Joshua had come into town and gone to see Nancy at her place, as they had already scheduled.“Welcome, sweetheart.” Nancy greeted him with a warm hug.“Thank you, my love,” Joshua responded as soon as Nancy gradually let him out of the embrace, and he had to walk behind her to take a seat. “How have you been doing? ”He asked with concern.“Very well. I sincerely need to thank you for how you were able to fulfill your promise of helping me get a lawyer. To think the lawyer is a female, that is the sweetest part of it.”“How exactly? What difference does it make if it is a male or female lawyer?” “A lot. Fine, let me break it down for you now.You know how women take such cases to heart and speak for their female clients at full tilt. So, can you see the difference it makes now?”With a nod, Joshua said, “Yeah, I can understand now. I think that's because they can relate to the female feelings better than the male lawyers.” “Exactly. They truly know the need of a child to be with her
The upcoming custody hearing approached like a storm cloud, threatening to let go of months of pent-up emotions in Jack. And now the day for the hearing has arrived. All this time, it was like dragging a cold dread that settled deep in Jack's gut.It hadn't been too long, but it felt like years since he'd held his little girl, Amanda, in his arms as much as he wanted. She was still that giggling bundle of sunshine, barely taller than his knees the last time he checked.Blade met Jack in the sitting room, where the latter waited so they could leave for court together. Soon, Blade came out and met Jack, pacing back and forth.“Young master,” Blade said, clearing his throat and cutting through Jack's reverie. “We can get going now. Pacing won't win this case, and you know that.”Jack forced a smile, the gesture feeling brittle on his face. “Not that. It's just… I hadn't seen Amanda in months before our most recent encounter. After I saw her the other day, I couldn't get my mind off it.
With the thoughts of Amanda’s future looking brighter, Jack knew the real work was just beginning. But he was ready for it, prepared to fight for his daughter’s happiness and well-being every step of the way.As Jack exited the courtroom with Blade, a concerned look etched on his face, Blade asked, “I hope this judge doesn't want to play games with us.”Jack replied, his voice tight with a hint of frustration, “I doubt it. I think he is a just judge, but no one can be trusted fully anyway. Two more weeks of waiting.” It was as if that were what bothered him more.He wished to celebrate his daughter’s 4th birthday with her, which was exactly 19 days from that very day. And so he hoped the case wouldn’t be adjourned again after two weeks.Blade placed a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder. “It's not over yet. This investigation could work in our favor. We just need to be patient.”Jack nodded, though patience was the last thing he felt. Amanda, her welfare, and the uncertainty that lay a
Jack spent the following days in a state of unspoken delight, the joy of regaining custody of Amanda tinged with sweet old memories.“Was he truly fit to be a single father? Could he provide the stability and love Amanda needed?” These were the thoughts that kept ringing in his heart like a tone.Desperate for answers, Jack sought refuge in the familiar comfort of his right-hand man, Blade.As Jack took the cup of coffee in gulps with a teaspoon, he laid bare his fears, his voice laced with a tremor of anxiety.“Blade,” he called out in a low tone, “do you think that I can take care of Amanda alone? As for me, I think I won't be able to give her the perfect love and affection she needs.”Blade listened patiently, his brow furrowed in concern. “Young master,” he finally said. “I know one thing for sure, which is that you are a good father. Just these few days Amanda has spent here show how much you love and care for her.” Blade knew the importance of giving his boss due acclaim, so he
The more Jack thought about it, the more it felt like a carefully curated advertisement rather than a glimpse into reality.“I think you are right, young master, but there is no harm in trying,” Blade muttered, slumping back on the plush couch in his living room.It was as if Jack stole a glance at Jasmine as he looked in the direction she had walked with Amanda a while ago.There was no doubt he had a pang of affection twisting in his gut, but he couldn't help but shrug his shoulders.Jack really wanted Amanda to be a female role model, someone who could share the joys and tribulations of raising a child. He was assured there was no way Jasmine would give in to what he wanted, but then a thought flashed through his mind, and he knew there should be a way out.“Why not? Let's try out this online dating shit? I may be lucky. What do you think?” he asked Blade.“That could potentially lead to a disastrous outcome, young master." They are all fake. Every profile on that app seems like th
“Where is Aunt Jasmine? Why isn't she here with us yet, Daddy?” Amanda, who was dressed in a Versace gown, inquired of her father, Jack, as she entered the sitting room from her room after her personal aide dressed her up.Jack had provided Jasmine with sufficient funds to choose the most suitable outfits for his daughter. So, it was one of the clothes that Amanda had on and it fit her perfectly which made her look like a billion dollars.“Don't worry, she will join us there. I will simply send her the address of where we are on our way out. Maybe something caught her attention on her way, or she needs to attend to something—who knows? Besides, it's the weekend, and she may decide to do one or two things for herself,” Jack quickly replied. His energy didn't match that of little Amanda’s that late afternoon, so the best he could do was to answer her carefully.Not satisfied with her father’s reply, Amanda asked, “Why not call her to confirm, Daddy, rather than guessing?”“Ok, then, I w
