Dario was in his father’s same old study, sitting on his same old worn leather chair. Two months had already passed and Dario spent most of his time in his father’s study. Except for the times he had to attend to the affairs of the empire. Living without hearing the laughter of his mother echoing through the mansion or the sound of her voice made the mansion feel strange. But, Dario didn’t let his grief consume him, and attended to his duties efficiently.He stared at both of his hands. The key to the mystery box in one and the apology letter from his father, Lord Reynolds, in the other. He looked up from his hand to the mystery box which sat on the table before him, locked. He finally found the key to the mystery box after following the clues that his father laid down for him.Though his journey on discovering the key wasn’t easy, he learned a lot through it. Just as Lord Reynolds intended for him.Over the years, he grappled with forgiving his father who acted out of love but ca
“Mrs Silver,” Blake took a deep breath, gathering his composure as he locked eyes with the steely gaze of Silver. “I am here for the same reason. I want to buy this technological powerhouse, and I don’t know why you’re so adamant on not selling it to me.”Silver let out a sarcastic laughter briefly. “What do you have to offer this technological powerhouse, just like you called it,” she said proudly.Blake began, his tone measured, yet earnest, “I understand your concern for the future of this company, Mrs Silver. But I assure you that I can take this company to heights it has never reached...”Suddenly, Silver began to laugh uncontrollably till her ribs started to hurt. Dario and Blake exchanged confused glances before looking back at Silver.What was so funny about what Blake just said?She stopped laughing for a second and was about to speak when she started laughing all over again pointing her finger at Dario and Blake. Dario recognized this. He knew what this was about; Silver d
In no time, a man in an impeccably tailored suit and an imposing figure walked into the office. As he entered, the air of authority around him filled the room. He scanned the office in a single glance and said “Silver,” greeting coldly without regarding the presence of Dario and Blake. “I trust everything is in order?” He asked. This was a question he always asked whenever he came into the company. And Silver knew the right answer. She straightened in her chair and forced a confident smile. “Of course, Mr Donald. Everything is in order.” “Good,” he replied, his tone unreadable. “And who are these people over here and what do they want?”“Good day-“ Dario started, but Silver raised her voice to interrupt him and said, “Sir, they were just about to leave!” Mr Donald glanced at Dario and Blake with an intimidating gaze. With one glance, he was able to sum up the total value of what they both had on. He didn’t even bother to look at their faces. He then returned his gaze to Silver.
When Donald processed the hit fully, he didn’t think twice when he raised his clenched fist to return a heavier punch on Dario’s face. But before his fist could get any closer to Dario’s face, Blake grabbed his arm, stopping it in the air. Donald’s anger was blazing intensely within him. “How dare he!’ He thought to himself. And the moment he felt a hold on his arm, stopping him, his anger multiplied. He shot his gaze at Blake when he realized it was his hold and he attempted to release his arm. But Blake’s grip was too strong. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on my boss! Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Blake asked Donald, his tone calm but firm. His composure was unshaken despite Donald’s struggle to free his arm. Donald’s struggle abruptly stopped the moment he heard Blake’s words. “Your boss?” He asked, his face contorted in disdain. “Oh your personal assistant is now your boss?” He asked before yanking his hand off Blake’s hold and laughing sarcastically. “Silver, did yo
Donald reached for his phone and began to dial a number. “I’m calling the police! This is identity theft and you both should rot in jail!”As Donald was making the call, Blake’s eyes caught a glimpse of a newspaper on Silver’s table. He picked it up and unfolded it, scanning through the newspaper. “He should be here,” Blake mouthed to himself. “I need you at my company, now,” Donald simply stated and hung up the phone. “Found it!” Blake shouted. In the newspaper was an article about Dario, with a prominent photo. Due to Dario’s influence, articles were always written about him and the matters of the empire almost every day. Even in foreign newspapers!“Look at this,” Blake said, stretching the paper to Donald, Donald leaned forward, squinting at the photo and back at Dario. ‘Why do they suddenly look so alike?’ He thought to himself, his doubt melting into panic gradually.‘Oh my god… wait! this can’t be real.’ he said to himself, his heart racing faster and his eyes widened. ‘H
The entire country had been buzzing with the presidential contract being the talk of every city. It had already been weeks since the application for the presidential contract came to a close, and discussions and arguments echoed at every corner of the country. Citizens placed bets and supported the technology companies from their kingdoms or empire. Would it be MaxTech? TwenDigitals? Starks? Quantum innovations? they wondered. They argued and waited in bated breath to hear the presidential announcement revealing the winner of the technology contract. Dario sat in the living room, as he watched the news on the television. The voice of the news anchor filled the room, her tone animated with the latest buzz. “And in breaking news today, the race for the presidential contract has taken an intriguing turn as everyone is yet to figure out who the mystery man is…” “This mystery man,” Aisha said as she walked into the living room and sat beside Dario to join him. She reached f
After reading the letter completely, Dario looked up from it, his expression solemn and thoughtful. He understood the gravity of the situation Clandestine was in and the responsibility that would come with accepting it. He averted his gaze to the messenger who had anxiously waited for his response to the letter. “Tell your king that I will grant him the audience to discuss this matter further,” Dario said firmly. The messenger bowed deeply, gratitude and relief evident in eyes. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will convey your message to King Tunde immediately.”The king of Clandestine had written to Dario seeking for his help in a forthcoming war; the Ashton kingdom had declared war against them.Though the war would begin in some months time and not immediately. So that both parties could have enough time to prepare for the war. King Tunde knew having the Persian soldiers by his side would guarantee his success in the war, hence, writing to Dario.As the messenger left, Dario’s mind
The next day, towards the late hours of the day, Dario sat in the living room, the dim light from the television flickering across his face and his eyes were fixed on the news. For the past few weeks, he spent time watching the news everyday, mainly to get updates about the race of the presidential contract. He had to be aware and up to date on how well his company was doing in the race and if trouble was approaching.The voice of the same news anchor echoed in the background of the room with different news and stories until it was finally breaking news on the presidential contract. “Since late last night, shocking revelations about Nexus Tech have not stopped surfacing,” she announced, her voice steady but tinged with disbelief.“An anonymous source has been releasing highly incriminating information and exposing countless unethical practices within the company,” she paused and shook her head.“And as a result, the president has decided to remove Nexus Tech from the race for the p