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?” “What's this about them?” Dave asked. “Did they do something wrong, grandmother?” “Shut up,” Madame Aurora barked at him. “One more word from you and I'll seize your new Lamborghini.” Dave sealed his lips. Just then, Valeria hurried in. She looked exhausted. “Sorry I arrived late, grandmother. I drove as fast as I can. The storm outside is terrible.” “Never mind that,” Madame Aurora said sharply. “Where is your husband?” Everyone was stunned to hear Madame Aurora address Moses as Valeria's husband. Usually, Madame Aurora doesn't even acknowledge his presence. It was as if he had never existed. This was the first time she ever asked about him in years. “I left him with his electric scooter,” Valeria said. “He's riding through the rain to get here. He'll be here soon.” Madame Aurora's large eyes widened a trifle. “You're telling me you abandoned your husband in this heavy downpour? Are you mad? Why couldn't you give him a ride, huh?” Everyone's jaws dropped. Since when did Madame Aurora ever care about anyone? Forget that, since when did she ever care about Moses? This startled Valeria. “Grandmother, did Moses do anything to upset you? You're acting—” “You bloody fool,” Madame Aurora bawled. “I swear to God, if Moses dies of a cold, I'll bury each and every one of you. Someone go find him quick!” “I'm on it,” Jamie, another of Madame Aurora's grandson hurried out of the room. Valeria stood rooted at the spot, her head spinning with confusion. She couldn't process what was happening. “Mother, please at least seat down,” Glenn said. “You're making us worried with the way you're pacing.” Madame Aurora pointed her finger at him. “You mind your own business, idiot.” Glenn sealed his mouth. * * * * Thirty minutes later, Moses arrived, his clothes drenched from the rain. He couldn't drive His electric scooter under this heavy storm, and it was impossible to find a taxi. Valeria and his in-laws refused to give him a ride in their cars. So he had no other choice but to brave the storm and head to the Imperial Hotel on foot. Even though he was the least member of the MOMO family, he must honour Madame Aurora's summons. He was halfway through when Jamie's Porsche Cayman picked him up on the road. Moses was shocked. Why would Jamie come for him? “Madame Aurora is pissed,” Jamie said, staring suspiciously at Moses. “What did you do? She was concerned about you?” Moses found that hard to believe, but he already had an idea why Madame Aurora was acting up. She had seen the news and was instantly reminded he was a major shareholder at the company. * * * * “Moses, my dear Moses,” Madame Aurora said, spreading her arms as soon as Moses arrived. All eyes bulged out as Madame Aurora embraced Moses. “What the hell!” Dave exclaimed. “Madame Aurora just embraced the penniless Son-in-law.” “What's going on? I'm confused.” Madame Aurora glanced up at Moses. “You must be cold. Let me arrange a change of clothes and towel to dry your hair.” “There's no need Madame Aurora,” Moses said. He had never received this type of treatment since he knew her. “I'm fine.” “Are you sure?” Madame Aurora asked, peering at him. When Moses nodded, she led him to the front seat. “In that case, have a seat, let us begin.” The MOMO family all gaped at Moses, their mouths hanging. Valeria, who was seated next to Moses, nudged him by the side of his ribs. “What did you do, Moses?” Moses shrugged. “No idea.” Madame Aurora finally returned to her chair, but not for once, did her big eyes leave Moses. “How many of you watched the evening news?” Madame Aurora asked. Everyone exchanged looks. “Forgive us, Mother,” Jordan answered. “I don't suppose any of us had the chance to turn on our television at home. We were all occupied with raising the capital. We wouldn't bother with the news.” “I see,” Madame Aurora said. “That means each one of you is clueless about the rave going on in the stock market this evening.” Silence. No one answered her. Madame Aurora controlled her anger with an effort. “Rockechilds Empire made a massive comeback today. Their stocks rose above the charts, breaking all limitations. They're currently worth $140 trillion.” The room erupted in gasps of shock. “Impossible. Weren't they a sham?” “Financial gurus warned us never to invest in them.” “How did it happen?” “$140 trillion? That's a fortune.” “Be quiet,” Madame Aurora shouted. “I was shocked when I heard it. I know someone who purchased Rockechilds stocks at $10,000. That was three years ago. He earned $20 million today.” “What?” Dave was shaking. “That's huge.” Madame Aurora continued. “I'll admit it. I regret not buying their stocks. If only I knew how promising this company would turn out to be, I would've invested heavily on them. By now, I'd have been a billionaire.” Madame Aurora bite her lips hard. She wished she could turn back the hands of time. “Well, that doesn't matter,” she said, turning to Moses with a soft smile on her face. “All hope is not lost. Isn't that right, Moses?” All eyes settled on Moses. That was when everybody remembered Moses invested $12 billion in Rockechilds Empire when it was just a start-up company years ago. Everybody rushed to Moses, clamouring for his attention. “Congratulations, Moses. You're now a wealthy man.” “I always knew you had it in you. Can I become your partner?” “Moses, we're pals, remember? Don't forget me.” Madame Aurora raised her voice. “Stay away from Moses, you rats. I'm not done with him yet.” Everyone obeyed, giving Moses a breathing space. Madame Aurora approached him, her mean wrinkled face brightening. “Moses, you're a blessing to this family. I always knew it was a right decision to arrange a marriage between you and my granddaughter. That is why I didn't send you away because I believe your luck would shine again.” Moses stared at this woman for a long time. She has a sweet tongue, especially for praising someone. She was only being nice to him because she believes he's now wealthier than her. This woman ignored his existence after his great downfall. Her affection for him is fake. “Sorry to disappoint you, Madame Aurora,” Moses said. “But I sold all my shares three years ago.” Madame Aurora stiffened, her face growing pale. “Huh? What was that?” “Umm.. the thing is, I no longer have any shares or stock in Rockechilds Empire," Moses explained. "I'm still as broke as I've always been.”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
“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