Kimberly turned to him. "Where have you been, Nic? We've been looking for you all day."
Nicholas hated to see no remorse nor guilt written on her face. She seemed relaxed and at ease.
He demanded. "What is he doing here?"
George chuckled, a smarmy grin spreading across his face.
"Ah, if it isn't Nicholas, the trashy son-in-law. I'm glad you could join us. I was just showering your wife with gifts, as any man should do for the woman he loves."
Nicholas eyes narrowed. "You stay away from my wife," he growled.
Kimberly stood up, her hands shaking. "Nic, I have something to tell you. I've filed for a divorce."
Nicholas froze. He had only been gone for two days and now she's already filed for divorce?
Kimberly continued. "George has offered to compensate you with a million dollars."
Nicholas heart broke at Kimberly's words.
He knew she had been driven to this point, because of her family's decision.
They must've treated her so poorly that she felt she had no other choice but to leave him.
Nicholas didn't want things to end this way. He had enough money now. He could buy the Blackwells and make them his slave.
The reason why he came back was to to reveal his true Goldstein family and become their saviour.
He owed Madame Elizabeth his life for protecting him all these years.
Now that he was the Lord of the Phoenix family, he could return the favor and bless them with his wealth.
"My beloved, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that pressure from your family. If it's money, I can save the Goldstein family."
Kimberly glared at him "Nic, I want to believe you. I really do. But I need to see some real change, not just empty promises."
"But—" Nicholas began but she cut him off.
"Don't be foolish," she said sharply. "There's no way you can save my family. You can't even afford yourself new clothes."
Nicholas was awfully silent. He understood the gravity of the situation but she could have at least let him finish talking.
He knew that the Goldstein family only gave out Kimberly for financial aid. Still, he hated it when she looks at him.
She looks at him the same way everyone does: with disappointment, disgust, contempt and hatred.
The only thing she has was a kind heart but nothing more than that for him.
Long ago, he was blinded by her kindness but now he could see clearer.
She was never emotionally attached to him.
"Let's not waste our precious time with this fool, Kimberly," George said, placing his hand on Kimberly's small waist.
Nicholas glared at George as he tried to steal a kiss from Kimberly.
"Let's not hurry things, George," Kimberly laughed uneasily, shoving him gently away. "I'm not yet divorced. I'm still married."
Nicholas blood boiled. How dare George lay his filthy hands on his wife?
George held her hand and pulled Kimberly to seat down beside him.
"If that's the case, I'll make sure to hasten the divorce so that I can have you. I can't wait for you to have my babies."
Kimberly shuddered at the thought. It was evident enough that she was forced into this marriage but nobody cares.
George crossed his leg over the other in the luxurious chaise lounge, a smug grin spreading across his round face.
"I hate it when a miserable dog like yourself could stand so tall before me. Get down on your knees, dog."
Nicholas hesitated.
"Do as he says," Kimberly said, curtly. "Don't just stand there. On you knees, Nic."
Nicholas decided to play the role of a fool to fool everyone.
He was aware of the fake love he would receive if he broke the news that he was the new Lord of the Phoenix family.
With that in mind, he got down on his knees and glanced up at George.
Kimberly crossed her arms and looked away, she was incredibly disgusted at Nicholas.
"You see, my dear fellow," George continued, his voice dripping with condescension.
"You are simply not good enough for a woman like your wife. She deserves someone with a bit more... shall we say, financial stability?"
Nicholas looked up at George, his eyes filled with anger and despair.
"How can you be so cruel?" Nicholas spat out. "I may not have your wealth, but I love my wife more than anything in this world. I would do anything for her."
George chuckled, shaking his head.
"Love is not enough, my dear boy. It takes more than that to provide for a woman like sweet Kimberly here."
"She deserves the best, and I am more than willing to give her everything she could possibly want."
Nicholas fists clenched at his sides but he kept playing the fool role.
"You may have all the money in the world," Nicholas said through gritted teeth.
"But you will never be able to give her the love and devotion that I can. She may marry you for your wealth, but she will never truly be happy."
Kimberly stiffened and she casted a sharp looked at Nicholas.
There was a softness in her hardened eyes that told him he had strucked a nerve.
George's smile faded slightly at Nicholas words, but he quickly regained his composure.
"We shall see about that," he said, standing up and smoothing out his expensive suit.
"I have no doubt that with my vast resources, I have already won your wife's heart. I'll make her the happiest woman alive."
