2025-01-23 20:47:26
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 181 • An Eye on Her
Earlier in the parking lot of the mall, Richard and his men had switched cars. But they didn't drive out of the parking lot immediately, as they knew that would be a predictable move.Instead they remained still in the car they switched to and used the other man, who also works for them, as a decoy, so that he would drive away from the mall and catch the attention of the chief of police.Their plan worked, since Hernandez and Lucia thought that the car leaving the shopping mall was Richard's car and had followed it.Ashley had to watch painfully as the only source of help that she could get left to the shopping mall after a fake diversion.Now that he had lost the cops, they drove Ashley to Richard's safe house. The whole time she still had the guns pressed to her side as the man kept an eye on her.“You're going to be so sorry for ever messing with me,” Richard said through the driver's seat.Tears streamed down her face profusely. “Please don't hurt me I'm begging, I'll tell you ev
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 182 • What Hospital?
Darrel sat in his taxi, he had just driven a client to the mall and was waiting to get another. His thoughts drifted to the video of Vanessa again. If he blackmails her with the video, he was going to get millions of dollars from it and he would stop using his car as a taxi. Darrel couldn’t deny the fact that he was so embarrassed doing this job. Most of his friends no longer spoke to him as he was no longer in their ‘class’. The most painful was Ashley leaving him. After going through so many things together, she left when he needed her the most. He shook his head, trying to shake off all thoughts of Ashley.“Taxi?” A lady called, tapping on the car’s windshield.“Yes?” “I have been here for the past minute. What are you thinking about?” The strange customer asked.“I’m sorry. Where would you like to go?” Darrel asked and she scoffed.“How rude! Are you going to let me pick up my bags myself?” She persisted and Darrel clenched his fists tightly on the steering wheel for a few second
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 183 • Due Process
Matthew was pacing around the hospital hallway worried and confused. Amelia was still unconscious and on a life support machine. The doctors were not giving any encouraging response. It seemed she wasn’t out of the danger zone yet.“Mr Houston, please sit down.” One of the nurses at the nurses station said calmly to him. Matthew sighed and turned to her. “How is my grandmother?” “She isn’t out of the danger zone yet but it isn’t getting any worse. Being restless isn’t going to help you.” The nurse replied. Matthew didn’t say anything to her. He just continued pacing around the hallway. He wasn’t worried about just Amelia, he was also worried about Ashley. Charles had left two hours ago to join Hernandez and Lucia in the search but still, no one had updated him meaning they hadn’t found her yet.As if he had read Matthew’s mind, Charles walked into the hallway. “Hey. How is she doing now?” He asked and Matthew finally sat on the metal chair behind him.“The nurse said she isn’t get
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 184 • Ashley's Only Chance
Ashley curled herself up on the small kid sized bed. She was twice the size of the bed and she wondered how cruel Richard could be to let them use such beds. And to make things worse, there were insects flying all around and stinging her. “Oh my God.” She mumbled angrily as a mosquito flew past her ear making buzzing sounds. She looked around at the other girls. How the hell were they sleeping through this? Just like her, neither of them had blankets but somehow, none of them were awake. Their snores added some spice to Ashley’s already existing ordeal.“Oh God, what is this shithole? I just wanna get out of here.” She complained about rubbing her neck as she had been bitten by a mosquito. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead and she sat up. There was absolutely no way she would be able to sleep.She flexed her knees towards her jaw and rested her arms on them then she placed her head on it, hoping she would be able to sleep but she couldn’t. It was so uncomfortable that she soon
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 185 • Evidence
Amelia slowly opened her eyes. The whole place was blurry at first but she blinked a few more times and it became clear. Her throat felt dry and her lips chapped as well, she stifled a yawn and turned to inspect her surroundings, that was when she noticed Matthew sitting on the couch, fast asleep. He still had the clothes he was putting on the previous day which meant he hadn’t gone home at all.“Matthew?” She called out, her voice sounded very husky.Matthew’s eyes snapped open and he turned to look at Amelia.“You’re awake.” He stated, a smile growing on his face. He immediately stood up and walked to the bed.“How do you feel now? Are you having pains anywhere or any form of discomfort? Should I call a doctor?” He asked and Amelia let out a gentle laughter.“Come on Matthew, I’m a strong old woman. I’m fine.” She replied and Matthew sighed.“Well, this strong old woman scared the hell out of me yesterday. Why did you do that?” He jokingly asked.“I’m sorry I won’t scare you again.”
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 186 • Video Wipe
Darrel gripped the steering wheel tightly, his car was parked in front of the Winchester mansion. He had finally made up his mind to blackmail Vanessa as he was now running out of options. He made his way into the mansion and into the dining room where the Winchesters were sitting for Lunch. On seeing Darrell, Vanessa raised a brow. “Wow. And who else would it be if it isn’t Darrel Fergunson? What are you now? The King of Surprises?” Vanessa mockingly asked. “You should keep your false concern to yourself. I don’t care about it.” Darrel growled at her.“You are just in time for lunch, sadly we don’t have a spare chair, you can make use of the ground though. We have enough food, you just have to stay on the floor because you know you and your family are already there.” She added and Darrel clenched his fists.“You can as well say that to your cheating husband beside you.” Darrel stated and Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, she turned to Edward and then back to Darrell.“Cheating husband?” Sh
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 187 • Trapped Once
After her recovery, Amelia went to the monthly Lakeshore club meetings. Most of the other Socialites were glad to see her after her absence due to sickness. It was all going so well until Amelia saw Vanessa sitting with some other women, sipping drinks and laughing about something. She smiled and picked up a glass.“Pour me a glass please.” Amelia requested.“And who the hell do you think you are to just casually walk in and……” Vanessa was saying when she turned to see it was Amelia standing behind her with an empty glass. “It’s you.” She mumbled.“Hello again Vanessa Winchester. I love the fact that you do not hesitate to show everyone the kind of terrible person you are. You didn’t even know who I was yet and you were already wanting to eat me up.” Amelia said with the smile still on her face.“Oh please, spare me that lecture.” Vanessa said, waving her off.“Lecture? You bet I’m not lecturing you. I definitely can’t do what your failed mother didn’t do for you. What I am trying t
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 188 • Pay For His Crimes
Raymond sat on the bench by the side of the road, he had a sunshade on and a cap. He had a complete disguise as he had now been declared wanted. He didn’t want anyone to spot him. He was just across the mall and was waiting for the right time to get what he wanted. He had run out of groceries in his hideout and needed to restock. He just hoped his credit cards were not being tracked as well.After a few minutes, he finally walked into the mall and began to pick up a few things. Looking around, it felt like everyone was watching him. He noticed a woman cast him a suspicious glance before lifting up her phone to her ear. He squinted his eyes and began to head out when he bumped into someone else’s shopping cart.“Shit.” He cursed.“I’m sorry, I… Dad?” Raymond looked up to see it was Xander.“Xander? What are you doing here?” He asked.“Shopping obviously. What else would I be doing in a goddamn mall?” Xander asked back. “Where have you been?” “It doesn’t matter where I’ve been. Don’
Latest Chapter
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
