The Doberman clan was a four hour train journey to the Western part of the Twelve cities.
They controlled many lands and estates, which was how they generated their wealth. It was 12am when Moses arrived at the Doberman's clan. He rode a taxi through the imposing gates of the Doberman's residents. When the taxi pulled up before the giant mansion of the Doberman's chief, a crowd of fifty people gathered around to welcome Moses. Suddenly, the crowd fell to their hands and knees and bowed deeply as Moses stepped out of the taxi. “Welcome home, Young master.” They chanted in unison, their voice trembling. Moses said nothing. He stared at his clansmen, a cigarette burning at the end of his mouth. These were the same men who had beaten him up and kicked him out of the Doberman's clan. Just then, the double door to the mansion swung open, and a man came walking out, flanked by Albert. He was the Clan Chief, Robert Doberman. Robert Doberman locked gaze with Moses as he approached him. He wore a blue three-piece suit, with a gold capped cane in his right hand. Robert Doberman stood before Moses, his eyes boring into him. Moses met his gaze head-on without flinching. “I have come home, father,” Moses declared, his tone cold. Robert Doberman's by cane clattered to the ground as he sank to his hands and knees. He bowed deeply before Moses. “My son,” he said solemnly, his voice breaking. “Please Forgive me.” The entire clan was now begging for his forgiveness after they humiliated him and left him to suffer for three long years. “What has changed, father? Is it because I've become wealthy or is it the fear of the Doberman's downfall?” Moses' father's eyes watered. “No, Moses. I was wrong. I should have trusted you. Presently, the Clan needs you. I need you. Without your help, we would suffer.” Moses removed the cigarette from his lips and flicked it away. “Man, it's so good to be home. Rise, father. It's not a good sight for a father to bow to his son.” “Right,” Robert Doberman rose to his feet. “I'm glad you forgave us, Moses. This means a lot to every one of us. Welcome home.” * * * * “The Doberman clan has suffered in the past three years,” Robert Doberman said. “We used the clan's reserve to see if we could reclaim what we've lost. But we haven't been lucky.” Albert served Moses a steaming cup of coffee on the mansion's balcony. Moses took a sip. “So the $100 million reserve is finished?” “We have nothing left,” Robert Doberman revealed. “Ever since you were expelled from the clan, things have been going badly for us. We've been mocked and ridiculed by everyone in the twelve cities. Even the banks won't loan us money.” “Well, that's about to change,” Moses said. “I have returned. I'll see that the Doberman clan gets the respect we deserve.” Robert Doberman bowed his head. “You're so kind, Moses.” “I have just one condition,” Moses added. “No one must know I have attained sudden wealth. I would rather keep it quiet.” Robert Doberman was surprised. “Shouldn't we crush our enemies for making a mockery of us? How do we make them regret without telling the world about your success?” “I prefer the latter. You don't have to worry about anything,” Moses smiled. “I'll make them regret.” * * * * Moses took the next train back before dawn. He didn't want to be late for his morning duties at the hotel. When he arrived at the MOMO estate, he met Valeria waiting for him at the doorstep. “Good morning, my beloved,” Moses greeted. “You look lovely this morning.” “Where the hell were you last night?” She demanded, her tone harsh. “You weren't in the basement when I checked.” “Oh that,” Moses rubbed the back of his head. “I felt so depressed over Rockechilds, I slept outside. I'm sorry, love. I should have informed you.” “Or you were out with your girlfriend,” Valeria said eyeing him. “Eh?” Moses looked at her. “What girlfriend?” “Don't act dumb with me, Moses, you're seeing another woman. You went out to be with her last night, didn't you?” Moses opened and closed his mouth. “What are you talking about? Are you suggesting I cheated on you? I swear, I'll never do such a thing.” Valeria stood up, her nose scrunched up. “Go inside and wash up. You smell like a pig. Once you're cleaned up, meet me at Madame Aurora's mansion.” Moses was surprised. “At Madame Aurora's mansion? What for?” “Quit asking me stupid questions and do what you're told,” Valeria barked, then brushed past him. Moses watched her head to her Ferrari and drove off. He had never been to Madame Aurora's mansion before. She never allowed him to step foot past her gates. But today, he was invited to come. Moses had an idea something was off. “What was Valeria on about?” Moses muttered to himself. * * * * Moses rode his electric scooter up the hilly roads to Madame Aurora's mansion. It was a grand structure with beautiful trimmed hedges, flower gardens, and fountains. As Moses put away his scooter, he saw that his in-law's cars and Valeria's were parked outside the mansion. Something off-putting was going on. Moses walked to