Christopher introduced Alex to his Associates as the new boss. They all welcomed him with open arms. One after the other they put him through on what had been going on in their companies.
Alex was sort of surprised as to why Marcus or Cassandra didn't show up. "I will look into that later," he said to himself. They were back home now and Alex and Chris were just chilling. They were sitting at the Foyer behind the swimming pool taking in the evening breeze.
"Son, how was your first day at work?" Chris inquired.
"It went well, the different Associates welcomed me with open arms even though I know that some of them were not happy with the new development. Maybe they wanted you to make one of them the Boss on top."
"Hmph, do not pay heed to any of their annoying attitudes. You are now their new Boss and they're all answerable to you. Don't allow any of them to intimidate or bully you." Chris advised.
"Sure Dad, I'll always keep that in mind." Alex wasn't going to allow anyone to look down on him condescendingly ever again. He was going to deal with anybody who disrespected him. No more being a weakling.
"Dad, about the shortlisted Companies for the partnership, do you have any Company in mind already?" He just wanted to know if his father was interested in giving the contract to any particular company.
"I've left all that to you, I trust in your selection. I know you are competent enough to handle that."
Alex's heart leaped with joy. This was the first time someone was saying something nice about him. He stood and rushed to hug Chris, it was all emotional for him.
Chris patted his back, "You deserve everything good that is coming your way Son. Don't cry." He pacified.
"Thank you so much Dad for trusting in my competence, I would never disappoint you. And also you need to always go for your checkups, cos I won't let you die anytime soon."
Chris chuckled, "Death is an inevitable outcome in everyone's life. But do not bother yourself, just concentrate on your empire and I'll take care of myself."
Alex was not having any of that, "I'll inform your driver to always take you for your checkups every day. And I'll make him report to me on each occasion." Alex said adamantly.
Chris saw that Alex was not backing down, so he decided to go with the flow, "Fine, I've heard you Sir." He saluted in mock surrender which made them burst into laughter.
"That reminds me, I didn't see any representative from the Mac & Cas Company today at the meeting."
"Oh yeah, they had emergencies to sort out outside the country. You'll meet up with them on the award night."
There would be a party hosted by C-Square Associates Limited to crown the overall winner of the partnership competition. It was already drawing closer and Alex couldn't wait to see his enemies again.
"Okay, I can't wait to meet them cos I want to know my subordinates and associates." He did not want to tell Chris yet, that they were the family that maltreated him. He was enjoying the smooth ride and looking forward to his destination.
*****
It was the D-Day, the day where the best company would be awarded the contract, the day where Chris would introduce Alex to Marcus and Cassandra as their new Boss. Alex was really looking forward to it.
It was an evening occasion, Alex and Chris were already on their way to the event. They were the host so they needed to be there in time.
On the other hand, Cassandra and her entourage were on their way too. Her father Marcus was driving behind them while Victor and Clare were sitting in the same car with her. She was looking forward to this award.
"Guys, I really need this award. This would boost my company's image all over the country." Cassandra said quite on edge.
"Do not bother your pretty self babe, you're the owner of this award tonight, the other companies do not match up to yours." Victor comforted his woman.
"Yes, I agree with Victor. Keep your mind at rest baby girl, they have no choice but to give you this award tonight or we'll scatter the whole event tonight." Clare joked and they all laughed.
At about thirty minutes later, Cassandra and her people arrived at the event.
The event was at the Mirage. It was inspired by Mirage which was the most prominent club in Swinton and inspired also by the Victorian period. The building was as large as a hotel. It had gabbled roofs, large bay windows, and expensive decorative sculptures around the environment. The interior was similarly designed, exuding grandeur and splendor. Outside the club was surrounded by vast gardens, vineyards, and even a man-made waterfall.
"Oh my goodness, this place looks magnificent." Clare gushes beside Cassandra.
They were still admiring the surroundings when a black car stopped. They all turned their focus to that direction.
"Waoh!" Victor exclaimed. "That is Bugattis La Voiture Noire. It is the most expensive car that the automobile company has produced, it costs twenty million dollars." Cassandra and Clare gasped.
Two prominent figures alighted from the car. Their presence commanded power and an undivided attention. They majestically made their way to the trio which were still gaping at them. This time Marcus had joined them.
"Alex you go ahead, I want to discuss a pressing issue with Marcus. I will introduce you both later." Chris said before slipping away with Marcus who looked at Alex as if he was an apparition.
Someone cleared their throat, and Alex looked up to find the devilish trio in front of him.
"You never cease to amaze me, are you a bodyguard now?" Cassandra asked with malice in her voice.
"I think he is, there's no way he could afford an expensive luxurious car like that, and there was no way he would be the new heir we all heard about. That's not possible." Clare's obnoxious voice filled the air.
