"Nobody knows what happened, but shortly after Jerome was dragged out, the manager came from his office sweating. What's happening here?" He asked in an urgent tone.
"Sir nothing big. It's just a thief who came here but he has been dragged outside." The clerk said."A thief? What do you mean by a thief? Can I know who the person is?""Mr. Don't worry, he was my ex-husband and I know him. He wouldn't be able to afford anything here so here came to steal things. "Mia chipped in."Is he still outside? Let me see the person." The manager instructed."But sir…" the clerk didn't understand what was going on. He tried to reason with him."Shut up!" The manager rebuked him. They were all startled and were baffled at his actions."What is wrong? And why is the boss panicking as if he has offended some big shot." She mumbled under his breath. Even Mia was wondering.She escorted him outside and luckily for them, Jerome was about to walk out. The manager looked at the picture on his phone and stared at the person whose clothes weren't worth $100. Did he see it wrongly? He checked correctly and made sure he didn't make any mistakes. Looking at the blue eyes of the young man standing in front of the mall, it was clear he hadn't made any mistake."I'm sorry sir, please forgive my ignorance." The manager suddenly bowed which surprised the people around. Even Mia who was watching from inside was surprised."What happened?" She hurriedly went outside to find out what was going on. "Mr, why are you bowing to such a lowly man? Someone who had nothing and had to depend on me, why must you stoop that low.""Mrs, you don't understand. You don't understand." The manager who didn't know what to do said with a worried face. His expression was full of panic. He received a message from the chairman that his relative will be coming there so he should treat him with all due respect. The chairman even sent his picture so he wouldn't make a mistake. He hadn't been watching the footage since morning, but things suddenly turned around when he went to the washroom. How was he going to explain to the chairman that his relative was thrown outside?"Yes sir, the Miss is right. This man is really poor, why must you bow to him Aren't you ruining our reputation?" The clerk chimed in."Shut up you gold digger. Didn't I send a picture to you in the morning to make sure you treat this man well when he comes?" The manager roared at her. He was trembling due to anger. If not he was in public, he would have given that stupid girl a dirty slap to reset her brain."What's happening here?" Even Jerome was confused."I am sorry sir. Please forgive our ignorance. I was personally called by the chairman to welcome you but I just stood up and went to the washroom. If I was here, this wouldn't have happened."Wait, you mean you were called by the chairman, I mean the old master of the Cadell family to welcome this trash?" Mia thought the manager was joking."Miss please, we respect all our customers and don't look down on them. Please be mindful of what you say." The manager rebuked him."Hahaha, are you talking to your VIP customer this way just because of someone who doesn't even have a place to sleep?""Of course miss and that customer is more important than you.""Boss, please she is Mia Cambridge." The clerk who still didn't know what was coming felt like reminding her boss so he wouldn't lose such an important customer."If you dare to open your mouth again, I will make sure you are fired. So what if she is Mia Cambridge? This man right here is the relative of the chairman. Is she more important than him?" The manager who was trying to control his anger scolded both the clerk and Mia. "You are fired. I don't want people like you here." His last words were like a bomb dropped on the floor."What!""What!"The chairman's relative?"Both Mia and the clerk exclaimed in surprise. How is that possible?"Ha, you are joking, right? Someone who doesn't have a surname because he doesn't know his background, how come he is suddenly the chairman's relative? Isn't that ridiculous?"" And why would I joke? Miss, please note you are banned from here. You are not allowed to shop for her again." The manager declared."Boss, I am sorry," the clerk who just realized how deadly the matter was quickly knelt on the floor. If she is being fired, how will she survive? She wouldn't get another job and she will be blacklisted. No one wants to offend the Cadell family."You deserve it. I have warned you severely about your behavior. I told you to treat our customers equally regardless of their dress or background. Your actions have landed you in trouble. You need to pay for your sins." The manager didn't feel any pity for her. He knew she would be in trouble because of her attitude."Boss, I am sorry, you know I need money for my mother's surgery. You know my child is only three months old. Please, you know I am a single mother and I wouldn't be able to care for my newborn baby. Sir please I am sorry." The clerk held his leg. She regrets her actions. If given another chance, she wouldn't look down on any and she would respect all people."Don't beg me, you didn't offend me." He pointed to Jerome. "Go and beg him and if he forgives you, then I will let it go and give you another chance."When the clerk heard the manager's words, she quickly walked to Jerome, hoping he would forgive her. "I am sorry sir, please give me another chance. My daughter is only a month old. I have to leave her to my sick mother so I can earn something to take care of them."" So did you think about your daughter? Did you think about your sick mother? Did you think about how you will survive if you lose this job? For the sake of those who we love and care for, we should be careful of our every action. Now tell me, what do I do to you?" Jerome was angry. He wondered if she was truly a mother. How could she be so careless? Such a selfish mother.What do you think Jerome should do? Must he forgive her?""I am sorry sir. I truly regret my actions." The clerk still held Jerome's legs hoping he would forgive her. She has learned her lessons the hard way. Jerome gazed at the woman who was sitting on the floor. He realized that for the well-being of her newborn baby and ailing mother, he had to let go of his anger and forgive her. He believed that everyone deserved a second chance. "I am willing to give you another opportunity, but you will have to face the consequences of your actions. Your salary will be deducted for the next three months. After that, I will assess your progress and decide whether or not to continue with your employment." " Thank you, sir, thank you very much. Thank you. " Those were the only words the clerk could utter. Only God knows how she regretted her action. She swore to herself never to judge a book by its cover. She swore to herself to always treat customers with a pure and kind heart. "Since he has forgiven you, I have no objections. I hope this won't re
