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 shouted helplessly. “Let me go Glenn, I'll slit out this bastard's throat," Madame Aurora barked. “I never knew Rockechilds Empire would make a comeback,” Moses choked. “Everybody called me a madman. I couldn't bear with the shame and humiliation.” “You shouldn't have sold everything,” Madame Aurora kept screaming, squeezing his throat. “If you hadn't sold your stocks, you'd have made a fortune. You bastard, how could you be so stupid.” Moses, hid a smirk as he locked eyes with Madame Aurora. “If you were in my shoes, Madame Aurora, you would have done the same thing.” Madame Aurora's veins were popping on her forehead. She knew Moses was right. She knew she would have done the same thing if she were in his shoes. She knew she wasn't supposed to be mad at him. She knew all that, but the idea of losing such a grand opportunity like this pissed her to no end. With anger, she flung Moses away. “Get out of my sight. Get the hell out before I peel your stupid face from your skull.” Moses nursed his throat as he filled air into his lungs. She had nearly strangled him. Without another word, he staggered out of the room, leaving the MOMO family staring after him. “Curse that bastard,” Madame Aurora swore as she freed herself from her family's grip. “He's nothing but a disappointment. I wished he'd just die.” Madame Aurora returned to her seat and flopped on it. Her high blood pressure was getting to her. “Call my doctor and quick,” she demanded as she dismissed the meeting with a wave of her hand. The MOMO family left one after the other, leaving Madame Aurora alone with Valeria and her parents. “Mother, we understand this might not be the best time, but we have something to propose to you,” Jordan stated. Madame Aurora was nursing her temple. “I'm not in the mood, Jordan. Leave me.” “It's about the $2 billion capital,” Valeria added. Madame Aurora's eyes lit up. “What about it?” Valeria knelt on one knee. “Lucas Gates proposed to lend me $2 billion if I marry him. I asked him to wait while I seek your permission.” Madame Aurora forgot about her blood pressure. She reached out to Valeria and held her hand. “You're serious, aren't you?” “It's true,” Juliet said. “Lucas is serious about this, but since Valeria is married to Moses—” “Screw Moses,” Madame Aurora snapped, then a smile curved her mouth. “Invite Lucas over for dinner. I want to meet him.” * * * * Moses was on his way out of the hotel when his phone began buzzing. He took out the phone from his pocket and studied the number. Another unknown number. “Must be Albert again. I told him to call me back later,” Moses said to himself. He answered the call and placed it over his ear. “Hello, Albert. Just about time. I was on my way—” “Good evening, Sir. I'm I onto Moses Doberman?” A sweet feminine voice interrupted him. Moses stopped in his tracks. A woman was calling him? “Yes, I'm Moses, although I can't be called a Doberman anymore,” Moses replied. “Who is this?” “My name is Miss Genevieve Orton,” the girl answered. “I am the Vice President of Investor relations at Rockechilds Empire.” Moses ran his hands over his face. He had an idea Rockechilds Empire might reach out to him soon. “I was expecting your call,” Moses said, leaning against the wall of the designated smoking area. He fished out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “What can I do for you, Miss Orton?” “Mr. Moses,” Genevieve tried to keep her tone as professional as possible but failed to hide the excitement in her voice. “We went through a thorough review of our records, and we confirmed you purchased the highest amount of stock when our company was starting out.” “Correct,” Moses said, staring at his last cigarette. He placed the cigarette on his lip and brought out a lighter. “That was three years ago.” It has been three months since last he smoked a cigarette. He couldn't afford it. Genevieve continued. “I'm happy to let you know that you hold the highest shares in Rockechilds Empire. Our company made a major comeback today—” Moses laughed as he lit his cigarette. “I know. I was informed about it. How much do I own?” Genevieve cleared her throat. “Your shares constitute 25% of the company. Rockechilds Empire current net worth is $140 trillion. Your stake translates to a personal net worth of $35 trillion.” Moses almost dropped his phone and cigarette. His body was quavering with excitement. “$35 trillion, huh?” Moses asked, a ball of tear rolling down his cheek. He smiled. “My foolish investment finally paid off.” “You're our chairman at this point,” Genevieve said. “If you ever require anything, sir. You can reach me with this line. You don't need to do any work. We'll ensure your money is safe and reinvested to yield more profits.” Moses took a long pull from his cigarette. “In that case, I have a small request. Transfer a sum of $10,000 to my account.” Genevieve sounded surprised. “Are you sure? Just $10,000?” “That's right,” Moses said. “I'm going to pay my clan a visit. I'll also need to pay the train fare and a new pack of cigarettes.”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
“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