“I do not approve. You will not marry my wife,” Moses snapped.
Moses' sudden appearance and declaration took everyone in the living room by surprise. “Moses, when did you get here?” Valeria demanded. “Long enough to hear this mad man's offer,” Moses retorted. “Don't listen to him, Valeria” “You sneaky bastard!” Juliet removed her shoe and hurled it at Moses. “Stop trying to ruin my life. This doesn't concern you. Get lost.” “But it does concern me, mother-in-law,” Moses countered as he dodged her shoe. “Valeria is my wife. I cannot let another man steal her away from me. She's mine.” “You foolish boy,” Jordan charged at him and slapped him across the face. “Always running your mouth. Do you want to ruin my family like how you ruined yours?” Moses stepped back, feeling the sting of the slap echoing in his ears. Madame Aurora, despite her richness and power, gave birth to five ugly women and two sons. In the Twelve Cities, beauty and class were a virtue attributed to a woman. Sadly, Madame Aurora's daughters had class but lacked beauty. It was a Herculean task for her to marry all her daughters off. To add to her grief, Madame Aurora's daughters conceived and put birth to ugly granddaughters as well. Madame Aurora's second son, Jordan, had the fortune of giving birth to a beauty like Valeria. She was Madame Aurora's only granddaughter who excelled in beauty, class, and brains. Without hesitation, Madame Aurora arranged a marriage between Valeria and Moses when they were still children. However, that decision turned out to become Madame Aurora's greatest mistake. Moses' family, the Doberman clan, was the wealthiest in the twelve cities at the time. They would have remained so if Moses hadn't ruined them with a risky investment he made with the clan's money. Moses' foolish investment cost the Doberman clan a staggering $12 billion loss. Moses was beaten like a thief and expelled from the clan. However, his arranged marriage with Valeria was still intact. They both were married in name but their union was never consummated. Madame Aurora hired Moses to work under her as a live-in-son-in-law because sending him away would make her look bad in the public's eye. Still, she despises Moses and enjoys watching him slave under her. “I made a mistake,” Moses admitted. “If I had known Rockechilds Empire would fail, I wouldn't have bought all their stocks. I just wanted to secure my future with Valeria.” Lucas chuckled, drawing attention from everyone. “How interesting,” Lucas said. “You thought investing in a sham like Rockechilds would secure your future? How dense can you be? Look at you now. You don't have a future.” Lucas took Valeria's hand again. “I'm the one who's going to guarantee Valeria's future. You're a live-in-son-in-law who's useless and penniless compared to me.” Moses slapped Lucas hand away from Valeria. His face darkened. “I told you before, didn't I? Don't touch my wife.” Lucas reacted by shoving Moses in the chest. “How dare you slap my hand away? I'll kill you with my hands. It seemed you have forgotten how powerful the Gates family are. I'll show you.” “Both of you, stop!” Valeria shouted, ceasing the noise in the living room. Silence descended on the living room once again. Valeria turned to face Moses. “This matter is none of your business, Moses. Get out of the house while I resolve this.” “I just don't want you to fall for this schemer,” Moses said, his voice sober. “He doesn't love you. He's just trying to use you. Trust me, if it's the money, I'm confident I'll provide it for you.” Juliet burst out laughing. “This is hilarious. Moses, does $2 billion sound like chicken feed to you, or you're still living in the glory days of the Doberman clan?” “Even if it's a miracle, there's no way you'll raise $2 billion in a month,” Jordan couldn't hold his laughter either. “Get lost, Moses. You're penniless and useless.” Even Moses had no idea where he could obtain the money from. He just doesn't want to lose Valeria to a scum like Lucas. Gritting his teeth, Moses walked outside and shut the door behind him. Lucas returned to Valeria. “Valeria, my love, make a choice. It's either me or him.” Valeria faced Lucas, her eyes determined. “I'm choosing neither of you.” Lucas lost his confident smile. “You can't be serious. I'm I not good enough for you?” “It's not that,” she replied. “Your offer is still on the table, but I need to think it through. If I must accept you, then I must speak to my grandmother. She is the only one who can give me the approval I need to divorce Moses.” Lucas stroked his chin. “Yeah, that makes sense. I guess I was in a haste. Forgive me.” “If Madame Aurora gives her permission, I'll make my decision and contact you,” Valeria said. “Until then, you'll just have to be patient with me.” Lucas laughed. “Of course. Take all the time you