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The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 113 • Real Family
“Your family? So you have found your biological family?” Josh asked, curious to know. Matthew was quiet, thinking of what to say in response. If he told them the truth that he was a Houston, they would not believe and they would probably try to mock him. Even if they did believe, he knew how shameless these people could be. They would instantly begin to beg him for some money. “Yes, I found my family, my real family.”“And what family is that? Looking at the way that you addressed and the car that you are driving, it is safe to assume that they are rich, am I not right?” Josh pressed on. Matthew sighed. “That is none of your business, I didn't come here to tell you what kind of family I belong to, you don't even deserve to know. I just want to know all the situations that were surrounding my adoption. Why did Mark not take me to the police station? He was hiding me from my real family wasn't he?” Mark was his adoptive father, and growing up, Mark made sure to treat him as though
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 114 • Officially a Couple
Lola and Xander walked into the hotel hand in hand. At this point he couldn't care less about whatever the public had to say and he just wanted to show off to everybody that the love of his life was right beside him. They entered the elevator and returned to their rooms, lowland giving him a hug before parting ways at the entrances of their rooms. “See you tomorrow for our flight back. I need to go check on my friend.”“See you tomorrow,” he replied with a sense of longing in his voice. As soon as she clicked the door open, she met Karen awake. Karen was seated on the armchair, scrolling through her phone when she raised her head. “You're back, looks like you had fun. What did you guys do?”Lola took in a deep breath, she knew that for the longest time her friend was an advocate of this relationship and the moment she told Karen, she would burst with excitement. “We went ice skating,”she began, intentionally leaving the best detail for last. “He taught me how to balance myself and
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 115 • He Stays!
The questions struck Mark like a surprise and his eyes grew wide. It was very obvious that he was hiding something and that was exactly what Matthew wanted to find out. What could Mark possibly have been hiding?“It's a long story actually, I found you by the roadside-”“Enough with the lies. If you're not going to tell me the truth I'm going to work out of here and I'm going to leave you to die on this god forsaken bed.”Josh stepped forward. “Father, if there's anything you have to tell him, just say it now! Please we don't want to lose you.”Mark still looked silent, he kept his lips sealed. “I– I'm telling the truth I found you by the roadside.”Matthew's nostrils flared, he folded his arms and tilted his head slightly. “Then why did you adopt me? And why didn't you take me to the police station and tell them but you found a missing child. When you know damn well that if you had gone to the police my family would have probably been looking for me and they would have found me.”Mar
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 116 • Research on Henry Sanchez
Henry had given Mark the baby one night, “take him to your house and keep him there don't ever tell anyone that he's adopted. Just let him live with you people, I can assure you the people who are looking for this child will never think that he is with your family.” Mark collected the baby and was looking down at him with sadness in his eyes. Even though he didn't know the circumstances surrounding this child, he knew that what he was about to do was wrong.Separating a child from his true family. “When will I have the money?” “In a few days, I will give it to you in cash to avoid any form of traceback.”Mark's eyes popped wide open, “two million in cash?”“Yes, to avoid raising suspicions in the bank. His family are looking for him and they are influential, they wouldn't spare anything to run this investigation.”“But why is he being separated from his family?”“Like I said earlier, the less you know the better for you, for now just focus on the assignment I gave you.”Without as
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 117 • Xander's Show of Affection
The next morning, Lola and Karen had their bags packed ready to leave. As soon as Xander came out of his room they made their way to the car and drove straight to the airport. Thankfully this time, there was no issue and they were able to board the flight that would bring them back to new york. Lola felt a bit anxious, especially due to the fact that the likelihood of her running into Matthew was significantly higher now, she was dating his cousin. She stared out into space thinking of how she would even confront his family. How would she begin to explain things to Amelia? Afterall that day at the hospital she said that Matthew was her boyfriend. It wasn’t until Xander held her hands softly that she snapped out of her daydreaming. “What are you thinking about? Are you okay?” he asked her in a concerned voice. “Yes, I’m fine, I was just thinking about you, now that we have made things official, I was just wondering how your family would accept us.”He sighed, “I don’t want you think
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 118 • Overstressing the Case
They came to a stop in the hallway, staring down at Raymond as he blocked their passage. “Why are you asking?” Matthew shot back, not afraid of confronting his uncle. A thin smirk parted Raymonds lips, “You’re always such a defensive nephew,” he said, placing an arm on Matthews' shoulders. In response, Matthew slowly shoved his uncle’s hand away.“If you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do–”“With the butler?” Raymond inquired, cocking his head to the side with a slightly amused expression on his face. Matthew clenched his jaw, his patience running thin. “Yes, with the butler, what’s it to you?”Raymond threw his hands in the air in faux surrender. “Nothing. Do as you please.”The both of them walked past Raymond and made their way towards Matthew’s car. He started the engines and then drove to the police station. Mr Hernandez was in his office, eyes squinted at the file before him. He wasn’t going to give up that easily. He was going through the hospital reports when Lucy wal