the entrance of the mansion where a servant led him to Madame Aurora's study. Madame Aurora was on the phone when Moses entered her study. “Madame Aurora, Moses has arrived,” the servants announced, then bowed as she quietly left the room. Madame Aurora hung up the call as she turned to face Moses. “What took you so long, idiot? How dare you keep us waiting?” Moses apologized with a slight bow. “Forgive me Madame Aurora, I had to wash up and—” Moses' words trailed off as he saw Valeria sobbing with her head buried in her palms. “Why is she crying?” Moses asked, his voice small. “Who made Valeria cry?” “Shut up, you ungrateful piece of shit!” Madame Aurora snapped. “After breaking Valeria's heart, you want to act oblivious, right?” Moses' jaws dropped. “Break Valeria's mind? What do you mean?” Jordan stood up, his fists raised in the air. “You bastard, you have the nerve to ask? Who was that woman you saw last night?” “For crying out loud, what woman?” Moses raised his voice. “You are making this up. I met no woman?” “Then where were you last night?” Madame Aurora demanded. Moses hesitated. If he told them he visited the Doberman clan, Madame Aurora would become suspicious. Why would the Doberman clan welcome Moses back if he hadn't attained sudden wealth? That would be the question Madame Aurora was likely to ask him. “You hesitated, huh?” Juliet burst out in rage. “There's no other explanation. You met a woman last night.” Moses turned to Valeria. “Valeria, is this what you called me here for? Why would you lie to your family that I'm cheating on you? I thought I explained myself to you.” “You're lying,” Valeria cried. “You're not fooling anyone here. There are evidences to prove it.” Moses placed both hands on the table. “Let me see those evidences. I swear I can identify it's a fake.” “It's not a fake,” Madame Aurora took her remote and pointed at the flat screen television hanging on the wall. As she switched it on, a video footage appeared on the screen. Moses' eyes widened as he saw himself walking into a love hotel with a strange woman. At one glance, Moses could see that this video was a fabrication. The person in the footage wasn't him. It was an impersonator.“Last night, an anonymous messenger sent me this video footage while I was out looking for Moses,” Valeria began. “I was horrified. Moses was not in his basement when I checked. The hotel staffs also haven't seen him." "When Moses returned this morning, I confronted him but he denied not cheating on me.” “My beloved, I swear that can't be me,” Moses said, his eyes growing wide. “It's probably someone impersonating me.” “Again with the excuse,” Juliet scoffed. “You are not someone of importance to be a victim of impersonation.” “But I am Valeria's husband,” Moses pointed out. “There's a good chance. One of Valeria's admirers tried to impersonate me so it would look as though I cheated.” Moses had never known another woman aside Valeria. He was sure in his bones that he was being set up. In the MOMO family tradition, adultery was a serious offense. Moses arranged marriage with Valeria could only be annuled if one party commits adultery. “Enough with your excuses,” Madame Auro
“This is the best thing that's ever happened to the MOMO family,” Madame Aurora celebrated as she popped open a champagne. “Let's celebrate.” she poured wine into Valeria's glass. “With the Gates Group backing us up, we'll be unstoppable.” Lucas laughed as he handed her his glass. “Take it easy, Madame Aurora. The Gate Group won't disappoint you. As we speak, Gate Group invested heavily in Rockechilds' shares. Money is never our problem.” Madame Aurora's eyes widened. “That's the Gate Group for you. I'm blown away by how wealthy your family is.” Valeria smiled, linking her arm in Lucas'. “Lucas was the perfect choice, grandmother. I never understood why you hooked me up with a loser like Moses from the very start,” Valeria pouted. “I couldn't stand him.” “Matching you and Moses was my greatest mistake,” Madame Aurora admitted. “I hadn't foreseen the Doberman's downfall. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have paired you off with Lucas a long time ago.” “Can we sto
It has been three days since the Gates Group crisis began. Valeria had it tough as the other family members made mockery of her. News about Valeria's divorce from Moses and her failed engagement to Lucas spread quickly. Traditionally, in the twelve cities, a divorcee without a husband is a woman without honour, dignity or class. It was the most humiliating position to be in. The other granddaughters of the MOMO family whom had alway been envious of Valeria for her beauty, saw an opportunity to ridicule her. They openly insulted her in public, making her life miserable. The insults and disrespect ate deep inside Valeria that she suddenly became consumed with desperation. She vowed to regain her honour and reputation, whatever the cost. Moses had been watching her all these while. Seeing how desperate Valeria was, he finally decided to implement his next move. He dialed Genevieve's number. Genevieve answered on the first ring. “Good morning, Mr. Moses. What can I
