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The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 52. Kidlan Ratliff
Nora's POV My office window blessed me with a beautiful view every morning. The colourful flowers soothed my spirit. Their fragrance wafted into the office and filled it with a pleasant smell. I poked my head out of the window and inhaled deeply, my smile content. I remained in that position until my feet ached. I was now nine months pregnant, due in four days according to the ultrasound. I walked to the couch and laid down. My husband was coming in the evening, he was to stay until l delivered. My patience waned as the hours ticked by, l missed him. Though we talked everyday, in the morning and in the evening, it could not compare to the human touch.He had visited several times since our agreement.Deep down l regretted giving him the ultimatum but i had to stick to my guns otherwise he would take me for granted forever. I also missed my hometown, the nonstop heat in Zurus sapped my strength and granny's. I never got used to it.After i clocked out l headed home, got under the s
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 53. Back to my roots
Nora's POV The proud father made a video call, grandpa, grandma and Marylin appeared on the screen. Max handed the phone to granny, who made sure we were all visible in the video. “ Look at my boy grandpa, so cute! Doesn't he remind you of his father the day he was born?.” Grandma Ratliff cooed, her eyes wet. “ He does my dear, bring him closer Max, l want to have a proper look.” Everyone burst into laughter.“well he is more handsome than his father. Nora, Max reported you have already named the child.” My cheeks burned in mortification, dammit! How could I forget such an important issue? Grandpa informed us he would name the baby after it was born.I stared daggers at the back of Maxwell Ratliff 's skull. He did not have hormones and other pregnancy related stuff to deal with. Why did he forget? Grandpa must have read my reaction because he remarked in a gentle tone, “it's ok Nora, Kidlan is a beautiful and strong name, fit for the Ratliff prince.” Marylin waved at the camera, “
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 54. Parenting skills
Nora's POV Max made the move back to my country smooth and painless. His helicopters transported the heavy furniture l loathed leaving behind in Zurus. His private jet landed us safely in Bluewaters. Kidlan jumped about like a scalded frog as he saw the interior of his father's plane. In the past l only allowed him to view the exterior when his dad visited. Our son was a destroyer, you lost concentration for a minute, the next thing your property is in shambles. Max promised to carry him around, l put my foot down. The Ratliff family would blame me if their expensive decor got destroyed by my son's hands. The fact that the plane belonged to the kid’s dad would conveniently desert their minds. Today the choice was taken from me, the little rascal did what I feared, a thud had heads turning to the back of the stylish living room. I froze when my gaze fell on the splinters of expensive wood. The culprit also stood frozen to the spot, his eyes darted between his dad and myself. I sp
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 55. The plan is on again
Caesar Shaman chugged down shot after shot of hard liquor. They were in Peter’s home office. His jowls trembled with anger, he glared at his friend with disdain, “ Peter, tell me the truth, l won't be angry with you but if you keep lying l will be.” Peter Ratliff returned his venomous stare, “ piss off Caesar, how many times do l have to tell you l had no idea Max knew where the girl was, let alone visiting her? The child came as a surprise too. My family kept me in the dark, l'm as shocked as you are.” Caesar admitted in a reluctant tone, “ well, l trust you are not lying. We come a long way for you to fuck me. Since the situation is like this, what do we do?.” Peter swallowed on repeat, he knew what Caesar wanted and he was unprepared to give it to him. His grandson’s appearance changed everything. If anything happened to Nora, he was as good as dead, Max would see to it.His delayed response annoyed Caesar, “ what is it? You have switched sides? Peter, you will help me or die tr
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 56. Shot
Nora's POV Bluewaters welcomed me with warmth, from the weather to the people. I got accustomed to Zurus ' dry and hot weather but when the temperature reached its peak l missed my country with its wet and humid temperature. The morning drizzle kissed my cheeks as l alighted from the car. I smiled happily at anything in my sight, birds up in the sky, in the trees, a toddler running from his mother on short sturdy legs. My grin faded as my eyes met the bodyguards Max insisted l needed. I did not buy his reasons for dumping bodyguards on my doorstep. I was still at granny's place a week later after my return from Zurus.I grovelled and pleaded until he agreed to extend my stay at my former home. I got the fright of my life last night when i went to fetch something from the porch and a figure materialised out of the darkness. I screamed at the top of my lungs, “ l'm sorry Mrs Ratliff, l didn't mean to scare you.” The tall figure clad in black apologised.“Who are you, what are you do
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 57. Murderous rage
Max's POV The meeting dragged on and on, taking me closer and closer to my wife's wrath. She must be mad at me for being late. I could not walk out of these two investors. The Ratliff Group of Airlines would sink if l did. If l bagged these two the company was on the home stretch.My father did the company dirty. Talking of my dad, two weeks ago l got a frantic call from him, he asked for a meeting. He caught the reluctance in my voice, “ please son, it's a matter of life and death, please this isn't time to feud, time is of essence.”His plea fell on deaf ears, l trusted a hyena more than l trusted that man. “ I'm busy, sorry l can't accommodate you.” I caught what sounded like a sob from his end, Peter Ratliff crying? Maybe my ears played tricks on me. “ Son, l will not back down, otherwise i will die with regret and i'm not prepared to do that. Nora's life is in danger, please come home, now if you can.”My wife's name propelled me out of my office, l raced to the car, Frank read
