Rutherford
After taking a last look at myself at the mirror, I was satisfied with what I saw. My new ash suit fits properly and the white tie gave it a perfect look.I smiled at myself and turned and picked up my briefcase, took a last look at the room before sauntering down the hallways. Dad had traveled out of the country for some business and as the eldest son of the house, it is my duty to ensure the smooth running of the company.
Mum had advised me to work really hard to gain the favor of dad and the shareholders so that my opportunity of becoming the sole heir will be fully guaranteed and I am doing just that. Although the opposition from my crafty grandmother is really making things difficult.
Just then, I paused when I heard some voices coming from the old woman's room. What could they be discussing so early in the morning?. I peeped through the keyhole to see Janet massaging Grandma Athaliah's leg. This two is a scary combination, making me wonder what they were up to so early in the morning.
Athaliah lets out a soft groan as Janet ran her soft hand around her leg, massaging it just the way she loved it. Janet is my dad's mistress and each time she kisses her feet the way she's doing now, Athaliah becomes more determined to get rid of my mum and make Janet her daughter in law. And that will never happen.
"Mother. Are you enjoying it?" Janet asked as her hand moved to the elderly woman's head, softly running her hand through it.
"Of course I am." She quickly replied. "You my dear, is the perfect wife for my son."
"You always say that mother. But you are yet to get rid of Gina from your son's life and it's really hurting me."
" Why do you make it sound as if I can't do that if I want to. Everyone knows that Silverado my son is like a puppet to me. He is totally wrapped around my finger such that I can get him do whatever I want to but that excludes making you his wife." She bragged. And she is right. My dad has never made any decision without hearing the opinion of the old woman and sometimes, it makes me wonder if he was hypnotized or worse.
" But why?" Janet cried.
"Most of the shareholders of the company are friends to Gina and divorcing her will definitely affect the company. But not to worry, I have a better offer for you. "
" And that is? " She asked, indifferently. What could matter most than being the legal wife of one of the richest man in the country.
"How about I make Ethan the sole heir to this empire?" Athaliah dropped the bombshell causing Janet to pause immediately. She let go of the woman's hair and quickly sat beside her. She has to hear her from a closer range just to make sure she wasn't insinuating things.
I felt my heart missed a beat. I placed my ear closer to the door. I can't afford to miss the opportunity of hearing the plans of my enemies.
"What did you say?"
"Silverado will soon name the sole heir of his properties and I plan on making him choose your son, Ethan." Athaliah repeated. She could see the shock on the young lady's face and that made her wonder what was so surprising about such news. Ethan is her puppet grandson and conferring everything to him, is like giving everything to herself.
She is so scared to lose her grip on the family's riches and that is bound to happen if dad names me the sole heir and from the look of things, she won't let that happen. Jeez. How can someone be so evil.
"Really?. But he isn't the legal son. Do you really think that Silverado would name my son the sole heir when his favorite legal son is there?"
Athaliah let out a loud laughter. It's really funny to hear someone question her influence over her son. "Silverado has never turned me down and this won't be any different."
I'm dad's favorite but sadly, she is his most favorite and I'm worried that she might really be able to make dad dance to her tune.
"Thank you so much mum. Thank you." Janet giggled. She has been waiting for this opportunity all her life. She had to put up with licking the feet of her annoying mother in law just to find favor in her sight and now, she was finally going to have a grip on the Silverado's empire and it seemed like a big dream come true.
"This and more you will enjoy as long as you remember your place and remain the loyal dog you are." Athaliah smirked mischievously.
Janet paused and chuckled dryly. "Be rest assured that I and my son will be forever loyal to you". She is obviously pretending. Deep down in her heart, she can't wait to be the family's empress and put the old woman under six feet - exactly where she belongs.
Just then, Athaliah's phone rang. From the smile on her face, it seems to be a call from dad.