Nicholas shook his head. "I doubt it. You'd only make her miserable for the rest of your life."
George lost his temper and he lunged at Nicholas, grabbing him by the collar of his shabby shirt.
Before Nicholas could react, George was already throwing punches at his face.
Alarmed, Kimberly called out her parents for help.
Lady Clara appeared with master Damian as if they had been hiding nearby all these while.
George was vivid with rage. He tore Nicholas clothes and sat on him, slapping and punching his face mercilessly.
Nicholas struggled to pull himself out of the George's weight but all efforts were futile.
Kimberly and her parents tried pulling George's massive weight but failed. He was too heavy and violent.
Then they called many other extended members of the family whom stormed into the living room.
Once they successful separated George from Nicholas, George pointed his finger at Nicholas face.
"I will not be satisfied until this street rat is punished severely for insulting me," he demanded.
Everyone was tensed. They all know about George's horrible temper. If he wasn't pacified, they might lose him.
Without asking for Nicholas own side of the story, they all barked at him. Some rushed up and kicked him all over his body.
"You foolish piece of trash. Apologise to George, now!"
"Bow and seek his forgiveness."
"You will ruin us. I'll kill you."
"Say you're sorry before I remove those teeth of yours."
Nicholas wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He just lost a tooth and his mouth bled from the punches he received.
Nicholas glanced at Kimberly, she was anxiously begging him to apologise.
"For heaven's sake just do it," she raised her hands in frustration.
Nicholas frowned but then he grovelled before George and apologised.
"Forgive me, George Blackwell. I am sorry for my harsh words."
George smoothen his expensive suit and spat at him. "Never raise your voice at your saviour again, piece of garbage."
And he sauntered out of the house, cursing Nicholas under his breath. Lady Carla and Master Damian chased after him.
They were afraid of what Sir Harold might do to them if George changes his mind towards helping them.
They would be the one to take the blame for it.
Nicholas swore in his heart to deal mercilessly with George. He will make him crawl and suffer greatly.
George's suffering would be so great he would lose lots of weight off him.
"You've ruined us," Lady Carla shrieked, beating Nicholas with her fists. "You will be the end of us."She was being restrained by Master Damian while Nicholas tried to get away from her. Somehow, Lady Carla and Master Damian had managed to curb the situation by soothing George's anger. George had returned back into the house and was now seated beside Kimberly once again. Kimberly did her best to keep him in a good mood by teasing him and cracking jokes. It worked and George was once again returned to being the ugly jolly fellow he was ten minutes ago before the storm. Inorder to punish Nicholas, Lady Carla kicked him out of the villa into the freezing cold outside the backyard. "You will remain outside until morning, you piece of trash," she yelled and slammed the door, locking it from inside. Nicholas stood to his feet and dusted his shabby clothes. He walked around the villa to the front door where he peeked through the window. In the cozy living room, he saw his wife and
"I will go, Father," Nicholas said confidently. "I have always been eager to prove myself and serve the family."The conference hall was quiet for sometime. Then everyone burst into uncontrollable laughter. Nicholas didn't falter. He stood tall and less bothered. "Will you keep quiet?" Jean shouted at him, wiping an imaginary tears off his eyes. "Just who do you think you are?""You piece of trash," Tiana mocked. "Seat down or go wash the toilets. No one gave you permission to speak."Lady Carla was seething in rage. She yelled at Nicholas. "You're nothing but a bunch of embarrassment to me and my family. Shut the hell up and seat down."But Nicholas didn't seat down neither did his eyes left Sir Harold's face. Sir Harold had always hated Nicholas but he was surprised at his sudden boldness and a little impressed. None of his children and grandchildren were ever this bold to even try. They were afraid of the Phoenix family. And why shouldn't they? In the eyes of the Phoenixes, t
The Phoenix estate was off the borders of North Hills city. There were ten thriving cities in the country with North Hills being the smallest city in all. Liberty state is the fourth biggest city and lies south, off North Hills. Liberty State fell under the rule of the Phoenix family. They bought the city from the government thirty years ago and had developed it into a luxury paradise. They run their city like a business and it's ran by one man—the Lord of the Phoenix family. Foreigners often end up comparing Liberty state to Dubai after a visit. The Phoenix estate was off the coast of Liberty state on a small island called Star island. Floyd and Jean rode in five rented motorboats which took them all the way to the shores of the island. The two men, dressed in tuxedos and loaded with expensive gifts approached the golden gates of the Phoenix estate. They came along with twenty men, each carrying big gifts for the new Lord.As they approached the gates, they met two giganti
