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The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 30 • An Interesting Lady
Lola was rooted to the spot. “How are you so sure?” She responded with a hint of shock in her voice. Pauline arched an eyebrow, slightly confused. “Because I have my initials signed on the underside, plus, this was handmade, so I know it even from the look and texture.”Many thoughts started racing through her mind. How could Matthew afford this? Pauline cocked her head sideways. “What’s wrong, darling? You look troubled.”She snapped out of her trance-like state. “Oh- um… it’s nothing, I’m fine. I was just wondering about the validity of the neckpiece.”Pauline smiled, “So you’re the lucky woman everyone keeps talking about online. You really bagged an intentional man.”She felt a little flustered, “It’s a bit complicated right now… but thank you for attending to me, I really appreciate it.”A faint but polite smile formed on her face. “It’s my pleasure, did you want to get anything?” she asked. Lola shook her head, slowly backing away, “No.. I just want to see you, thank you.” Aft
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 31 • A Condo Close To Crawford University
Just as Xander was turning around to leave, his eyes locked with Matthew and then a scowl formed on his face. Before he could open his mouth to speak, Lola bat him to it. “We need to talk, in private.” He turned to see that she was indeed talking to Matthew, which sparked his intrigue. Matthew shifted his gaze between his cousin and Lola, deciding to abrupty avoid Xander and walk straight over to Lola. “Why? What’s wrong?”Xander looked between the both of them and walked away with a wicked smirk on his face, an idea forming in his mind. He didn’t bother to look back at them and he entered the elevator. “I said in private.”He sighed and then looked around, trying to find a secluded spot but then everywhere seemed to be occupied. He remembered that there was an abandoned conference room by the end of the hallway downstairs which was now converted to a storage room and he ushered he rtowards that direction. “So, what did you want to talk about?” he asked, closing the door behind hi
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 32 • Handy For The Police
He went down on his knees as darkness clouded his vision; the pain made him scrunch his face as he tried to raise his head. Two figures were looming over him, wearing a mask. His eyes were closing, and their voice dulled into the background, reduced to distant echoes. The clanging of the baseball bat as it hit the floor met his ears. That was the weapon used to assault him. One of the figures grabbed him and tried to pull him away from his car and towards another vehicle parked just behind them. His attempt to struggle was futile, as it only earned him a hard blow to the chest, causing him to grunt in pain. The door to the minivan slid open, and they tried to shove him inside. Adrenaline was coursing through his veins when the reality of being kidnapped dawned on him. With one burst of energy, he broke free from the strong grip of the man holding him, driving his foot into the torso of the other person, destabilizing them. He swung his arm, landing a punch on his attacker. His resi
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 33 • Police Complaint
The sound of the slap resonated, echoing across the room. “You will watch your mouth young man!” the officer said in a sharp tone. Matthew stood there, his hand on his jaw, his tongue pushed against the inner part of his cheeks as it made a click sound. He raised his arms up to retaliate but all the other policemen in the office jumped on their feet, ready to gang up on Matthew. A wry smile formed on the man's lips. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, assaulting an officer is a serious crime and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to go to jail.” He had a cocky grin on his face and Matthew wanted to wipe it off with a hard slap, but then he held back, not wanting to cause trouble for Amelia or the rest of the family. From the corner of his eyes he saw Amelia walking into the station with a gray shawl hung around her shoulders and Charles standing right behind her. Her face was tight and her eyes fixed on the officer before Matthew.With quick steps, she made her way towards them. The offic
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 34 • Hostage In The Houston Manor
She began to hyperventilate as her eyes widened. Charles, who was sitting in the front seat, turned around to face her. “Are you alright madam?”Being one of her most trusted staff, she didn't hesitate to turn the phone screen towards him so he could have a look. Even the driver tried to peep through the review, but he couldn't make it too obvious that he was to have a look for himself. A small gasp escaped Charles lips. “Do you think it is them?”For a second, she stared out into space, imagining the worst. “Honestly, I don't know. It's hard to say, but we can't take any chances.” Her voice was low and filled with determination. By the time they got home and pulled up in front of the mansion, Matthew got down from his car. Quickly noticed the worried expression on his grandmother's face and asked. “Are you okay Grandma? Are you still thinking about what happened earlier?”“No it's okay, I'm fine. I just need you to be more careful from now henceforth, I think somebody is after us
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 35 • Like A Caged Animal
Still on the other side, he spoke. “Martha, what are you doing in there? How did you get locked in?”Despite how hard he tried to listen, or he could pick up was the sound of her whimpering as she cried. “Hello? Martha? Are you still there?” He questioned, a small frown forming on his face. The muffled sound of her crying only continued. He backed away from the door and looked around him, there had to be a way to get her out of there. “Okay Martha, I want you to calm down. I will go get Charles and he will find the key to get you out.”“No! Don't tell any of them that we talked, they will only punish me,” she whispered with quivering lips. At this point Matthew was beyond confused, he no longer understood what was going on. “What did I tell you about snooping around and not minding your business?” The family of his uncle Raymond boomed. He looked up. “Of course you would have a hand in this, who are you holding hostage in there?” Matthew asked. “It's none of your business boy,
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 36 • Swoop In Like Superman
Charles brought the keys to the padlock and opened the door. Everyone held their breath as the door creaked, the hinges croaking as they revealed the room inside. It was a large room with a high ceiling. In its center stood a king-sized bed with various pillows sprawled over it. She was by the edge of the room, eyes widened and alert. She tried to make herself seem more minor, her body trembling with fear. Her eyes darted between all the people standing in the room. “Go away! Go away!” she yelled, backing up against the wall, trying to shrink. Matthew stepped forward, extending his hands. “It’s okay. Calm down. It’s me. I’m the one who was trying to help you outside,” he said in a soothing voice. Raymond scoffed, “You see what I’m saying, she’s crazy!” He remarked. “That is no way to refer to your wife,” Amelia cautioned him. Martha was still agitated but seemed to calm down when Matthew approached her. He lowered himself to be at eye level with her. “It’s okay. We’re not trying
The Inheritor Of The Houston Empire 37 • Actionable Solutions
Her stomach dropped, and she inched backward. The door gently clicked open, revealing Raymond's towering form occupying the doorframe. Her breathing became uneasy, and she tore her gaze away from him and cast it on the ground. His lips twitched into a small smile. “My darling wife, I hope your recovery will be quicker now,” he said, retrieving a plastic bottle from his pocket. It contained some capsules. As he advanced towards her, he grabbed the jug on the nightstand, bringing it closer to her mouth. “You can’t forget to take your drugs. You don’t want to have a relapse now, do you?” He cocked his head to the side, grabbing her chin gently but firmly. She reluctantly opened her mouth and forced the pill in, washing it down with the water from the jug.She swallowed and pulled her mouth away from the rim of the glass jug with a sharp breath. “Good girl,” he said in a low tone, setting the jug down. Her hands were tight, and her body language screamed in repulsion. He got up and pat
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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