"I don't have to see it son, you can go ahead and sign the paperwork. I trust your judgement" Athaliah smiled. Looks like It was time to sign the contract and he needed to hear his mom's opinion first before he could go ahead. Gosh. Would it be a sign of disrespect if I use the word 'dumb' on my father?.
"Sure son. I love you too " She replied to whatever he said on the phone and hung up the call. She exhaled deeply and relaxed on the couch as Janet continued massaging her hair.
She must be enjoying the feeling.The feeling of being a god to her son. Dad doesn't take any decision without hearing her opinion, no matter how minor the situation is.
I checked my wrist watch and it was already few minutes past 8. I was late. I knew I had to leave now but my inquisitiveness took a better part of me. I need to know all their plans to the least.
" Mum. I have always wondered how you managed to get Silverado around your fingers. Would you mind sharing your secret with me?. I would also like to make my son dance to my wishes." Janet inquired as though she was reading my mind. This has always been one of the unanswered question in everyone's mind.
How did my grandmother managed to turn a grown up man like my dad to a puppy who's unable to make or stand by his own decisions?.
Athaliah let out a loud laughter. " If I should tell you, then it will no longer be a secret right?. Moreover, don't you think it's inappropriate for you to ask me such a question?. Are you planning on turning your son's mind against me?"
" What?. No mum. I will never do such a thing. I'm sorry for crossing my boundaries."
At that moment, my phone rang causing me to freeze. The noise from my phone has definitely alerted my enemies and the best thing to do was to run. I have to go tell mum about what I just heard. I held tightly to my briefcase and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I was almost at the end of the hallway when I heard the cracking of a door. Too late bitches!
RutherfordI turned restlessly on the swivel chair as many thoughts ran through my head. I still don't understand why an old woman can be so greedily thirsty for power. If she has threatened to make my stepbrother the sole heir, then I really have a lot to handle.Dad has just two sons with mum because Athaliah had asked him to stop getting her pregnant. Too much children would means less property for her. Because she might be left with nothing, before he would be done sharing the properties among the children. And dad obediently agreed. This is how influential the old woman can be. "Sir. Sir. Are you listening to us sir?" I heard one of my managers say, bringing me out of my thoughts.This is the third time that I am blanking out like this. I looked around to see everyone staring at me with worried and confused looks. I am not the type that loses focus during meetings."Is everything alright sir?" Steven, my personal assistant whispered to me.I nooded positively, adjusting my tie.
AthaliahI walked to and fro my room, trying really hard to convince myself that what I heard was wrong. Ethan has informed me earlier that he overhead Gina telling someone over the phone that Silverado has planned on naming his heir tonight during his welcoming party.How is that even possible?. My son can never take a decision without letting me know first. I have trained him to do so and he has been doing just that. What now went wrong?.I shook off the scary thought as I tried to convince myself that Ethan must have heard wrong. He just have to be wrong. But then, if he could come home without letting me know then he could do worse. My heart missed a beat as I hurried out of my room, towards Silverado's. My hard work of almost fifty years cannot be in vain. I had put many efforts to make Silverado see me as the only person that truly cares about him in this wide world. I had fed him with a lot of lies as a growing child and I was certain that he would forever remain a weakling in
EthanThe news of the massacre of most of the Silverado's family by poison became the talk of the town. Many people believed it was done by their numerous opponents while I believe it was done by my grandmother Athaliah. I had only told her and mum about what i heard in the office, I never expected her to kill everyone - including my mum.Tears flew down my eyes as i gulped down more alcohol. I should have kept shut and mind my business that day. Then maybe, my mother would have still be alive. My thought is interrupted by the sudden emergence of grandma Athaliah who has managed to get the media to convince everyone that the massacre was done by our enemies and she only managed to escape with me because we weren't in the house during the attack."You've been drinking for the past six days. Get on your feet and get to work" Athaliah commanded. I shot her a hard stare and without saying a word, i concentrated on gulping down more alcohol. As much as I wanted to strangle the woman's ne