Before now, the Mac & Cas Company had already heard of the new boss who would be taking over from Chris Columbus. They've not seen him yet, they were hoping to see him in the event.
Alex was amused by what he had heard so far, "I think you should be more concerned about getting the award tonight, every other thing should be secondary for now." Alex advised.
Victor has been observing the scene, something looked off to him. Alex had never spoken to them with such authority before. "What do you mean by that pauper." Victor sized him up.
"If I were you, I would stay within my limit," Alex said the exact words Victor said to him a few days ago at the mall. And with that, he left their presence looking smug.
"What just happened?" Victor asked no one in particular still baffled from the whole scene that just played out in front of them.
The event kicked off. Cassandra and her friends were already inside the building. You could hear chatter and clanking of cups around the room.After the scenario outside, the trio conspired to make Alex's life a living hell. Little did they know what was about to befall them.Christopher and Marcus stepped into the building. Cassandra sighted them."I know for a fact that my company will get this partnership today. I mean look at how cozy my dad and Chris are." Cassandra boasted."Of course, didn't I tell you that the position is unrivaled," Clare supported.Just then, Christopher Columbus walked up to the stage. His presence demanded everyone's attention."Hello gentlemen and ladies, I would like to officially welcome you on this occasion. This would be my last occasion as the head of this empire," Chris paused to make sure that he was communicating effectively before continuing. "You all already know that I have an heir who has already taken over, he would be in charge of today's se
"How did you do it? "I don't understand what you mean. " Alexander looked frankly confused at that line of question. "Stop it, Emmanuel, this is not the time or place for that." Another associate member cautioned. Alex knew that not everyone was going to like him but he was indeed ready for any tantrum they would throw his way. "We have worked with Mr Christopher for over a decade now and he chose you over us. What is so special about you?" Alex could pinpoint the jealousy in Emmanuel's tone. Who would have thought that Alex the pauper, the weakling would amount to something useful? Nobody will talk to him anyhow from now onwards unless they want to lose their jobs. "Watch your tone Mr Emmanuel Lambert." Alex warned in a firm voice. From Alex's peripheral vision, he could see Cassandra making her way to where he stood but he behaved like he didn't see her and continued with what he was doing. "Please can we talk?" Cassandra whispered to Alex immediately after she reached wh
"This boy is behaving so childish. I can't believe that he did this just for a petty revenge." Victor kept rubbing Cassandra's back to bring her back from the panic attack episode she had just gone into. Clare was also whispering promises to her ears to bring her back from her reverie. Every other person in the room was clapping for the company that won except Cassandra and her people. They felt cheated as if it was their birthright. Marcus gestured for them to leave immediately. They all stood up and left the mirage without bidding anyone goodbye. They were back at the Kingston villa. Marcus can be seen pacing to and fro around the sitting room. It was still like an illusion to him what just happened a few hours ago. "This is nonsense!" He yelled pulling at the root of his hair in frustration. "This gutter boy gave my crown to another undeserving company. What gave him the right, the impetus, the temerity, the nerve, the guts to do that?" At this point, Marcus was ranting and sp
"Hi Alex, how did you know that I was the one? I didn't even talk" Sophia asked, surprised that he was able to know that it was her.It was now Alex's turn to chuckle, "I can recognize your voice anywhere, even in the crowd where many people are talking at the same time""Huh…we only spoke for a few minutes. You can't possibly know me too well within those few minutes" Sophia was finding it hard to believe that he already knew her just by spending some time with her."Why do you sound like you don't want me to know you well enough?" Alex asked."That's not what I meant. I–I just thought–Um…" Alex decided to save her from her stuttering "Calm down. I was just pulling your legs. Moreover, a few minutes is enough of a time to get to know someone. And again, you have a unique voice that could lure someone to sleep"Sophia blushed incredulously. She had heard so many pickup lines from guys with sugar-coated tongues before but none of them were able to bring out this blushing side of hers.
