael around the entire building and after everything was concluded, soon Michael signed all the crucial documents making him the new CEO. He was filled with joy because his Uncle whom he had once looked down on was the same person making him move from a nobody to somebody. “Thank you, Uncle, I'll have to go back home now. I know they might have been waiting for me.” “Alright, but don't forget to resume your office tomorrow.” Michael nodded and left and headed for home. “Rose, how is everything going? What are your plans to settle the loans we borrowed? You know we can't afford to lose everything because we have nowhere to go.” Stephen and Maria were curious to ask as soon as Rose returned. “Mom, I don't know what to do right now. I received a letter from Yonggi Cho's family today back in my office and they're threatening to throw us out of the house and even take our properties including the company if we fail to refund their money.” “We're in a
Chapter 7 The next morning, Michael was the first to wake up. He woke up twenty minutes after 5, he glanced over Rose who was fast asleep. “Thank goodness, she's still asleep.” He muttered to himself taking a deep breath. He stood up, folded his mat, and dropped it at its usual place. He also put a $20 note into Rose's office bag before leaving for the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the day. Not up to five minutes after he left, Rose woke up and glanced down to Michael's sleeping spot but she didn't see him. “This is what he should have been doing and not waiting for me to wake him up to prepare breakfast.” She mumbled to herself. “If he had been doing this, I wouldn't have been waking him up with bottles of water.” Still mumbling, she got from the bed and walked straight into the bathroom to take her bath. Before everyone else in the family woke up, Michael had finished every one of the house chores and went out. When they finally woke up, they dined together an
Chapter 8 The news of Golden Group of Companies accepting the collaboration proposal from Best Fashion Company circulated the whole town. Everyone was fully aware that a new CEO had finally stepped on board. And the entire family of Miller White was set at the edge of extreme happiness. The White family had been in enmity with the Stephen family over the years now unbeknownst to Michael. It all started when White chose to betray Stephen and went ahead to establish his own company after stealing from the company they both had together. That was how Stephen's family fell into the huge loan they were owing because Stephen, Rose's father, was the one who borrowed the money, and the signature was signed under his name. As Michael was cleaning the furniture which was his regular work, the entire family was busy watching TV shows together. It was weekend so everyone was present at home and no one went to work. “Rose! Have you heard about the news?” Maria was the first to talk,
Chapter 9 The following day, the news of Golden Group of Companies terminating collaboration with Best Fashion Company overnight went again throughout the whole town leaving everyone wondering. Rose couldn't hold back her happiness as she heard the news. It was all she had prayed for. So she quickly picked up her phone to call Cordelia. Although she had blacklisted her contact before, she now felt the urge to unban her and called her. After she dialed her number, it rang but there was no answer, however, she didn't stop calling. And finally, Cordelia picked up. “Hey, you fool! What do you want?” “You silly girl, what do you think I'll stoop so low to ever need something from people like you and your family? You know that can never happen.” Cordelia remained silent while Rose continued. “Oh, my darling friend. I heard what happened. They approved your proposal and not even up to a day they terminated it because it seemed they had gotten to know your true identity. Ha ha
Chapter 10 “Cordelia, please stop, stop,” Paul called, lifting his hand as soon as he got outside. Cordelia had already entered the car in anger and was about to drive leaving him. She finally stopped and Paul hurried to it. “What were you trying to do? Leave me here and go?” He asked, his voice was sharp and a hint of disbelief flashed through his face. However, Cordelia didn't answer him a word. She shifted and took her seat near the driver's seat allowing Paul to take his place at the driver's side. He glanced at her then shifted his attention back to the steering and then sped off. “Cordelia! You need to learn how to control your anger. That was too bad of you trying to cause a scene in such a big company. Do you not know what damages it will cause to our company?” Paul asked, a hint of worry in his voice as he drove through the town. “I don't care to know what it will cause. Do you expect me to stay calm and absorb such a manner from that so-called new CEO? Huh?”
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