need, Valeria. I pray your answer would be yes.” Meanwhile, outside the apartment, Moses listened to their discussion through the keyhole. He felt disgusted because his wife was even considering marrying Lucas for a loan. “If only I could raise the $2 billion funds required for the project, Valeria wouldn't settle less for a scum like Lucas,” he thought bitterly. Just then, his phone buzzed. Moses fished out his cell phone. It was a cheap, tiny phone filled with buttons. He squinted at the unknown number calling him. “Who the hell is this?” he pondered to himself, then pressed the call button. “Hello?” “Young master,” a fruity voice called out. “Finally, I was able to contact you.” Moses frowned. “Who's this?” “Young master, it is I, Albert, your father's butler.” A look of recognition dawned on Moses' face. “Ah, Albert. What is it you want? I thought you warned me never to contact you again?” “Forgive me, young master,” Albert said breathlessly. “I was foolish. Young master, the Doberman's clan wants you to return home. Our Clan is perishing in poverty. Come save us.” “Are you kidding me?” Moses shouted. “The Doberman's society has at least $100 million in reserve. How can they be impoverished?” “It's complicated, young master. We've lost everything as we tried to make a comeback with our reserve. You're the only one who can save us now.” “Sorry to burst your bubble, but I can't help anybody. I'm penniless and useless beyond compare, remember?” Moses reminded him. Albert hesitated for a while. “Young master, you're joking, right? You mean you haven't seen the evening broadcast?” Moses frowned. “What evening broadcast? I'm just returning home from work.” “It's all over the news! Rockechilds Empire made a massive comeback today. The stock prices skyrocketed off the charts. Within just five hours, they took the number one spot in the market.” Moses stiffened in shock. “You're joking, right? Tell me you're joking, Albert!” “Would I ever make a joke like this?” Albert said, his voice serious. “Rockechilds Empire made $250 billion in a single hour. Presently, their net worth stands at $140 trillion. The entire commercial world is in shock. It's the biggest financial turnaround anyone has ever seen.” Moses turned hot, then cold. He was speechless. Tiny drops of rain began to shower down from the dark skies. “Young master! Hello, young master? Are you there?” “Albert, I'll call you back,” Moses said hurriedly, then hung up. For a moment, Moses remained under the rain in deep silence. Then he lifted his face heavenwards and burst out in laughter, his arms spread out. He didn't know how long he stayed under the rain, laughing. “And they called me a mad man for investing in Rockechilds Empire,” Moses cried. “Guess who's a Trillionaire now!”Madame Aurora summoned a second meeting by 10pm. Two meetings in one day were uncommon in the MOMO family, but Madame Aurora was in a mad frenzy. She had just watched the news and her bank manager was blowing up her phone lines. He was asking one question: “Why didn't you invest in Rockechilds Empire?” If she had purchased some excellent stocks, she would've been worth at least $500 million. Madame Aurora could feel her blood pressure rising. Only fifteen people in the world bought Rockechilds Empire stocks when the stocks were low. Everyone called them a bunch of mad men, but those guys were now worth billions of dollars. Madame Aurora needed to see her family or else she might lose her mind. She, in particular, wanted to see Moses. The MOMO family were once again gathered at the Imperial hotel in the conference room. Madame Aurora was pacing around, her face knotted in an impatient frown. “I was sure I summoned everyone. Where the hell are Valeria and Moses?” “W
Madame Aurora couldn't believe her ears. “You traded all your stocks and liquidated your account with Rockechilds? Why the hell would you do that?” Moses reared his head back in fear. The sudden change of expression on Madame Aurora's face was scary. “Well, after everyone ridiculed me for investing in Rockechilds, and my clan expelled me, I sold my stocks to redeem myself.” Madame Aurora opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. Moses went on, “You see, I was frustrated and depressed. Since it was a foolish investment, I figured it would be better if I sold all my stocks and count my losses.” Madame Aurora's face turned pink. She looked as if she were about to explode. A brief silence ensued in the room, tension charged in the atmosphere. “You IDIOT!” Madame Aurora screamed at Moses' face, grabbing his throat with both of her hands and rocking him. The rest of the Momo family rushed to restrain her. “Mother, Please calm down, you'll strangle him,” Glenn
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 app
“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