There was a stiff tension in the Imperial Hotel as every staff was informed of the mysterious John Smith's arrival. Madame Aurora had given strict instructions: On no account must anyone offend John Smith. A bad review from someone as wealthy as John Smith could ruin their reputation. Madame Aurora was all about good reputation and five star reviews. She values her reputation more than she values money. John Smith was scheduled to arrive at the hotel by 9pm.The Imperial Hotel was on standby to welcome this mysterious wealthy man. Moses stood outside the entrance, dressed in an immaculate bellhop uniform. Standing beside him was his ex-wife, Valeria. "It's odd, isn't it?" Valeria began. "That John Smith would pick you to serve him."Moses didn't say anything. Valeria frowned. Moses haven't talked to her ever since their divorce papers were signed. "I understand if you hate me now, but don't forget I'm still your superior in this establishment," she said, her voice at edge.M
Betty's slap caused the other diners to glance in Moses' direction. “What's going on over there?” A lady asked. “A fight?” Her partner added. “That waiter must've offended her.” Another diner commented. Moses nursed his cheeks where he had been slapped. “You slapped me?”“What are you going to do about it, huh?” Betty hit him again. “You'll hit me back? I dare you, you piece of trash. Hit me!”“What's happening here?” Dave demanded, appearing on the scene. “I heard someone getting slapped.”“Darling, this idiot here was insinuating something offensive to me,” Betty reported.Dave turned to Moses, his eyes hardening. “You monkey, what did you say to her?”“She asked me when John Smith would come to eat,” Moses answered. “Out of curiosity, I inquired why you two weren't dining together, because it seemed to me she was hoping to dine with John Smith.”Dave glanced at Betty and realized Moses was making sense. She had gone out of her way to look extra beautiful, which was strange beca
“I want Dave fired, and his properties confiscated.”Moses' demand made Madame Aurora and Dave to stiffen in shock. “What nerve do you have to make such demands?” Madame Aurora barked at Moses. “I wasn't even talking to you.”“You rat, so this is what you want, huh? You're trying to get me fired.” Dave said. Moses frowned. “I warned you before, didn't I? Hit me and you'll regret it.”“You think you can get me fired?” Dave laughed. “Don't make me laugh. Even if you request it, grandmother would never get rid of me.”“Forget that. How dare you speak for John Smith?” Madame Aurora added, glaring at Moses. “You've been nothing but a nuisance, Moses. After tonight, pack your things and get out of my hotel.”“If Moses leaves, then so would I,” John Smith said. “In that order, I demand that Dave be fired, and his properties confiscated.”Madame Aurora's eyes widened and her jaws dropped. “You don't mean that, John Smith.”“Do I look like I'm playing?” John Smith asked, his eyes hard. Mada
“I'm curious to know, John Smith,” Madame Aurora said. “Who are you really, and where did you come from?”John Smith took his glass of wine and stirred it. “I'm a king of a distant sovereignty country.”Madame Aurora was startled. “There aren't that many monarchy governments nowadays.”“You're right,” John Smith said, cutting into a juicy steak. “But mine exists.”Madame Aurora was intrigued. “What's the name of your nation, John Smith?”“I'd rather not tell,” John Smith said with finality in his tone. “I'm here on vacation and would prefer to remain anonymous.”“As you wish, John Smith,” Madame Aurora smiled. “I believe the steak is up to your taste?”John Smith nodded. “They're incredible.”Moses stood behind John Smith, observing the entire conversation. From the looks in Madame Aurora's expression, he could tell she bought the little lie John Smith just told her. John Smith was no king, and neither was there any monarchy country that he rules. This was all a ploy to buy her tru
Moses was mad. This arrogant, rich bastard had the nerve to slap him. This wasn't the first time Sir Lin and the other VIP patrons have harassed him. However, circumstances have changed. Moses was not the same man he used to be. He would crush Sir Lin with all his might. “I'll make you regret doing that to me,” Moses said, his voice dark. “I will never forgive you. That's a promise.”Sir Lin was surprised at Moses' confidence. “You'll make me regret? And how do you intend to do that?”Moses hide a smile. “You'll see. Before today ends, you'll seek for my forgiveness, but you won't find it.”Before Sir Lin could react, Moses excused himself and walked away. This angered Sir Lin so much, he yelled after Moses. “You filthy rat. How dare you walk out on me? I'll fix you. I'll make sure you're fired.”But Moses didn't give him as much as a glance. “That blasted idiot,” Mrs. Van cursed. “Who does he think he is, walking out on a VIP guest? Is he out of his mind?”Charleston bite his l