The Billionaire Takeover

Chapter 2

The weather in winter was cold and the atmosphere was always dark, but that didn't stop Kraig for trying to find the perfect hairstyle for the birthday party, afterall, he needed to look good.

He stared at his reflection diligently, and carefully, he parted his hair into different angles. 

Somehow, he felt he wasn't styling it perfectly, and Henry, his roommate, who's a perfect hairstylist by talent, have refused to help him.

"After what happened in school earlier, you still want to attend this party of hers?" 

"We made up. It's normal for couples to fight. And perhaps, she's still grieving remember."

 Kraig response was supposed to make Henry give up on his attempt to persuade him from not going, but somehow, it felt like an excuse he gave himself. 

He shook his head disregarding the negative thoughts and then smiled at his reflection. 

"You seem to have forgotten that nothing good happens when you visit that house." Henry warned him, but it made no difference to Kraig.

"Today is Jade's birthday, what could possibly go wrong?" Kraig smirked.

"It's my fault for being too concerned. I wish you well." Henry instantly laid back on the bed ignoring Kraig.

Kraig's heart raced for a moment as though it might burst from his chest, but then he shut his eyes as he exhaled slowly. 

When he opened his eyes, they drifted towards Henry. He could understand Henry's concerns but there was no way he would back out from attending his fiancee birthday.

He was carefully dressed in jeans and a blue shirt. His shirt was slightly faded but he ironed it out properly. 

A message notification appeared on his phone-

'Where are you? The party has started.'

Kraig hastily rushed out after grabbing his car keys. He arrived at Jade's grand Villa in no time. 

He parked his car by the gate as he pressed the horn of his car for the guards to open up the gate. 

But instead, the gate cracked open and a guard walked out. On seeing Kraig, the guard instantly recognized him. He smiled as he walked up to Kraig.

"You can't park your car inside, leave it out here."

Kraig's eyes wavered around, he couldn't find a single car that was parked outside. "Will the guests also park outside?" 

The guard laughed out loud, "No sir, but you will have to park your toy out here, there's no parking space inside for toys like yours." 

Kraig frowned slightly upon hearing this, there was a sudden range that rushed through his spine. 

As he was about to speak up the guard asked, "Are you still attending the party Kraig? It seems before you'd make up your mind the party would have ended." 

"Okay." Kraig responded and then parked his car outside.

As he entered the villa, he came across the security who scanned him for any inappropriate item. It was a safety measure the Lloyd's always use on every guests. 

After the scan, the guard seemed to notice Kraig's shirt and how faded it was. 

"How long have you had this shirt Kraig?" The security guard asked.

"Probably since he was ten." Another guard responded and they laughed.

Kraig felt a pain in his chest. For a moment he couldn't breath as his eyes were fixed on his shirt. 

He had dressed up in his best shirt, but somehow it appeared faded to the guards. 

'Inside would not be so bright.' He hoped. 

Once Kraig stepped into the hall, he was greeted by a sight of splendid decorations. The room was adorned with elegant drapes, shimmering lights, and an array of colorful flowers. 

It was clear that no expense had been spared to create a lavish ambiance for Jade's birthday celebration.

On seeing him, the entire family's gaze were fixed on him as if he was the star of the event.

"Welcome Kraig, we've been expecting you." Jade's mother smiled at him.

Kraig's brows furrowed, as he tries to understand why they all look happy to see him. 

Jade's father, Mr. Lloyd, approached Kraig with a wide grin on his face. "Ah, Kraig, good to see you here." He offered Kraig a glass of wine.

Kraig hesitated for a moment, "Thank you, Mr. Lloyd."

"Don't mention, we're practically family now!" Mr. Lloyd clicked his glass with that of Kraig's, and then winked at him before walking away. 

Kraig still haven't grasp the situation. His mind was still in chaos. For some reason he felt his heartbeat increased, as though his heart would lunged out of his chest any minute.

It was strange. Everything was indeed strange.

Just when he was buried in his thoughts, Jade's younger brother, Ethan, approached Kraig, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey, Kraig, nice outfit. Did you pick it out yourself?"

Kraig's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, he knew exactly what Ethan meant. 

Just then, Jade entered the hall, and everyone's gaze was drawn to her.

Jade's entrance into the hall mesmerized all the male guests, who were instantly drawn to her irresistible charm.

Her dress was a stunning floor-length gown in deep crimson, with intricate lace detailing and a flowing, ethereal skirt. It accentuated her figure, exuding elegance and captivating everyone with its beauty.

Jade walked over and linked her arm through Kraig's,

"I'm so glad you're here." 

Kraig was taken aback for a moment there, it was unusual for Jade to treat him well, especially in front of her parents and their entire class who was present for the event.

Jade's friends stares at them with bewilderment and surprise as they asked between themselves,

"What's she up to now?" 

None of them knew the answer. Some of the other students present thought that Jade and Kraig might really be in love. 

The whole family gave them an applause. 

Kraig starts to feel uneasy. It was strange that they were happy to see him here, seeming there’s a trap. In the past, they would always be annoyed as long as they saw him.

"Jade darling, come stand over here and recieve your gifts." Jade's mother called out.

Jade stood in front of a wide table, expecting enormous number of gifts.

 Kraig was standing beside her, his heart pounding fast as he have brought no gifts. 

The guests gathered around her to present their luxurious gifts.

"Jade, I heard you love diamonds, here is a set of diamonds necklace and earrings. Only one of this collection is available."

"Happy birthday Jade, here's a new collection from Alexander McQueen. Only two of these shoes were made." 

"Here's a Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse by Robert Mouawad, the most expensive bag in the world." 

Kraig felt more and more anxious as he watched the guests present their luxurious gifts to Jade. 

The room seemed to be filled with opulence and extravagance, which only intensified his unease. 

And just when the guest have finished presenting their gifts, Juan stormed into the hall, along with ten people behind him.

 They were all dressed up in a uniform, one could tell they were Juan's servants.

Each of the servants held a box of gift in their hands. 

Kraig's heart sank at the sight of Juan. With no regards to Kraig who was Jade's fiancee, Juan walked closer to Jade, and knelt on one knee.