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 58. Bury the hatchet
Max's POV Ralph shouted into the phone as he sprinted towards us, “ l need an ambulance right now at The Wolverine. Be prepared for gunshots wounds, hurry. Dr Reidy has been shot.” He bent down, retrieved the gun and tucked it at his waist. He tapped my shoulder, “ move aside, let me have a look.” I shook my head, clung tightly to my wife, l wanted to be left alone in my grief. Nora's body temperature was already dropping, her head lolled on my shoulder, her pale face lifeless. There was so much blood, l could not pinpoint the origin of the wound or wounds. All l knew was my wife was dead.“Don't just stand there, come and help me. I will hold him, you take Mrs Ratliff out of his hands.”Ralph wrenched my arms backwards, l tried to fight him. In my weakened state it was futile. At the same time the bodyguard scooped Nora up and ran to the car.Frank helped him put her in the back of the car then asked for permission with his eyes, l inclined my head. “ Let go. I'm going with my wif
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 59. Eavesdropping
Cathy’s POV I heard through the grapevine Nora came back from wherever she was. My rage boiled over. Time did nothing to erase the betrayal. A friend who found it easy to snatch my man was no friend. She denied it, Selborne denied it.They both made a fool of me. I would deal with Nora first then Selborne next. On a normal day l was a good natured person. The problem arose if you crossed me, then I became a vindictive, heartless bitch.To defeat Nora, it was imperative l got strong allies. The photographer was a small fish, he bucked under pressure. I had to find someone who could go head to head with Max if worse came to worst.Max forgave Nora's betrayal, l could not. It was clear any person who hurt Nora was in the line of fire, Max would hurt or kill for Nora. I found my ally in Caesar Shaman, he did not know it yet. l just had to convince him he needed me too.I drove to the Shaman residence one Saturday morning. The imposing black gate looked menacing. I parked the car on the r
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- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 65. Confession
NoraChapter 65. The meeting Nora“So, when do you want to meet Caesar? There's no pressure, ok baby?” Max questioned, as he trimmed his beard. His eyes found mine in the mirror. I was babysitting him as he made himself presentable. “ I think the sooner l do it, the better. How about tomorrow evening?.” Max lathered his face, “ it's fine. Who would you prefer to be there?” He poured water onto his face then wiped his face. “ I know who l don't want there, Angela. Everyone else is welcome.” Max dropped the towel in the washing basket. He took my hand and we headed to the kitchen for breakfast.Matilda's breakfast spread made my salivary glands ooze. We dug in with gusto, “ Max, don't expect much from this meeting. I'm agreeing because you convinced me it will save my life. I have zero feelings for that man. He doesn't evoke a father -daughter feeling inside me. He leaves me cold emotionally.” I poured out my feelings.The thought of an interaction between Caesar and I gave me gooseb
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 1 Job hunting
NoraThe metered taxi deposited me, Nora Reidy, at the corner of my intended destination. My neck worked overtime as l studied my environment. Downtown Bluewaters was cleaner, less crowded than my noisy, overcrowded stomping ground, the upper part of town.The upper part of town hosted a cauldron of races, blacks, whites, brown. Any colour you know, Bluewaters had it. Here the prominent race appeared to be white.The stationary and moving cars looked expensive. The few people l saw on the street wore costly clothes, shoes and accessories. I felt naked in my washed out jeans, scruffy sneakers and a sweater that had seen better days.I turned a corner and the Ratliff offices came into sight. I uncapped my bottle filled with iced water from home. l could not afford to pay for the taxi and buy bottled water at the same time. I gulped down the water and studied the building. All my hopes were pinned on this building. If l failed to get the job today, my world faced total collapse.You see,
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 27. Framed
MaxI stood at the window watching the traffic below when i heard a knock, somebody came in without permission. “Sorry Max for badging in your office without permission but things are bad, you are being made a fool of. I can't stand it.” I turned around at the voice of my sister. What was this instigator doing in my office? When the shit hit the fan, she chose her side, our father’s side.Her action came as no surprise, my father always took her side in my altercations with her. My eyes tracked her as she came across the room towards me.“Who is making me a fool?.” Her eyes glinted with an unnamed emotion. She flushed down to her neck. “It's painful for me to see you in this situation but it had to be done to protect you. Your wife is the gutter rat we warned you against.”My anger was instant. “Get out. From today onwards never set your feet in my office again..”l barked at her, she walked backwards, the fear in her eyes warring with defiance. As she put one foot behind the oth
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 3. Marriage proposal