MadisonI clenched my fist in anger as i alighted from the limo, my goons surrounded me as i walked into the hotel. Rogers killed my son and had somehow managed to escape for the past 8 months, but today it was going to end. How i wish Rutherford was with me. But I have to make sure that they never find out about Rutherford as he is my hope of ending all these problems.“At last the long awaited Madison is here.” Rogers had a slick smile as I walked in. As much as I wanted to reach out for his neck and strangle him so hard until he drops dead, I had to maintain my calmness. I have been trying to convince the table that I am fit to be the next head and I can't ruin my chances. “Gentlemen, evening.”The Red Table meets rarely as we try as much as we could to evade all law enforcements. Till date, no one knows any member of the Red Table and we try our possible best to keep it that way.The Red Table consists of seven members, Silverado Magana ex Head of the table, CEO of Silverado Empi
DianaI stormed into my father's study, my face twisted in anger. "How could you do this to me, Father?" I exclaimed, throwing a crumpled letter onto his desk.My father, one of the influential man in Florida, looked up from his work with a sigh. He must have been expecting my visit. "What is the matter now, Diana?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm."This!" I gestured angrily at the letter. "You have arranged for me to marry some annoying random man whom I barely know. I won't do it, dad. I won't be tied down to someone I don't even love."He shot me a hard stare. "Diana, you are twenty years old and has come of age to get married and as your dad, I have gotten you a perfect husband. You should be happy and not the other way round." " I'm not asking for your help dad. I don't need your help. I will get married at the right time and to the right person" "We're both saying the same thing honey. The right time is now and the right person is Rutherford. He is a good match and wil
DianaMy face glowed with sadness as my best friend combed my brown shadowed hair and fixed it into a bun. It is my wedding day and unlike other brides, it's one of the saddest days of my life.Dolly made to apply makeup but I stopped her. "Why should I add color to my face when my life is about to loose its color. " I mumbled as I stared into the mirror to behold a really sad young lady dressed in white and looked more like a forced bride."Don't say that Di. You're getting married, not like it's a burial or something."."What could be worse than getting married to a total stranger who you know nothing about?. A burial should be more preferable than this.""Come on Diana. You haven't even seen the young man. Who knows, he might be hotter and even richer than your Ethan. Just be optimistic and give the young man a chance."I turned to glare at her. She should be thinking of a way to help me escape and not all this. "If you are so optimistic, why not go and get married to him in my ste
Rutherford "Rutherford DeVille, do you accept Diana Roger to be your lawfully wedded wife?. In riches and poverty, in sickness or health, until death do you apart?" The bald head priest asked with his eyes fixed on me.I swallowed hard as my eyes fell on the lady standing before me with sadness blooming on her face. She shot me a dead glare, probably warning me to say No and run away from this unwanted marriage. But unfortunately, I can't. Even after knowing that she is a rude, spoilt brat."Yes, I do" I forced a smile, causing her face to drop into more sadness."Diana Roger, do you accept Rutherford DeVille to be your lawfully wedded wife?. In rich and poverty, in sickness or health, until death do you apart?"She hesitated. The large foyer which contained the priest, few members of the Red table and some unknown faces, went quiet as they await the response of the confused princess. Looks like she really loves Ethan, I hope Ethan does too. This will add more fun to my plan.Roger l
