'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
EarlierAt Maverick Corporation, Alexander finished his call to Seraphina, a smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He had set the wheels in motion—now all he had to do was watch as the Lockwood family found themselves on their knees, forced to acknowledge Seraphina's worth.“Thank you, Archie,” Alexander said, handing the phone back.“Anytime, sir,” Archie replied with a nod of respect.Alexander added his personal number into Archie's phone before returning it. “Let me know if you need anything.”Archie stared, surprised by Alexander’s humility. For a man who wielded power and influence so effortlessly, his humility was almost startling. Archie couldn’t help but contrast Alexander with Daniel Lockwood, who possessed much less power yet flaunted it shamelessly. It was a striking irony that lingered with him.Outside, in his car, Alexander composed a message to Seraphina:“Seraphina, Lady Charlotte will call soon and offer you the project head position for the Maverick contract. W
“Wait, let me get this straight. Lady Lockwood—the matriarchal bitch you basically thought was going to banish you—called you directly, apologized for the misunderstanding, and went as far as offering you the project head position, and you said no?” Happy yelled, her voice filled with disbelief as she stared at Seraphina like she’d lost her mind."Welllll, technically, I didn’t say no," Seraphina replied defensively, fidgeting with her hands. "I told her I’d think about it."“That’s the same thing, you dumb-dumb! What the hell is there to think about?” Happy threw her hands up in exasperation.“Seraphina, what is wrong with you?” Caroline interjected, her voice tight as she tried to keep her temper in check. “Please, tell me you have a good reason for delaying your response to Lady Lockwood.”Seraphina looked down, avoiding her mother’s piercing gaze. She opened her mouth as if to explain, but no words came out. How could she explain something she barely understood herself?Caroline s
Seraphina had passed out, the result of too much alcohol consumed with Happy. They both lay sprawled on her bed, and even in her sleep, Seraphina’s pain was visible. Tears trickled down her closed eyelids, leaving damp trails on her cheeks. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and a voice yelled, “Seraphina!” It was Caroline, her mother. The noise was deafening, but only Happy stirred, squinting against the light. “Hey, Mrs. Caroline,” Happy greeted, her tone casual, as if Caroline hadn’t just stormed in. Caroline shot Happy a venomous glare. How dare she greet me like we’re friends, she thought, remembering the heartbreak Happy had caused her son, Shay. The only thing they shared was a mutual disdain for Alexander. “Happy, what the hell are you doing here?” Caroline asked, her voice dripping with scorn. “What the hell does it look like I’m doing here? I’m helping my best friend after her so-called family betrayed her and kicked her out,” Happy replied, her tone laced with sas
Earlier That DayGrace’s heart began to race as Alexander’s calm but insistent voice came through the phone.“You’re with Daniel Lockwood, correct?” he asked.Grace was taken aback that he knew this. How could he possibly know that? She hesitated before responding, “Yes, sir.”“Good. I need you to relay a message to him.”“Of course, sir. What should I tell him?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.Alexander’s voice remained steady, but there was an edge to his words. “Inform Mr. Lockwood that Maverick Corporation will only accept Seraphina Lockwood as the project head for our deal. And as a response to his actions, we have decided to terminate our two hundred billion-dollar contract with the Lockwood family if Seraphina is not restored to her rightful position.”Grace’s eyes widened. She struggled to hide her surprise. Daniel Lockwood had been sitting here, trying to charm her into putting in a good word for him with the head of Maverick Corporation… and now Alexander himself was instru