"Thank you for joining us. I promise you guys that you'll have a lot of fun. Alex has a great sense of humor, he has been cracking me up. I promise, you won't regret joining us." Sophia said enthusiastically.Victor and Alex sat together across from Cassandra and Sophia. Victor felt a certain kind of way sitting with his enemy and boss. He doesn't even know how to behave around him. At this point, most of the talking was done by Sophia and Sophia didn't mind."I'll start with the introduction. Cas meet my friend Alexander Sterling." Sophia gestured towards Alex. "Can you believe that he's our new boss?" Sophia added."Yes. We already met yesterday at the function." Cassandra replied in a dull tone not looking excited or interested at all.Sophia didn't even notice her nonchalant behavior. She kept on going, "Right! I forgot that your company was among the shortlisted Companies. I'm sorry that you couldn't get the contract" Sophia made a cute puppy face."It's okay. I'm just happy that
It was already evening when Alex and Sophia arrived at a deserted island. They drove in Alex's car. Sophia's driver drove away with her car per her instructions.They both sat down on the grass looking at the sky as the evening glow cast the island with beautiful rainbow colors. They were in their thoughts meditating on all that occurred earlier today."I would love to know your story. I want to see beyond this rich man I'm seeing. I promise not to judge. I just want to know more about you." Sophia said.Alex heaved a deep sigh, "There's nothing more to talk about. Victor already said everything there is to say." He doesn't know why Sophia was interested in his previous boring life."Alright, let's do it this way. Tell me about you, why you married someone that didn't give a shit about you, and why you stayed despite all the maltreatment. Then, I'll tell you everything you need to know about my family. Deal or no deal?" She stretched her hand for a handshake.That was an irresistible
It was the next day and all the representatives of different companies were present at the C-Square Associates Limited. They were all sitting in the conference room waiting for Alex.Cassandra sat close to her father. Her friends could not make it because the invitation was solely for the stakeholders. After the way the notification entered their phones the previous day, Cassandra can't seem to shake off the feeling that this meeting is being held because of her family.Her father Marcus has been trying his best to make her calm down but to no avail. She has been fidgeting in her seat since she arrived. She was finding it difficult to sit still.Sophia can be seen in the room too with her father Alessandro McLean. Alessandro had no care in the world with the way he was balanced waiting for the boss. Nothing destabilized him. Or rather he never lets something destabilise him.A few minutes later, Alex walks into the room looking as good as always. His presence demanded everyone's atte
Alex was still in the middle of sorting out the file when he heard a soft knock on the door. He was still very pissed at what just occurred. How can these companies be duping Christopher Columbus of his hard-earned money? Do they think that it was easy to build an empire known all over the world? People have always liked to reap where they did not sow. He was still in his thoughts when he heard the knock again."Come in" he answered the person at the door.Sophia opens the door and slips only her head into the room. She sees Alex trying to sort out too many documents. Then, Alex looked up to see her."Hi Sophia" He greeted her."Hi, Alex. I can see that you're very busy now, I'll just go and come back later." She turned to leave but Alex's voice kept her rooted at the spot."Wait, please. I think I need some company to help me diffuse this tension." He gestured for her to come and take a seat.Alex and Sophia discussed at length. They made jest of each other and Sophia even ended up g
“Please explain what you mean,” Jayden said, still looking a bit taken off guard by her response.“I knew that I was pregnant. Well… I didn't know for a fact because I didn’t do any tests in the hospital but I did a urine test with a pregnancy test kit and it came out positive. I didn't know how to tell my boyfriend because I didn't know how he would take it. I also knew that I would lose the child when I started bleeding out.” She was a bit sceptical about telling him because they had only been intimate just once and that was on the night after his birthday. They had already been aroused even before they went to the party venue, it was only natural that they completed what they started earlier.“I can't believe that you are saying this. Why would you keep something like that away from me? Have I ever given you any reasons to doubt my love for you? It takes two to tangle, have you forgotten?” Alex asked a series of questions. He was bothered that Sophia would think that he would by an
Sophia woke up to see her boyfriend and her friends surrounding her in their various positions. There was this happiness that filled her soul to know that they slept in the same room with her without considering the uncomfortable position they slept in. The closest person to her right now is Cynthia who was sleeping an inch beside her. She gently tapped Cynthia which made Cynthia open her eyes almost immediately she was touched because she thought that Sophia might be in any form of discomfort.“Sophia, is everything okay? Do you want me to call the doctor?” Cynthia rushed out.Sophia shook her head sideways, “No, I'm fine. Just help me and touch the men.” Sophia requested.Cynthia walked over to them and tapped them. They both woke up with a startle, just like Cynthia, they thought that something was wrong with Sophia. When they looked around, they saw Sophia who already sat up on her bed. In a split second, Alex swiftly rushed to where she was sitting down and engulfed her in a hug.