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 119 • Demanding Answers
The street was a bit lonely perhaps due to the fact that it was late in the night. Matthews' car came to a stop and he engaged the hand brakes with a soft click. Charles leaned forward. “This should be the house,” he said, pointing at a white house in the distance. They get down from the car and shut the door behind them.It was a quiet neighborhood and the sound of crickets echoing was the constant background noise. When they got to the front door, Matthew extended his arms and knocked softly. At first there was no response but when he knocked again, a figure from inside began to move about. “Who's there? it's quite late at night.”“We would like to speak with Henry,” Matthew replied. A young woman opened the door, she looked no older than seventeen. “ Do you want to speak with Henry? My dad?” she asked.From behind her a masculine voice sounded. “ Honey, who's by the door?”She looked over her shoulders. “There are two men here and they say they want to speak with you.”Henry came
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 120 • Kidnap Contract
It was already late in the night when they arrived at his condo unit. The receptionist greeted Matthew with a smile as he walked past her into the elevator. Sabrina clutched the small bag which she had packed, she looked nervous which was understandable giving the situation of things.She wasn't even provided a proper explanation, she was just asked to pack some valuable things and leave the house immediately. When they got to the entrance of his apartment and he opened the door, the sound of his puppy barking immediately met their ears. Sabrina and her father entered his condo unit and they couldn't help but be amazed by how luxurious the place looked. Sabrina immediately took a liking to the puppy and she picked it up. “Your room is just by the corner after the main bedroom, it's safe here and you can stay for a while before you think of a permanent solution.”Charles drew him aside to the corner, whispering into his ears. “ Do you think it is a good idea to allow these people t
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200 • Novel Finale
Darrell was watching the news when he saw the news about Vanessa’s arrest in Los Angeles. At first he didn’t believe it but when Vanessa’s mug shot was shown on TV, he growled in anger and smashed the remote control on the ground.“What is going on?” Mrs Ferguson asked from the hallway on hearing the crashing sound.“She has been arrested and she is yet to give me my money.“ Darrell complained.“Who are you talking about?”“Vanessa Winchester. She got arrested while trying to escape for her crimes. There are multiple count charges against her.” Darrell responded and his mother walked to the living room to see for herself.“Well, to me. This is great news. She can no longer torment our family again.” Mrs Ferguson said and Darrell scoffed.“Don’t be a ridiculous mother. She didn’t pay us our money, that is even worse torment.”“Being a taxi driver was enough to get us a new TV right? Keep doing it.” She responded and walked out on him.***Ashley had returned to her previous life but sh
199 • Sightseeing
Matthew and Amelia were at the hospital’s waiting room waiting for the doctor's feedback on Xander. He had been rushed to the emergency room for immediate treatment after Raymond had shot him twice. Amelia folded her hands together trying to pray for Xander, while Matthew on the other hand was restless.Martha rushed in, with her eyes teary.“Where is my son? What happened to him?” She wailed but Matthew only pulled her into a hug, letting her cry on him. “It’s okay. Let’s all be strong for him right now. He’ll be fine, I have high hopes.” Matthew said even though he knew he was lying to himself, he just wanted to make Martha feel better because when Xander was brought in, he was in a very bad shape.“How could Raymond do this to our only child? Does he even have a heart anymore?” She lamented and Amelia took her hand in hers.“Martha, I’m sorry about my son. I apologize for everything, your life could have been better without…”“Mother, what are you saying? You are the best. Raymond
198 • Police Round Up
Xander stared into space confusedly, he didn’t want his father to go to jail but at the same time, he was tired of all the drama. He walked down the stairs looking lost. He had to go tell Hernandez and Amelia. Luckily, both of them were in the dining room having tea together. Xander walked into the dining room and Amelia instantly knew something was wrong.“Xander, are you okay?” Amelia questioned and Hernandez turned to him as well.Xander rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath. “Yeah, I am. Dad called.” He announced and Hernandez looked more interested.“What did he say to you?” Hernandez questioned.“He wants us to meet.” “Great. Let’s all go meet him. Where?” Hernandez asked again and Xander sighed. “Do you think I am happy doing this? This person in question is my father.” He said.“And he is also a criminal who killed your uncle and his wife, he also attempted to kill your grandmother..” Hernandez explained but Xander scoffed.“All this isn’t changing the fact that he stil
197 • Battle for the Phone
Vanessa spent the night in a hotel but early the next morning, she was out of there. The hotel was the wrong place for her to be. She had also found out that Richard had been arrested by the police, that jerk had a big mouth and he was probably the reason why the police were after her now, he had implicated her. She kept driving round town as everywhere looked like someone was watching her. She finally saw an alley and decided to hang around there for a while as it was close to the mall as well. She needed to go to the mall but she knew her credit card could be used to track her location. The police were already on the lookout for her everywhere, she couldn’t bring herself out even further. She stood in front of the alley, rubbing her forehead and trying to think of the next way she could go from there when suddenly someone grabbed her from behind, from the strength and the masculine strength, she knew he was a man. The man had covered her mouth with his hand so she couldn’t even s
196 • Care to Explain the Blackmail?
