'The Fall of the Kingpin’ became the headline in every Pantheon Valley billionaire news outlet, media platform, and bulletin. The fall of the great Wilson Monroe and his multi-billion-dollar company was unprecedented and had never been seen before; it was termed the Black Swan of the century.Another unrelated news story flooded the Pantheon Valley media headlines was: Maverick Corporation's hundred-billion-dollar open contract to a construction company. Every construction-based corporation went on their toes, eager to make a move, pulling every string in thier guitar case to secure this contract. The Lockwood Family was one of them.Lady Charlotte Lockwood knew that collaborating with a company as big as Maverick's would open many doors for the entire family, increase Lockwood’s societal ranking, and elevate their family status. She called for an urgent family meeting at the Lockwood Mansion and sent out compulsory invitations to every available member of the Lockwood family, to bra
After a long first day at Maverick Cooperation, Alexander returned home in the evening. He would have stayed longer, but he had to accompany his wife to the Lockwood meeting. Entering the house, Alexander walked into a heated conversation between his wife, Seraphina, and her mother.“Alexander is a useless pauper of a husband who hasn't a single penny to his name and is of no good to you. Why wouldn’t you just divorce him? You are better offers,” her mother argued.“Mother, we've been over this. I have always had better offers, I always will, and I will always choose Alexander every single time,” Seraphina countered.“Alexander, where have you been? You were supposed to be back hours ago,” Seraphina asked.“I’m sorry, I got held up,” Alexander replied.“It’s fine, let’s go. We are already running late,” Seraphina urged.“Don’t you dare walk out on me, Alexander? You are going to divorce my daughter and allow her to marry Ethan Bishop, someone much more qualified to be her husband,” he
Every eye turned towards Seraphina. Her voice was the least expected to be heard.“Sit down, Seraphina. This is not the time for jokes,” Ariana retorted, causing the entire hall to burst into murmurs.Ariana’s words chipped away part of Seraphina’s confidence, but she remained firm.She cleared her throat and said,“I am very much aware of that, Ariana, but as Grandma said, the Lockwood family needs this contract, and unlike the spineless wimp that you are, I am willing to do what it takes to help us get it.”Alexander smirked excitedly at his wife's witty and snarky response.“How dare you talk to my wife that way?” Ezekiel, Ariana's husband, rose to his feet and yelled.Ezekiel, too, was a son-in-law of the Lockwoods, but he was the complete opposite of Alexander. He was valued and respected by the Lockwood family because he came from a relatively wealthy background. Although not nearly as wealthy as the Lockwoods, but wealthy enough to raise his voice in their meetings.“Your wife’s
Soon after, the meeting came to an end.“What the hell was that?” Seraphina screamed at Alexander as they drove home.“What the hell was what?” he replied, feigning cluelessness.“Don’t play dumb with me, Alexander. It’s bad enough I’ll be humiliated for not being able to get the contract. Now, thanks to you, I’ll be kicked out of the Lockwood family. How on earth am I supposed to explain this to my mother?” Seraphina ranted.“It’s going to be fine, trust me,” Alexander said, trying to comfort her.With instant shock, and anger written squarely on her face, she snapped, “Trust you? You want me to trust you, Alexander? Are you out of your mind? Why should I ever trust you? You’re nothing but a wretch forced on me by my father to get married to, and you expect me to trust you?”Her words were a tough pill for Alexander to swallow, but he understood that she was angry, and she had every right to be. Only he could see the full picture he was painting. It ached him that he couldn’t just ex
“Meet Ethan Bishop, Seraphina’s new husband.”Alexander could feel a sting to his every pressure point. He looked around the room until his eyes met Seraphina’s, hoping she would tell him her mother was joking, but instead;“We need to talk,” she said.That’s a phrase that has never been a good sign, anywhere in the world.Alexander followed Seraphina into their bedroom and closed the door shut behind them.Seraphina began by rubbing, locking, and intertwining her fingers in an awkward manner, making it obvious that she was about to drop a bombshell, one too heavy for her tongue to carry.“Is it true?” Alexander asked as he walked straight up to her face.“Firstly, I’m really sorry for kicking you out of the car and leaving you on the highway. I was just so angry at the time.”“I understood, apology accepted. Now answer me, Seraphina, is it true?” he asked.His voice was firm and authoritative. Seraphina had never heard him speak to her this way. She froze.“Seraphina,” he called to h
Alexander and Seraphina returned to the living room and stood side by side in silence.“So, have you two decide the date for your divorce?” Caroline said.“No, mother, we didn’t.”“What do you mean you haven’t? Do you think Mr. Bishop has all the time in the world?” she spat at them.“It’s okay, Caroline. I understand this must be hard for them. They can take their time,” Ethan said.“My apologies, It appears my wife didn’t make herself clear enough for you. What she means is we are not getting a divorce,” Alexander interjected.“But that can’t be possible. How can Seraphina and I get married if you two don’t get a divorce?” Ethan said.Alexander walked up to Ethan, who was seated on the sofa. He squatted to meet his gaze. Ethan Bishop began to feel an immense tension, as if someone had turned the thermostat to max output.“You are never marrying Seraphina, for she is my wife. Is that clear?” Alexander ordered.Ethan Bishop was frozen with words. ‘How could a pauper command this much
After all was said and done, Alexander and Seraphina went to bed a while later.Yet they both still woke up about the same time they normally would despite their short sleep. Seraphina hurried to the Lockwood Company. She had to prepare her proposal for the Maverick contract; which was due by tomorrow.Alexander, on the other hand, made sure to finish all of his house chores. After that, he proceeded to the Maverick Corporation......Today was a bit more hectic than the previous one. He had to go through the company’s financial records, analyzing their expenses, profits, and why exactly a company that once ranked in the top 300 in the global market now dangled at the bottom 900. That being said, the Maverick Corporation still remained one of the richest companies in Pantheon Valley.“Sir, may I come in?” Grace knocked at his door.“Yes, come in.”Grace Pemberton walked into Alexander's office. Alexander lifted his head from his mountain of work and looked at her. The first thing Al
The next day came. Seraphina stood at the entrance of the Maverick Corporation. She swallowed her saliva, gazing upwards at the building’s imposing structure that rose majestically into the sky.“Sera, breathe,” she tried to calm herself.Inside, a stunning atrium rose high into the air, surrounded by lush greenery and flooded with natural light. Marble, steel, and glass created a luxurious atmosphere, while cutting-edge facilities and innovative artwork inspired creativity and progress. Seraphina had to admit, the Maverick Corporation's iconic building was a landmark of success and ingenuity.She walked over to the receptionist’s table.“Good day, how may I help you?”“Hi, I am Seraphina Lockwood representing the Lockwood Company, and I am here to submit a proposal for the construction contract.”The receptionist took a quick look at the screen before her, scanning through names and reservations.“Good morning, Mrs. Seraphina Lockwood, we...”“I'm sorry I understand that I don’t ha