2024-09-23 23:32:37
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The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 21 • A Silent Billionaire
Lola blinked a few times, confused by her roommate's sudden outburst, she hadn’t even fully gotten into the apartment yet. “What are you talking about?” she asked, eyebrows arched. “Haven’t you seen what has been trending online? There’s this video of a man at La bourge, paying for his purchase in cash, and according to insider information, the ice diamond necklace was the only unit that was sold in the store that day, so according to most social media users, he bought the necklace for a woman.” Lola’s head was already spinning from listening to all this information at once. “What makes you so sure that it’s the same necklace? Maybe the one he got is different.” “Do you know this man you went out with that well? What if he was a silent billionaire and you didn’t know?” “That’s ridiculous Rosaline, it’s Matthew and I know him well enough to know that he’s not a billionaire, he used to be a car washer just a couple of days ago.” Her enthusiasm was dampened, but then it was qui
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 22 • Careful With Your Words
Mallory kept her head lowered; she didn’t know what to say. The senior staff quickly disregarded Matthew. “There are plenty of fine suits to pick from in the store. I’m sure you will find something you love, but Mr. Xander Houston is an old-time customer, and here, we prioritize client relationships.”Even though he was angry, Matthew’s face was unreadable; he tried not to show it. “I selected that suit from upstairs and asked the sales attendant to pack it for me downstairs, and he saw them packaging my order and decided that he wanted it for himself, even though you know that it’s wrong.”The senior staff looked away, scrunching his face. “Please, let’s not prolong this issue. It’s not like you can't afford the suit anyway. I’m sure Mallory didn’t tell you the price. Only people like Mr. Houston can afford such.”Charles, standing by the corner, cleared his throat. “You might want to be very careful with your words.”“I apologize if I said anything to offend Mr. Houton,” he replied,
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 23 • Know Your Place
“Yes it’s true,” Matthew declared in a monotonous voice. “But he has been antagonizing me ever since the very first day that we met, and then today at the store, he intentionally picked the same suit I picked earlier and had asked the sales girl to pack. He refused to let it go and tried to collaborate with the store manager to cheat me.”Amelia's expression loosened, and she turned to face Xander. He quickly grew defensive. “He’s lying! He punched me because I refused to let go of the suit that I rightfully picked.”Their grandmother began massaging her temples. “That’s enough for you two,” she began. “I don’t even know who to believe,” she muttered her breath.Charles stepped forward. “I’m afraid young master Xander is lying,” he said with a straight face, consequences be damned. Raymond and his son were both thrown back by the butler's remark. “How dare you accuse my son of lying? Who the hell do you think you are?”“Enough, you will not speak to Charles like that, not if I can he
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 24 • Ice Necklace
He parked his car across the street and got down, reaching her front door with a small rose. He knocked and then waited for a moment. Inside, the sound of his knocking startles Lola, who isn’t done fixing her makeup. She smeared her lipstick against her lips and rushed out of the bathroom, snatching the purse on the table before getting to the door. When she opened it, she saw him standing outside, and Rose extended to her. She smiled at the gesture as he gently grabbed her hand and kissed the back of her palms. “Shall we?” he asked in a deep voice. She nodded, and they interlocked hands as he led her towards his car. The black tube dress she was wearing clung to her like a second skin, following the contours of her body. It had a lace-up open back, revealing her smooth skin. Her hair was curled up, and the light makeup she had sharpened her best features, making them pop out. She mesmerized Matthew with how gracefully she moved towards his car. He opened the door for her, being a
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 25 • With Mr. Ferguson
Matthew’s gaze is slightly confused as he looks between Ashley and Lola. After purchasing the ice neckpiece, it began stirring up a frenzy online, prompting him to want to learn more about it. He did a little research and discovered that the woman who made this piece only produced one commercially available piece. Most people knew this. It only meant that one person was wearing a fake. Vito laughed, making a few heads turn to see what was happening. “I knew it! You bought a fake!” she said. Ashley instinctively grabbed the necklace, grazing it with her fingers. Then she looked at Matthew and shook her head. “Old habits never die. You still have the habit of buying fake things, huh?” Matthew was standing there unfazed. “Why are you so obsessed with me? Both of you always make it a point to try and confront me every chance you get. If you guys ask me, I’d say you’re just in pain.”The two girls shared a look and then began laughing softly. “You must think so highly of yourself,” Vit
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 26 • WASH ME!
Matthew also noticed Xander and they locked eyes, the tension from their stares were evident.“Are you okay?” Lola asked, drawing Matthew’s attention back. He didn’t realize he had clenched his fists.“Yes, yes I am.” He responded, rubbing his forehead. “I hope you’re good too?” “Better than I’ll ever be,” A smile played around Lola’s lips.“Let’s go to our table.” Matthew said, he placed his left hand on the small of her back as he led her forward to their reserved table.Lola was too stunned to speak. Who really was this man?Xander still had his gaze fixed on Matthew and his date and after a few seconds, he finally walked into the venue with his mouth curved upwards into an evil smirk.Soon, the performances on stage began. The first performer was a comedian who wore a clown’s mask. He made so much jokes that literally everyone present were almost laughing their lungs out.He was soon called off the stage and the crowd screamed that they wanted him back.Soon, a popular musician w
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 27 • Too Late
Rumor about what had happened immediately began to fly around and soon Amelia heard of it, she hurriedly came out to find Matthew and she found him at the restroom trembling with anger and embarrassment.“Matthew, what just happened? What is this nonsense I’m hearing about you and a fake surprise?” She questioned.“Grandma, whatever you heard is correct. Someone tried to make a fool out of me and they succeeded.” He stated.“Explain further.” “Someone called me out saying there was a surprise for me, I had second thoughts about it, but I decided to go try because he sounded very convincing. I went out, unwrapped the car, only to see how dirty and smelly it was, and to crown it all up, there was a bold ‘wash me’ inscription on it.” Matthew explained, making air quotes.“Who did this?” Amelia calmly asked, she was trying to contain her anger. Who would publicly embarrass her grandson in that manner?“If i did have an idea, I wouldn’t be here.” Matthew responded.“We are going to get to
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 28 • Acting On Impulses
Matthew’s hands were clenched around the steering wheel as he drove towards Lola’s apartment. She knew that something had happened in the party but he seemed like he was in no mood to share so she didn’t push it. He pulled up by her street. “Good night Lola,” he said, his voice softening. A weak smile played on her lips. “Good night Matthew, thank you for inviting me to the banquet, it was fun to be honest,”“Oh don’t mention it, it was nothing.”She leaned forward for a kiss while he leaned in for a hug almost at the same time, creating an awkward situation, but they both ended up settling on a hug. She got down from his vehicle and waved him goodbye before entering her apartment. The moment she was inside, her roomate snatched her by the wrist and whisked her to the corner. “So, tell me, how was it?” She asked in a high pitched voice.“It was fine, the banquet was classy and fun.”Her response was met with an eye roll. “You know that’s not what I mean. How did things go between
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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