The ladies knew that they were in for a lot. They trembled in fear and strikes of tears ran down their faces, “Please spare us.” Cassandra pleaded in a shaky voice. She was against this whole arrangement at first because she knew that there would be no easy way out if they were caught, but they had to emotionally blackmail her into taking part in it, now look where that had gotten them.Cassandra’s answer caused Alex to chuckle in amusement, “I just lost my child because of you guys and for some shitty reason you think that I would want to let you go?” He asked in his newly adapted mild voice. This particular tone of his feared them more than the loud and snappy tone.“We didn't know that she was pregnant, and the poison wasn't even for her,” Clare replied.Alex huffed in disbelief, “Should that make me feel better? If it wasn't the baby who died, it would have been Sophia. And… would it have been better if you guys succeeded in your plans to kill me? There's one particular question t
‘Kaboom’ Alex's fist lands on Victor Mancini's face.“You had the nerve to try to kill my girlfriend. You must really be fearless.” Alex spat. Over the past 10 minutes after Sophia's call, he had been with the Kingston family, or better put– the notorious four. They were tied up in circles with their backs to each other on the floor. He had the urge to just end them completely, but he knew that the law would take its course no matter his status in society. He had to come home after hearing the news of Sophia's miscarriage. He had to look for where to let out his anger and the only place that came to his mind was the perpetrator's body. He wanted them to feel half of what he was feeling right now. This is very much unlike him but they have done more than enough, whom much is given, much is expected also.“As I said earlier, your girlfriend was not the target. We wanted you to be the one to take the drink but no! Sophia had to get in the way of our revenge. Well, I guess that half-bread
“Please can you repeat what you said earlier?” Alex reiterated, still shocked by the news.“I said that my team and I are so sorry to announce to you that she lost the baby. We did our best to save her but the poison in her system would have succeeded in killing her if it didn't kill the baby.” The doctor repeated while he thought that they didn't hear him the first time.“Shit!” Alex cussed out and punched the closest wall. This motion startled both the doctor and Cynthia who was too dumbstruck to say anything. “Um… we didn't know that she was pregnant.” Cynthia finally speaks.The doctor looked surprised at this. It was then that he realised that they asked him to recap what he said earlier not because they didn't hear him but because they were hearing it for the first time– they were shocked at the news.“She was a few weeks gone from the scan we carried out on her earlier… precisely 4 weeks gone.” The doctor answered. He saw how the news disoriented Alex– how he was going around
“Cynthia, please ask my baby to wake up.” Alex strained out from the driver's seat. He looked between the road and at his girlfriend through the rearview mirror. He frustratedly hit his hands on the driving wheel when the traffic light turned red. If he were to be the one in front, he wouldn’t have minded the traffic light at all.At the back of the car, Cynthia was shaking profusely. Her lips trembled and her eyes kept overflowing with tears. They were all to be blamed for Sophia's current condition. If anything happens to Sophia, they will all be doomed.“Is there no other way for you to get to the hospital? Sophia is bleeding profusely– Alex, she's losing a lot of blood.” Cynthia was able to get out of her jittery nerves.Alex looked to his right to see that the cars were moving to the right side, but he was supposed to take the straight road cos that's the road leading to the hospital. It was about 30 seconds remaining for the traffic light to turn to green but that felt like an e
Sophia picks up a gift card from the list of items lying on the floor, “Oh… this is not for me.” She hands it over to Alex, “This card has your name on it.”Alex took it and looked at it. It didn't go beyond his notice that his girlfriend totally avoided what he said to her earlier, but he would just let it go.They ended up exchanging their gifts. At some point during the process, they all got emotional about the thoughtful gifts they all got. Sophia got a box of diamond pieces of jewellery, a Christmas card, a big teddy bear– that got her cackling though, and a MacBook.Alex got a Christmas card too, some sports attire– he had an inkling that it would be from Cynthia cos that girl wanted him to go boxing on his birthday, he got a headset too because he likes music a lot and he finally got a Rolex designer wristwatch.Cynthia was the only one who didn't get a Christmas card. This made them conclude that the lovely cards were from her. Well, She got some cake equipment like an oven, a
“Merry Christmas.” That has been what has been exchanged so many times since daybreak. Alex invited all his staff to have Christmas dinner with them. The dinner was to start by 7 pm while the exchange of gifts between him and his friends was to happen by 5 pm. It was half past 4 pm already and they were all now surrounding the Christmas tree. It happened that every one of them sneaked in their Christmas gifts for one another before daybreak. They did it in such a way that the recipient of the gift wouldn't know the giver– the only way to know that the gift is for you is from the name written on it.As for what they had been doing since morning, Well, they all woke up quite late and when they did, they had their brunch and drove to the cemetery where they stayed with Mr Christopher for quite some time. On their way back, they dropped by the orphanage and celebrated Christmas with the children there. They took pictures and played around with the babies. When they were about to leave, th
It's Christmas Eve and Alex, his girlfriend and his friends went to the movie theater to spend it. They had been outside the whole day, going from one fun place to the other. They already mounted a Christmas tree earlier in the day before leaving the house. They were going to place their gifts on the tree after they got home from the theatre. “This is like the hundredth time I'm seeing this movie and it still ended up making me emotional as always,” Cynthia said dabbing her eyes and wiping the snot running down her nose. “Yeah… Romeo and Juliet always have a way of penetrating someone's heart. Every time I watched the movie, I kept praying that they would live happily ever after while still knowing that they would still die.” Sophia chipped in. They were done watching their movie and they were on their way home. As the women conversed about the movie, the men sat down quietly and listened to them. They don't want to say anything that would make them call any of them inconsiderate or