Amelia received a call from Matthew that afternoon which was a little weird as he rarely called her.“Hi darling.” She started.“Grandma, where are you?” Matthew asked and Amelia was a little confused.“I’m at home. Why do you ask? Did something happen?” She questioned.“As a matter of fact, yes. You have to come to the station right now. There is something you need to know and oh, please let Charles know that Ashley has been found.” Matthew said and before Amelia could ask any further question, he ended the call.Amelia didn’t know what all that fuss meant but she was certain it wasn’t a joke as Matthew wouldn’t invite her to the police station for nothing but why the police station? She hurriedly dressed up and In about thirty minutes, she was at the station.She went straight to Hernandez's office to see Matthew there as well. “I came as soon as I got your call. What is going on?” She asked, her gaze darting from Hernandez to Matthew and back to Hernandez again.“Hello, Mrs Houst
195 • I Quit
Lola was at her office sorting and signing some documents when her office mate rushed into the office giggling excitedly. All of them turned to her with questioning expressions.“Are you being chased by a clown?” Lola asked sarcastically.“No! You won’t believe it!” She shrieked.“Believe what? Say it already, stop leaving us in suspense.” Another girl chipped in.“I just saw….” She was explaining when the door was pushed open and Xander walked in with a bouquet of roses and a hamper. All the girls gasped and the first girl couldn’t stop giggling as she had seen him already. Xander got to Lola’s table and placed the bouquet and the hamper on it. Lola didn’t bother looking at him, she just went on with what she was doing; sorting the documents, signing on them and placing them in their rightful positions on the shelf. The other staff waited for everything to unfold. Lola hadn’t told them anything but they all knew that she and Xander were having a fight. “Lola, please stop doing thi
194 • Clear her Head
Vanessa lay on the bed in one of the guest rooms of the house. She had refused to share a bed with Edward after she had found out about Vito. Next to the bed was a small luggage she had prepared to go on a vacation as a way of letting off steam but before that she had to make sure Edward leaves the mansion as it rightfully belonged to her. She was watching the ceiling with reddened eyes from crying. She wasn’t just crying from Edwards cheating but the fact that she never thought it would hurt her that way. She could never say he wasn’t cheating but getting the girl pregnant? That was the height of it.The sound of the door opening dragged her out of her thoughts. She turned to see who it was and it was Monica.“Hi mum.” Monica started as she sat on the edge of the bed, and took Vanessa’s right hand in hers.“ Have you had any sleep yet?” She asked and Vanessa shook her head in negation.“You should get some sleep mum, you are…” Monica’s foot hit the luggage at the side of the bed and
193 • Unconscious on the Floor
Matthew now has eye bags underneath his eyes as he had been having sleepless nights trying to get new leads on Ashley. He hadn’t heard anything from Hernandez and he had no idea if Ashley was still alive or if she was dead or if she was still in the country. As early as 7am that morning, he had gone to the station again.Hernandez had driven in some minutes later to see Matthew’s car already there.“You know, I might soon begin to think you are actually a staff here who has refused to reveal the information to the rest of us because why the hell are you showing up earlier than all of us?” Hernandez joked and Matthew laughed.“Very funny, Chief. But you are right, I am beginning to think so myself too. But the truth is I just can’t have peace of mind until Ashley is found and everything is resolved. She got into this mess because of me. After everything is resolved, I might reveal my true identity to you all as one of the secret staff.” Matthew responded.“True. Ashley’s safety is para
192 • Sex Workers and Punching Bags
Ashley was trembling with anger. She sat in her part of the bedroom enraged, Gwen had helped her treat the cut on her face. It was a very deep cut and had taken about ten minutes to stop the bleeding. Gwen was in her own part of the bedroom watching Ashley.“You’ve got to calm down. When Richard has a bad day, he tends to take it out on us, I have a scar on my left arm from one of those times he….”“Is this supposed to help me right now? Look Gwen, I know you take a lot of shit here, but I, Ashley does not take shit. I will make sure I get myself out of here and Richard goes to jail. I don’t know about you, but I can’t and I won’t spend another night here. The worst that could happen is that I would die. He can’t keep treating anyone like this, we can’t be his sex workers and punching bags.” Ashley fumed.“Yeah, you’re right but do we really have a choice?” Gwen asked and Ashley stood up and headed towards the door.“Sometimes, we do not need to have choices, we make use of whatever w