The next day, after Amanda's birthday, Jack was with Blade in their usual relaxation space chatting away with some gist.Meanwhile, Amanda was in her room, taking her siesta.Just then, a call came on Jack's phone, and he picked it up. “Hello, who am I speaking to?” Jack inquired, as it was a new number.“I am Brenda from the Rehabilitation Center in New York.”“Okay, so how can I help you?”“Your ex-wife, Nancy, is missing, and your attention is required here now.”“Ex-wife is missing?” Jack retorted quickly, trying to connect the dots to what he had just heard. “So, if she is missing at your rehabilitation center where she is being treated, how does that concern me?”“I think we will resolve this better when you get here,” the lady at the other end responded.“Okay, then, I will be there soon.”As soon as Jack got off the phone, Blade asked him what the problem was, noticing how worried Jack had looked while taking the call.Jack explained what the caller had said to him and stood u
On a sunny afternoon, the next day after Jack was held hostage, a car was seen pulling up right in front of the rehabilitation center.The next thing, Nancy and Joshua were brought out of the car and made to stand still in one spot, both looking like criminals held hostage. They were both apprehended and brought to the rehabilitation center, based on their appearance.The little drama that played out attracted everyone there, including the chief rehabilitation officer- Mr Thomas, the health workers, and every other person around. Everyone was visibly shocked by what they had seen and muttered among themselves. They couldn't figure out exactly what was happening.However, Mr Thomas and the health workers could recognize Nancy at a glance but didn't know who the man, who happened to be Joshua, was.In no time, a convoy of exotic cars, arranged in a straight line, was seen driving in. The people outside were gobsmacked by the procession of luxury cars. Everyone who saw it was overwhelmed
“Getting married to you is one of the best decisions I have made,” Jack complimented Jasmine, while Jasmine kept on grinning from ear to ear stylishly.They were relaxing in the sitting room, as it was the weekend.“Mum, can you join me in my game if you don't mind?” Amanda interrupted the lovey-dovey moments Jack and Jasmine were having together.“I will join you soon, you can go back to your room, babygirl,” Jasmine hastily replied and Amanda winked excitedly at her and left.Not long after Amanda left, one of the housekeepers came by. “Good day, young master. Someone is here to see you, and she said her name is Nancy."With raised, angry-looking brows, Jack turned and said to the housekeeper, “Tell her to leave at once and never to step foot here.” Looking so bitter, like he just heard terrible news, he added inwardly, “I wonder who showed her the way to my house.”Jasmine tapped him gently on his lap. “Darling, that was a bit harsh. Please hear her out first.”“There is nothing wr
Jack and Blade were watching the news of Richard's jail sentence.Before then, Jack had made sure that Mark was set free just like they had agreed, even though the police finally came to rescue him. But then he remembered that Mark almost got into trouble just because the latter wanted to help him save his daughter and Jasmine, if he had agreed to do what he wished.He didn't stop at making sure that Mark escaped; he also ensured that Mark's grandmother was sent to the best hospital for proper medication treatment.That was the least he could do for himself at the time.Mark in turn appreciated him, and Jack offered him the sum of money he needed to set up a business.“I never saw you as this happy, young master.” Blade commented.“Of course, I need to be happy. Knowing I don't have to worry about anything ever again. At least now, Mr. Moe, Mr. Andrew, and now Richard are all in jail, and I will make sure they rot in jail for all I care.”Jack misquoted, coming from a completely diff
Jack saw that as an opportunity to at least express what he feels for Amanda, as he had initially given her the impression that Amanda was the one who needed her more.But right now, he could feel he needs Jasmine more in his life, even more than Amanda does, and he wouldn't miss this moment to prove it.Thank goodness that none of them lost their lives, especially Amanda, as she was on the verge of losing it while they got to the hospital, but Mercy said no.Jack had spent over an hour in the kitchen just to make steaks, mac 'n' cheese, and fruit salad.Amanda had requested it, and since love needs to be expressed by going out of one's way to get things done,.He had to do it, even though he doesn't enjoy being in the kitchen, hoping Jasmine would enjoy it as well.Jack called out, "My two babies, dinner is ready."Amanda's room was occupied by both Jasmine and Amanda.Even though there was a lot of room at Jack's residence, Amanda and Jasmine can't be separated, at least not now tha