EthanI stood in the midst of the garden, patiently waiting for Diana. I didn't attend the wedding because I can't stand the sight of my woman being beside another man. That Rutherford of a guy must be so lucky to win Roger's approval. Rutherford?. Argh. Why does that name send cold chill than my spines.I was still lost in my thoughts when a hand suddenly wrapped around me. My nose was covered with her familiar, expensive fragrance."Hi honey. Did you miss me?" Diana spoke into my ear, placing kisses down my neck.I broke from the hug and turned to face her. I didn't want to get so intimate, I wouldn't want to risk waking my second man. It takes a lot of effort to take him down again."Aren't you really scared of being laid in a garden?" I smirked and grabbed her waist with my left arm."That definitely sounds like fun" She bit her lip seductively.This is one of the things that get me attracted to her - she's such a bad girl. I moved my other hand to hold the base of her head and pu
Rutherford I stood before a floor-to-ceiling mirror, surrounded by an exquisite collection of tailored suits, silk ties, and designer accessories. True to her words, Salia had ordered new clothes and these ones had a few colorful clothes among them. Not like I love wearing colorful clothes but because a mission which requires putting on a colorful clothe might come up anytime and I hate been caught unawares.With a focused gaze, i meticulously selected the attire that would epitomize my commanding presence. Each garment was carefully crafted to fit my athletic frame flawlessly, accentuating his charisma and determination.As i slipped into the immaculately tailored suit, the fine fabric embraced my form, molding to my body like a second skin. It screams a touch of luxury and serves as a reminder of the success I had achieved through relentless pursuit of my goals.I moved with a practiced elegance, fastening buttons, adjusting cuffs, and when I was done, I walked and stood in front o
Selena (Ria)Donned in my uniform and cleaning supplies, I embarked on my daily mission to restore order to the vast expanse of opulence. The grand entrance hall greeted me with its towering marble columns, intricate chandeliers, and a majestic staircase that seemed to ascend into the heavens.As i stood at the threshold, my eyes widened at the sheer magnitude of the task ahead. The mansion, with its countless rooms, hidden nooks, and forgotten corners, held secrets and stories within its walls. I have been served by others all my life but here I am serving others. It's been four days of relentless cleaning classes by Mrs Gloria and here I am, struggling to put everything I have learnt into practice.My first destination was the ornate library, a treasure trove of knowledge, its shelves lined with leather-bound books. I delicately ran a feather duster along the shelves, removing the thin layer of dust that clung to the forgotten pages. I carefully rearranged the books, ensuring each f
EthanI swallowed hard as Grandma stared at the television with clenched fist. "The dead bodies of a business tycoon Mr Roger and his daughter was found in their mansion few hours ago. Rumors has it that the son in law Rutherford had mudered the father and daughter after they had forced him into signing a divorce letter. The young man and the document papers are nowhere to be found. The police confirms him as a prime suspect and is in search of him...." The female journalist blabbed.Grandma picked up the remote and turned off the television. She wore a puckered face and I knew what would follow next."Do you realize what your carelessness would have cost us if I hadn't intervened?" She growled at me.When I returned that day, I had told her everything because I knew that she would find out about it sooner or later from another source and that would make things more difficult. And just as usual, she lashed at me and called me many names. I almost strangled her wrinkled neck when she b
RiaI twitched my lip. Does it mean that this is the first time the cold governor is taking a maid in?. But why the sudden decision?. Could it be because I challenged him?. Now I see the reason why those men from before looked worried. I'm doomed."Whatever. My name is Gloria and she's Zoey " She said pointing to the young lady behind her. Zoey was dressed in a black gown and white fluffy slippers. She had a fair complexion and her brown shadowed hair tumbled down her shoulder. "I am the one in charge of the kitchen and smooth running of this mansion. Zoey is in charge of the laundry room. The young master didn't give a specific job to you but he asked that you get trained to be a perfect maid. "I raised my head in disbelief. A perfect maid?. She stretched out her hand towards Zoey and she placed a badge and some documents on her hanging hands.Mrs Gloria pushed them into my hand. "This is your job batch. It will be your identity card in the house to avoid been tagged a trespasser
