“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 Aurora thundered at Moses. “We all watched the video. There's no doubt in my mind the person in the footage is you.” Moses wanted to say something, but Madame Aurora silenced him with a wave of her hand. “Don't speak, I'll do the talking,” Madame Aurora went on. “You were like a son to me, Moses. When the Doberman clan expelled you, I took you in and gave you my granddaughter as your wife. I still granted you a job, but this is how you repay me?” Moses said nothing. He realized, no matter what he says, nobody in this room would believe a word he says. “Infidelity is a big deal in the MOMO family,” Madame Aurora continued as she brought out some papers and placed them on her desk. “You brought this upon yourself, Moses.” “What is this?” Moses picked up the papers and read through them. “Divorce papers?” “That's correct,” Madame Aurora said, her voice shrewd. “You are undeserving of my granddaughter. I'm glad your marriage isn't consummated. It makes my job easier.” Moses waved the divorce papers at Valeria. “Come on, Valeria. This isn't what you want, is it? You can't just judge me from a phony video and divorce me like that.” “I don't want you anymore,” Valeria said as she met his eyes. “Since you've chosen other women, I'll choose a new man.” Moses felt his heart skip a beat. It's true he loved Valeria so much. She was the most beautiful woman in the Twelve cities. Moses had hoped with time, Valeria would grow to love him, but to think she would pick a strange man over him out of the blue was heartbreaking. Suddenly, the door opened, and the servant returned, announcing, “Madame Aurora, Lucas Gate has arrived.” Moses turned his face sharply as Lucas entered the room. Lucas had a satisfying smile on his face when he saw Moses. “What are you doing here?” Moses demanded, his teeth clenched. “Don't be such an old sport,” Lucas sneered at Moses. “I'm your replacement. You should be happy, Moses.” Something died inside Moses. It was his humanity. “So, this is the man you picked over me, huh?” Moses asked Valeria, his face darkening. “And she chose right,” Madame Aurora said, a wide smile on her face. “Lucas would make a capable husband for Valeria. Would you believe it? He's lending the Momo family $2 billion for our project. Isn't he sweet?” Moses was tempted to declare he can outbid Lucas and offer more than the amount Lucas was offering, but Moses resisted the urge. He realized something. If he keeps pushing it, he would reveal his wealth and Valeria would only love him for his money. “So, the arranged marriage is off, huh?” Moses asked, turning to face Madame Aurora. Madame Aurora wrinkled her nose. “What do you think? You cheated on my granddaughter, broke our family's sacred tradition. You can't stay married to her.” “Fine by me,” Moses said, picking up the pen. To everyone's surprise, he signed the divorce papers. “That was fast,” Jordan said, folding his hands. “Were you that eager to divorce my daughter that much?” “Of course he is. He's going to meet that lover of his. Scumbag,” Juliet added. Moses didn't answer them. Instead, he focused his gaze on Madame Aurora. “I have one request, Madame Aurora,” Moses said. “You're not in any position to make requests,” Madame Aurora shook her head. “If it's money you want, you won't get any.” “At least listen to what I have to say,” Moses said, his voice dark. “I'd like to keep working at the Imperial Hotel.” Everyone stiffened in shock at Moses' request. Even Madame Aurora was amused. “Why would you keep working there? I won't pay you a dime neither would you be allowed to live at the MOMO estate.” “I'm aware of that,” Moses replied. “I still don't have anywhere to go to. At least give me three months to work at the hotel. I'll make do with the leftovers from the kitchen and I can always sleep in the Janitor's room.” Madame Aurora stroked her chin as she thought about it. “Okay, if that's how you feel about it, three months. But would you be alright? You'll be seeing more of Valeria and Lucas every day at the hotel. Are you into that kind of thing?” “No,” Moses faced Valeria. “I wish you nothing but happiness. I always thought you would grow to love me someday, but I guess I was wrong.” Valeria didn't look at him. Lucas chuckled. “You lose, Moses. At the end of the day, I bagged Valeria. It's a good thing you'll be working at the hotel. I'll make your life a misery. After all, I'm going to boss over you.” Moses, hid a grin. “Is that so? I'll be looking forward to it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go clear my stuffs out of the basement.” “There's no need to,” Valeria spoke. “Your things were already packed last night. The servants would hand them over to you once you go outside.” Moses didn't look at her. A lump swelled up in his throat as he realized this whole set up was orchestrated by none other than these four people. It summed up the fact that the only way they could get rid of him was if they framed him for adultery. Moses left the study. * * * * A servant was waiting for Moses with a small luggage. They contained all his clothes. Because Moses was poor, he didn't have many properties. Just a few clothes and one shoe. “Thank you,” he collected the luggage from the servant and headed straight for the gates. He didn't take the scooter. It didn't belong to him, after all. As soon as he crossed the gates, he dialed Genevieve's number. Genevieve answered on the first ring. “Good morning, Mr. Moses. How can I assist you today?” “Genevieve, does Rockechilds Empire have the capacity to ruin Gates Group?” Moses asked, his voice cold. Genevieve paused for a moment. “As of recent, Gates Group invested heavily in buying our shares, and they are also pushing for a partnership deal which we are currently considering.” “That means we can destroy them, right?” Genevieve laughed. “Chairman, our financial leverage and influence in the market are more than sufficient to crush Gates Group. If you give the command, Gates group would be ruined in seconds.” Moses chuckled darkly. “Then do it. Lucas Gate crossed me. I want to teach him a big lesson.” “Consider it done, chairman,” Genevieve replied, her tone hardening. “Gates Group would regret ever upsetting you.”“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
Sir Lin felt like someone had hit him with a sledgehammer. “What do you mean, the banks are demanding their money?” He asked, his voice unsteady.Sir Lin's secretary was restless on the phone. “This is a disaster, sir. We owe eight banks hundreds of millions. They're all threatening to foreclose on our assets if we don't pay up our debts.”“But that's impossible,” Sir Lin snapped. “I have done business with these banks for years. They can't do this to me.”“Unfortunately, Sir Lin, this is just the tip of the iceberg,” his secretary spoke in a shaky voice. “We were given an ultimatum–if we fail to pay up by the end of the week, they'll seize everything.”Sir Lin felt his blood run cold. “I don't believe this. They're bluffing. That's right, they must be bluffing.”“I'm afraid they're not, sir,” his secretary said hurriedly. “I spoke with their representatives a couple of minutes ago. If we don't pay up our debts, they'll take us to court, freeze our accounts and auction off our assets