Nora I watched as Maxwell Ratliff bounded up the steps. I mentally observed my house from a stranger's perspective; chipped blocks, rusty roof. A house that appeared ready to give up the ghost anytime. His presence made me uneasy. To meet me at his workplace was one thing, to follow me home and witness my living conditions was another. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment. He halted in front of me, l peered at him. “ Hello.”His resonant voice greeted. “Hi, armored SUVs, is that not an overkill?.” l joked to hide my uneasiness. He looked over his shoulder, “ no it's not. My father was nearly killed sometime ago. The culprits mistook him for me, so they are a necessary devil.” My eyes widened, “ you are a Mafia Lord?.” His deep throated laughter surprised me. His scowling face yesterday made me think he was incapable of such an act. “ I'm not, but l have Mafia friends. We had a meeting that day with one of them. My dad went home while l finished up at the office. They ambushed my c
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 10. Father in law
Nora's POV I sat on the living room floor, my back against the couch, earphones in my ears, eyes closed. Majority of my peers listened to hip hop, reggae, l preferred soul music.It soothed my spirit. Hands removed my earphones, a face appeared in my sight. “Come, let's go to my home office.”Max helped me to my feet. I followed him into his office. My wondering eyes saw a family portrait on the wall, “ who are the others, l recognise Mrs Ratliff, Martha and you.” Max came and stood behind me, his cologne swirled around me, “ the silver fox is my father, on the chairs are my grandfather and grandmother.” “ Do you have to always look fierce? You are scowling in the photo.”Max massaged my shoulders, when did he develop the need to touch me? But deep down l liked it, it was better than our usual cold treatment that we subjected our lives to.I turned and peered at him, “ so, what is it?.” Instead of answering he caressed my cheek, his eyes intent on my face. “ From now on keep a cale
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 64. Where l belonged
NoraTo discover my father was a thug gutted me. My face burned, l threw the cotton wool l used to tone my face away. In my mood l forgot l was dealing with a delicate structure and scrubbed too hard. Initially l was angry that my mother allowed herself to be used by that despicable man. As the days went by and my anger subsided l put myself in my mother's shoes. She was a young naive girl, Caesar Shaman, a young man ready for marriage.He used his financial muscle to lure her, deceive her and have his way with her. To discover such a man played a part in my existence appalled me.I grew up without him, l was a full grown woman now, l did not need him. He attempted to meet me after my mother's confession, l turned him down. I finished my morning routine and joined granny and Onica Reidy in the kitchen. I loved weekends, especially Saturdays. Onica was staying with us for the time being. Granny and l used the dining room only if we got visitors. I hugged granny from the back and murm
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 63. Onica Reidy
NoraThe voices l heard in my head confused me, was l dreaming or were they real? I struggled to peel my eyes, the sedatives did me in. My mind was foggy all the time. They pumped the damn things into my system because i suddenly started having nightmares. As l fought hard to open my eyes the bed dipped behind me, a scent l loved enveloped me, my body relaxed. The scent soothed my senses. I heard Max and his father talk about someone who fainted, it sounded like my husband hurt somebody. I hoped he caught my shooter. Before they mentioned names l heard Caesar Shaman's voice followed by one l knew so well and wished i did not, my mother's. So, it took this woman for me to almost die before she pitched up? I listened as my mother dropped a bombshell. Caesar Shaman sired me? Impossible, that thug could not be my father. Tears of betrayal seeped from my eyes onto the pillow. My mother slept with a man who wished to see me gone.I believed Caesar Shaman was inherently bad, l believed
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 62. Biological father
Max's POV My astonished gaze fell on my father, “ so soon?.” My dad hit his chest with pride, “you act as if you don't know your old man. I'm faster than a puff added if cornered. Caesar made me feel cornered.”I clapped his back, “ good job dad, l'm proud of you.” He took the compliment with a neutral face but his shining eyes betrayed him. “ Listen son, l think we should take shifts to guard my daughter in law. Go and do what you have to do, l will look after her.” I grinned at him. This was huge. My dad hated my wife, wished her out of my life. The turnabout was unexpected, l felt profound joy. The words he just uttered erased the animosity and grudge l harboured against him.You love my wife, l love you, you hate her l hate you more.After my dad snitched on his friend, l was still unsure of his motives, but his offer to protect my wife redeemed him in my eyes. I decided to let bygones be bygones. He and i would start on a clean slate. Shad or Ralph, l forgot who, advised me
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 61. Caught
Max's POV Nora's eyes moved from my face and roamed around the room. She touched her bandaged arm, “ Max, l was shot, who shot me?.” The question threw me off guard. I thought the first thing that would cross her mind would be relief she was alive.A look passed between Ralph and I. “ It's Caesar, my love. He hired some thugs and then ran, we have no idea where he is now. Your husband will do everything in his power to catch the culprit.”Nora stared at me for a long time, mute. “ What's going on in your head, baby?.” I asked her when minutes ticked by and she remained unresponsive. She inhaled deeply and remarked, “ l maybe wrong, but l think you must track Cathy down. I don't think it's Caesar.” l sandwiched her hand between my hands. “ Baby, we have reasons to believe it's Caesar, he made threats against your life. After a short interval you are shot, it's him.”Nora searched my face, her gaze doubtful. “ Don't rule out Cathy, my gut feeling says it's her.” Once my wife made up