Earlier That DayDaniel Lockwood pulled into the parking lot of Maverick Corporation in his sleek blue Chevrolet. As he stepped out, adjusting his tailored suit and straightening a bouquet of roses in his hand, he couldn’t help but replay his earlier conversation with Lady Lockwood. It had taken some careful maneuvering, but he had successfully managed to persuade her to keep him as the head of the Maverick project.Lady Lockwood, after watching Ethan Bishop’s confession, had initially texted Seraphina, asking her to come see her. The intent was to apologize for the misunderstanding and crown her as project head. But the moment Daniel heard of this, he rushed to Lady Lockwood and urged her to reconsider. He argued that the midnight confession seemed suspiciously convenient, likely falsified to cover Seraphina’s shame. Even if it were genuine, he argued, would the media and the elite of Pantheon Valley really buy into it? The scandal was still too fresh, too hot to be cooled down by a
Alexander could have walked to Maverick Corporation, but time was of the essence. Every second counted, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more of them."Sir, if I may ask—what seems to be the pressing matter?" Geoffrey, his butler, asked, his hand steady on the wheel as the car sped through the early morning streets. Alexander sat in the passenger seat, tension radiating off him. His brow was deeply furrowed, his thoughts racing behind his eyes."Just drive faster," Alexander ordered, the sharpness in his tone betraying his frustration. His mind was spinning in a dozen directions at once, and what made matters worse was that he couldn’t get in touch with Grace Pemberton. He had searched his phone for her number, only to realize it wasn’t there. Of course, it wasn’t—Grace was on a three-day leave, a fact that only added to his growing irritation.Geoffrey pressed harder on the gas, the car surging forward. As they sped through the streets, Alexander’s mind wandered, replaying his rec
Alexander dropped the woman and her child off at the nearest police station. He didn’t wait to give a statement—he couldn’t afford to. The sound of Seraphina’s sobbing still echoed in his ears, driving him to move faster. What could have happened? Alexander questioned himself as he ran home, moving so quickly that anyone who saw him would have caught nothing but a blur. He promised himself he would find out who had hurt his wife and make them rue the day they dared to do so. When he reached home, Alexander was panting heavily, short of breath. He pushed the door open with urgency. “Sera!” he shouted, his voice laced with concern. To his shock, there she was, sitting in front of the TV, a half-empty bottle of alcohol in her hand, with more bottles and cans scattered across the floor. It was clear she was drowning her pain, something completely out of character for her. “Oh, Alex, I’m sorry… I was just overwhelmed,” Seraphina mumbled, turning to him, her head slightly lowered in emba
--- MOMENTS AGO “It’s Lady Charlotte... she wants to see me… Lady Charlotte wants to see me!” Seraphina stared at her phone in disbelief. She had hoped and prayed for this moment, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to happen so soon. “About damn time,” Alexander replied, clearly ecstatic, mostly because the conversation had shifted away from the tension that had been hanging over his head moments before. “What do you think she wants?” Seraphina asked, even though she already knew the answer. She just needed someone else to say it, a second voice to confirm what she was too afraid to believe on her own. “What do you mean? Don’t tell me you don’t know why she texted you.” “Yeah, I do, I just… I don’t know, I want to be sure.” “You want to be sure?” Alexander scoffed in disbelief. “Come on, Seraphina, I thought you’d be happier.” “I am! It’s just…” “It’s just nothing, Seraphina. You earned it, you deserve it, so stop doubting yourself and go meet the sadistic old
It was 5:30 AM, and Alexander was walking through the fancy streets of Pantheon Valley, his mind crowded with far too many thoughts. His wife, Seraphina Lockwood, had hurriedly left to go see Lady Charlotte. "That mischievous old hag," he muttered to himself. It wasn’t hard to guess why Lady Charlotte had summoned Seraphina. She must have seen the news, realized how wrong she was, and now wanted to save face by calling Seraphina over to reinstate her as Project Manager—probably behind closed doors to preserve her dignity. Seraphina knew this too, which was why she had been more excited than a bee stuck in jelly. Even though she was in such a rush, she still managed to put on her finest outfit, perfect her makeup, and look every bit the part of a soon-to-be, or rather long-overdue, Project Manager. Alexander couldn’t have been more relieved by the timing of it all, but her final words before she left still haunted him: *“Alex, we will finish our conversation.”* He had looked back