Ria"Failed." The young man who seems to be the boss roared for the fourth time. "I have lost interest. Get rid of all of them. They look useless" He ordered and made to leave.My heart missed a beat. Is this going to be my end?. I swallowed hard as I thought of a way to get out of this. I felt my life span reduce with each steps that the cold hearted man took. I know that the moment he leaves this building, I will be as good as dead.Few meters to the door, I forced myself to say. "This is wrong sir. It's not fair of you to completely fail someone with just a slight flaw"He turned back sharply to see who the bold lady was. What was I thinking?. Isn't this the shortest route to death?. But then it is better I die trying than not doing anything."With all due respect sir. You shouldn't judge us by our little flaws rather you should give us an opportunity to prove that we're capable, this would only mean that you are fair." I said with all the boldness I could gather. Merely looking at
RutherfordIt was a sunny afternoon and all of a sudden, the beautiful weather changed and was replaced with a stormy one. Everywhere became dull, like it was going to rain heavily. I hurriedly suspended my work, picked up my briefcase and hurried out of my office, into the elevator. I will be named the heir today and I can't afford to be there late. I had a lot of contract to handle at the office that I almost forgot it was the D-Day. The elevator finally dinged and I scurried out of the main building, totally ignoring the wondering faces of my employees. They wouldn't understand how important this day is to me. Few metres away from my car, I almost collided into a woman who seems to be running away from someone. "Help me sir" She whispered, breathing heavily.She was shabbily dressed and had some cuts on her worn out clothes. Looks like someone was trying to kill her with a sharp weapon."Please protect my daughter" She pleaded, bringing me out of my thoughts. "What?. Look I'm in
EthanI sat down on the couch with my legs crossed opposite Mr Roger and her pretty daughter, my soon wife to be. I had invited them to my personal suite at the quiet part of the city. For security reasons, i come here whenever I want to discuss shady businesses.I grinned as Diana handed over the two documents to me with a broad smile. I returned the smile. Such a naive lady. I turned to take a look at Mr Roger. What could be in that conferral letter that he's ready to give his precious daughter to me?. Why does he look so desperate. I need to find out what it's about.I handed over the document to my lawyer who was seated beside me. I had to come with him. Greedy people like Roger can't be trusted. "Now that I have given my daughter to you and also shown you a proof that I have named her my heiress, can you now hand over the conferral letter to me?" Roger said.I signaled one of my goons who was standing behind me. He quickly handed over the fake conferral document to me. "What cou
RutherfordI sat down sadly on the table as I watched my ex wife dress up with a big smile on her face. She must be so happy to get engaged to the heir of Silverado's empire. Such a gold digging bitch.After what took forever, she turned to me with a smirk on her face. "How do I look?"I took a closer look at her. She was dressed in a pink short gown, revealing her fair, slender legs. Her heavy make up gave her a bossy look and made her look a bit different."I asked you to commend me and not drool" She sneered and slipped her legs into her white glassy heel.She picked up the divorce letter from the center table and walked away without even turning to see the sadness on my face. She must be so heartless. Few metres to the door, she paused and turned back to me. Did she read my mind?."Make sure you are gone before we return. My husband wouldn't be happy to hear that my wretched ex husband is still living under the same roof with his queen." She let out a loud laugh before catwalking
DianaI slowly opened the door to behold Dad pacing to and fro the large office. I swallowed hard and walked in."You called for me dad" I said.He turned sharply to me with a hard glare. Mt heart missed a beat as I wondered what was going through his mind. Is he angry at me?. Or is he thinking of questions to ask me concerning the conferral letter?. Gosh. But I know nothing about it.Dad suddenly started clapping as his once puckered face cowered into a broad smile. "Well done princess. Well done."I blinked my eyes in confusion. Why was he thanking me?. I forced a smile at him."I knew you were as smart as your father. For a while, I have been wondering why you were so obsessed with being with Ethan not knowing that you saw something. You should have told me earlier and I wouldn't have let you marry that loser." He giggled excitedly.Dad really believes that Ethan has the conferral letter. What if he finds out that it was a lie?. Phew. I should think about that later. I must do anyt