Nicholas was ushered in a grand office, with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the sprawling city ahead of the island. Nicholas father, dressed in a tailored suit, sat behind a large desk. He stood up when he saw his son and bowed to honour him. "Welcome home, Lord Niklaus."Nicholas sat down in the executive chair of the grand office and relaxed comfortably. "Rise, father," Nicholas said. His father rose to his feet and returned back to his seat. "Surely, you'd want us to change you out of that shabby suit, my Lord."Nicholas shook his head. "This suit is a gift from my wife!""Forgive my words, my Lord," his father said. "Is my wife taken to the waiting room?" Nicholas asked Edgar whom was bowing with a knee before him. Edgar nodded. "Yes my Lord. She's being well attended to as you ordered.""Good," Nicholas turned to his father. "I'm sure you're waiting for me to explain my plans, father.""Yes," his father admitted. "Your behavior is strange. I'm baffled by the
Kimberly didn't know what to expect of Lord Niklaus but she never expected him to be a woman. This woman had long silver hair, flawless snow white skin, and wore a gold mask that concealed her face. Kimberly bowed. "Lord Niklaus. It's an honour to be in your presence."Silence. The woman walked confidently to the other side of the desk and sat down. "You may rise."Kimberly stood up, in awe of such power before her. She had initially thought the New lord of the Phoenix family would be a man but he turns out surprisingly to be a woman. "You've got sixty seconds," the woman said, checking her wrist watch "I'll listen to you for sixty seconds. Your time starts now."Kimberly took a deep breath and began to speak, explaining her proposal to the Lord as quickly and clearer as she can. As she spoke, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of expression this woman made behind that golden mask. She wondered if she would be interested in aiding her family or not. When she finished, the
Kimberly stepped out of the sauna, her skin glistening with sweat. She was dressed in a white robe, her hair wrapped in a towel. She took a deep breath and made her way to the banquet room.As she entered Sir Harold's banquet room, she was greeted by a stunning display of elegance. The room was beautifully decorated, with gold-plated chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and elegant table settings.There were twenty people seated around the table, all dressed in their finest attire. The table was set with sparkling silverware and fine china, and the food was presented beautifully on platters. There was a roasted pig in the center of the table, surrounded by bowls of steaming vegetables, bread, and fruits.Kimberly felt a sense of importance as she was ushered to the seat next to Sir Harold. She looked around the room, taking in the beauty of the banquet and feeling proud to be a part of it.As the feast began, Nicholas, was the one serving the meals and clearing plates. Despite h
Nicholas smirked then ordered, "Jean, bow and kiss my feet!"Silence. No one said a word but marveled at Nicholas audacity. Jean growled. "You filth. Why the hell would I ever bow to you?""Remember when you said I could never raise twenty million dollars?" Nicholas reminded him. Jean's eyes widened. "Huh? What did you say?""We made a bet between ourselves," Nicholas continued. "If I succeed, you will bow and kiss my feet."Jean was quiet. He didn't know if he was coming or going. Of course he remembered the bet. Nicholas grinned broadly. "You're awfully quiet, Jean. Where was all that spirit, huh?"Jean bite his lips. If he bowed to Nicholas and kiss his feet, he would lose his face in front of his family. Also if he didn't fulfil his part of the bet, his family would consider him untrustworthy and unfit to be a leader. He must find a way to escape such humiliation. "What are you waiting for Jean?" Nicholas said, his eyes growing darker. "Bow and kiss my feet. Then apologize t
Nicholas felt anger and embarrassment boil inside of him after being slapped by the jewelry attendant. He was used to being treated this way but never by a stranger. Being treated so disrespectfully in public was a blow to his ego.As he tried to compose himself, Nicholas' phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and saw that the caller ID was from his advisor, Julia. He answered the call, eager to hear what she had to say."Lord Niklaus," Julia began explaining. "The jewelry store you're in buys its jewelry from Liberty state."Nicholas eyes widened. How does she knows he was buying jewelries? Was he being watched?"Is that so?" Nicholas asked, feigning surprise. Julia sounded embittered with what's just transpired between him and the attendant. "Yes my Lord," she continued. "Seventy percent of the jewelries were bought on credit with loans from our bank."Nicholas felt a sense of glee and satisfaction as he heard this information. It was the break he needed to turn the situat