Rutherford
I 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.
"This meeting is adjourned till further notice." I announced.
"Yes sir" They chorused.
I let out a deep sigh of relief as soon as they left. I fished out my phone and dialed my mum's number. I had told her about what I heard earlier and she promised to do something about it. I really hope she has.
"Hello. Mum" I called out with a heavy heart filled with expectations.
"Done son. I have managed to convince your father to name you his sole heir the moment he arrives and also made him believe that everyone is rooting for you. Including your grandmother Athaliah" She ended the last sentence with a mischievous chuckle.
"What?" I gasped. "How did you do that?"
Just then, I heard a knock and before I could say anything, the door pushed open to reveal grandmother Athaliah. "Grandma?" My eyes widened in disbelief as I quickly pressed the red button. I hope she didn't hear anything.
"You insolent fool. How much did you hear?" The old woman growled at me as she took more steps into the office, closing the door behind her.
"What do you mean?"
"Since you have suddenly developed amnesia, then I will do you the favors. I was having a discussion with my daughter in law when I realized that someone was eave dropping. Before I could come outside, the fool had disappeared. Unfortunately, he forgot that there is something called CCTV." She said, standing akimbo. "And this fool seems to be you."
Damn. I forgot the CCTV. Looks like I have been caught. But then, I won't accept "What are you saying grandma?. I wasn't eavesdropping. I was only trying to fix your door handle but realized it wasn't bad" I improvised smoothly. "Why are you making it sound like I'm some kind of a thief?. I'm your grandson you know?"
" Shut your mouth up. Don't try to play games with me." She almost yelled. "Fine then. You might have heard what you shouldn't but then I'm relieved to know that there is nothing you can do about it. I hope you and your miserable mum dies of helplessness"
She made to leave but I wasn't going to let her go so easily. " Do you really think I will let you snatch away what rightfully belongs to me and watch you give it to someone else?. You joke a lot this days grandma. Your old age must be telling on you" I pouted my lip as she turned to glare at me.
"Are you challenging me?"
"Not really. I'm just telling you to watch your back or you won't know what will hit you so hard from behind"
" You have now grown wings to speak so disrespectfully to me. Mark my words, you will regret today. You don't know..."
I quickly cut her off before she could complete her scary threats. "My father is at the airport, I will go pick him up" I announced and hurried towards the door.
"What? Silverado is coming home today?" Grandma exclaimed with disbelief.
I paused and turned to see the shock clearly written on her face. Wasn't she aware that dad is coming home today?. He didn't tell her?. Jeez. How is that even possible?.
"What did you do mum?" I wondered as I scurried towards the garage. I have to go welcome my dad before my competitors beat me to it.
*****
A fleet of luxury vehicles awaits to transport dad and his entourage as his private jet touches down on the tarmac.
As he steps off the plane, a horde of paparazzi and reporters swarm him, shouting out questions and trying to get a glimpse of his face. Dad who was already accustomed to this kind of attention, flashes a charming smile and waves to the crowd before climbing into the back of his sleek black limousine.
The convoy of cars makes its way to our sprawling estate and just as expected, the streets was lined with fans, well-wishers and people dying to have his kind of life. Upon arriving at the mansion, he is greeted by a chorus of cheers and applause from his staff and employees, who have gathered to welcome him home.
He gave me a quick hug as we both entered the grand foyer of the mansion, to meet mum, Ethan, my brother Dave and the glaring eyes of grandma.
Dad couldn't be more happier to finally lay his eyes on his mum after two weeks. He ran into the old woman's open arm and hugged her like his life depended on it.
"I miss you mum" Dad chanted for the third time as they broke from the hug.
"I miss you too son" Athaliah replied. She might be putting on a broad smile but beneath it, is a wounded heart which is finding it difficult to believe that her son can ever betray her.
Janet clenched her fist in anger as dad went ahead to hug mum next before muttering a Hi to her. He has always chosen his wife over her and it hurts like hell. These are moments she wished she could get rid of mum completely and have the handsome billionaire to herself alone.
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
Diana I walked towards my room, praying that I don't come in contact with my new husband. New husband?. Tsh. That makes me want to throw up. I hope he gets himself another room, I'm not willing to share mine with anyone. I sighed and walked into the room to meet a tall figure standing in front of the mirror, shirtless with his eyes fixed on the mirror.I could see his face from the reflection of the mirror. I swallowed into nothing as i stared at him. I have never seen someone as handsome and same time looking so scary and dangerous.The guy standing in front of the mirror had the most perfect facial features. His dark brown hair covering a part of his eyes making him look as sexy as ever. His eyes were so dark and at same time seductive. And the tattoos all over his body made him look more scary and dangerous. But then, I noticed that he looked familiar. I furrowed my brows as I tried to remember where I had seen him.At that moment, he turned around revealing his abbs and muscular
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