After Jasmine and Amanda were discharged from the hospital, they were both brought back to Jack's house, as the doctor had instructed that they needed proper attention and love more than any other time.Jack saw that as an opportunity to at least express what he feels for Amanda, as he had initially given her the impression that Amanda was the one who needed her more.But right now, he could feel he needs Jasmine more in his life, even more than Amanda does, and he wouldn't miss this moment to prove it.Thank goodness that none of them lost their lives, especially Amanda, as she was on the verge of losing it while they got to the hospital, but Mercy said no.Jack had spent over an hour in the kitchen just to make steaks, mac 'n' cheese, and fruit salad.Amanda had requested it, and since love needs to be expressed by going out of one's way to get things done,.He had to do it, even though he doesn't enjoy being in the kitchen, hoping Jasmine would enjoy it as well.Jack called out, "M
From what he could read, he could sense that something was happening behind his nose.Could it be that Mark was bargaining with Jack on the instructions that were given to him or something?The thought of it made him almost go wacko, as no one crosses that line and gets free with him.Even if not immediately, he would certainly make sure the person went down 6 feet below.Richard pulled out his gun from his pocket and placed it on Mark's head. I gave you instructions on what to do, and you dare try to do otherwise?” He blurted it out angrily.“You pull that trigger on that guy's head,” he instructed one of his boys that followed him inside while looking in Jack's direction, to show who he was referring his boy to.“Then you,” he said, gesturing to the other person, “go to bring his daughter and side chick where they are kept.”As soon as the guy left to get Jasmine and Amanda out, he said, “Hold on, don't pull the trigger yet.” He quickly instructed the first guy he had asked to shoot
“What is going on here? I ask again.” Richard shouted at the top of his voice this time.From what he could read, he could sense that something was happening behind his nose.Could it be that Mark was bargaining with Jack on the instructions that were given to him or something?The thought of it made him almost go wacko, as no one crosses that line and gets free with him.Even if not immediately, he would certainly make sure the person went down 6 feet below.Richard pulled out his gun from his pocket and placed it on Mark's head. I gave you instructions on what to do, and you dare try to do otherwise?” He blurted it out angrily.“You pull that trigger on that guy's head,” he instructed one of his boys that followed him inside while looking in Jack's direction, to show who he was referring his boy to.“Then you,” he said, gesturing to the other person, “go to bring his daughter and side chick where they are kept.”As soon as the guy left to get Jasmine and Amanda out, he said, “Hold o
“Jack.” The words got choked in his throat. Everyone in the city knew about the latest Jack Ford. The once-hidden CEO of Agron Incorporation had decided to pipe down all this time.He knew that if it's true, then the person right before him held immense power, more than even the president of the state, and the incorporation thrived powerfully.But then Mark couldn't believe what he heard. With a smirk, he said, “You think you can fool me, right?”“Believe it or doubt it at your own risk.’ but their business thrived.Then the realization that it should be true hit Mark: was he the same person he heard had decided to keep a low profile along?Mark fell on his face immediately at Jack's feet. “Please, I beg you, spare them. Please,” he pleaded, and Jack stood up, as it was obvious he was unmoved by his gesture. He knew he couldn't fall so cheap as he was sure that Mark was only being a cheap hypocrite, he thought as he walked to the west side of the room, examining the view properly.“D
Just then, the captain's phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He looked down at his pants, where his phone was, and then immediately went back to Jack.“I will advise you to pick up that call; you might be saving a life. Who knows.” Jack teased with mocking looks and enjoyed the helpless expression on the captain's face.The captain hastily picked up the call, and it was quite a familiar voice that he heard.“Mr. Mark…” The caregiver he had employed to take care of his grandmother's voice came through as if it were vibrating.“Mrs. Joy,” The captain called out to confirm the voice he just heard.The captain's eyes widened in shock as the pistol he held earlier fell from his hand, while Jack gave him a condensed look of confirmation.“You fool,” he muttered, but he could be heard as he watched the captain finish his call.As soon as he got off the phone, he turned to Jack and said, “Don't let your men touch my grandmother. She is all that I have!” The captain started with a loud voic
Blade was at home, ordering one or two things from his end via phone calls.Although he was on and off the house as needed after Jack had left, as he made sure everything was under control.One of the boys that works for him had come to report to him about what was going on so far.The report wasn't perfect compared to what he had planned in his head, but one thing was to plan, and another which is the main thing is making it go exactly as planned.Blade was busy contacting the police too, so as to keep tabs with them as he tried to make sure they didn't fail him at this moment when he needed them most.It's a matter of life and death, and everyone has their own part to play, just to leave no stone unturned.He also wished that Jack, Amanda, and Jasmine would be safe as they had planned, but it depends on how perfect the operation is.If not, with the way assassins sometimes work, they might end up killing everyone if things don't go their way or if they aren't stopped in the right ma