"Won't you let your grandson have a seat and have something to eat first?" the old master said."Oh, I'm really sorry. Come, come," Grandma said and paved the way for him.When he entered, he saw many family members sitting around the dining table. Some stared at him with discerning eyes, while others stared at him curiously. Some stared at him with hatred and envy."Good day," Jerome only said these short words and sat down. His simple greeting triggered some elders of the family. They thought he was being arrogant, but the truth is, he didn't like to talk much and was not good at initiating conversation."Hmmm," his aunt hummed."Good day, dear," his second uncle replied in a friendly tone. The others rolled their eyes. The old master saw everything. He didn't want to interfere and wanted to see how his grandson would handle them."Good day? Is that how you were taught to greet your elders?" His first uncle, who didn't bother to respond to his greetings, said harshly."I am sorry if
Shut up, how dare you? Who do you think you are?" James stood up and pointed angrily at Jerome."But he is right; being in the marketing department will help you. And also, he is my grandson, a blood relative of the Cadell family, the future patriarch and heir of this family. Mind the way you speak to him," the old madam, who had been silent, chimed in and scolded James. This warning was for them all."Mum, even you?" His mouth was wide open. His mother had always defended him no matter what. But today she stood up for this orphan. It's all this bastard's fault. He would make sure he pays for the humiliation he has been through."Well, everything is settled. I am going to introduce my grandson to the world next week. I will announce his arrival and his position next week," the old man finally declared.This time around, they didn't object. They knew it wouldn't end well for them if they continued to challenge the old man. They kept their thoughts to themselves."Good, that is a very w
Today is the day Jerome would be shown to the whole world. He felt quite nervous. Wondering what was proceeding to be their reaction, wondering how the Cambridge family would take it. "Don't be nervous Jerome, you can do it?" He took in a deep breath and said these words to comfort himself. After he was done, he set off to the party. … At The Party….The grand hall's vaulted ceilings glittered with golden light, and the floors gleamed with polished marble. The tables are laid with sparkling silverware, crystal glasses, and elaborate centerpieces of fruit and flowers. A string quartet plays softly in the background, and the air is scented with the aroma of delicious food. As you enter the room, you're greeted by the smiling faces of the other guests, dressed in their finest clothes. A feast for the eyes and the senses, this is a banquet party fit for royalty."The Cadell family lives to their name." A guest said with his mouth wide open. Mia arrived, she deliberately came late so sh
In an uncompleted building, a man was tied to a chair. His messy hair and swollen cheeks made him miserable. He was surrounded by four strong men whom he believed were from the same gang. "Why am I here?" He asked for the fourth time. He has been asking this question ever since he was kidnapped. He didn't know what was happening and who was behind this. He needed to attend an important event. He wouldn't be able to explain to his family members if he couldn't show up at such an event."Mister, this is the fourth time you have asked this question. You better shut up before we kill you." One of the gang leaders warned. "Do you know who I am? How dare you kidnap me. My family wouldn't let this slide." The man threatened hoping they would think twice and let him go."Hahahahah, we don't care about who you are. Even if you were the president's son, we wouldn't have let you go. You better shut your fucking stinky mouth before I cut this you fucking tongue." The leader of the gang held his
"Grandfather, grandmother," Jerome called out."My grandson, ""Grandson,""Cousin, "They all called out to him. The old lady who was lying on the couch quickly rushed to him. When she first heard they couldn't reach him, she fainted. She has been silent all this while. "Jerome, where have you been?" The old man said happily. With tears streaming down his cheeks. He checked to see if he was injured. "Don't cry grandfather, I am okay." He wiped the tears with his hands and said in a soft tone."And why is the cake on your suit? Hurry, bring the young master a new suit." Old Master Cadell instructed the servants."Don't worry grandfather, someone will do that.""Are you sure?" "Yes." "You, how come you are here?" James, who just came out of his room because he heard their shout, pointed at him surprisingly. He just called his men and they said Jerome was still in their hands. How come it is the other way round?"Uncle, are you surprised?" Despite the playful grin on his lips, his e
"Clang!!" Out of surprise, Mia dropped the glass on the floor. "It's not possible, it can never be possible." She shook her head in disbelief as if refusing to accept the reality that was unfolding before her eyes. Her eyes were wide, her lips pressed into a tight line as if she were trying to contain the shock that was flooding through her body. Her voice was loud but it was clear, clear enough for Jerome and the guest present to hear. The guests all shift their attention to her. Some stared at her with disdain, whilst some stared at her with a mocking gaze. Wasn't she the one who said the gentleman was a servant and he was rich because his sugar mummy bought him an expensive suit and car? It seems she didn't know any and was only trying to tarnish his name. What a shameless vixen. "Why isn't it possible for Miss Mia?" Jerome chuckled. He loved how she reacted. " You… you are just a servant, a lowly servant, how did you become the son-in-law of the Cadell family? There is someth
"My daughter, what happened to you?" Mrs Cambridge was stunned when she saw how miserable her daughter was. "Mum, you can't believe what happened today. Just look at me, that lowly servant did this to me." Tears started flowing down her cheeks. When she recalled how she had been humiliated at the banquet, she felt very ashamed and wronged. "Lowly servant, who is the lowly servant? Who dares to treat my daughter this way." Mr. Cambridge who just entered said angrily. Mia was the only daughter of the Cambridge family. She was very precious to them and they never joked with her. "Dad, Jerome did this to me. Can you believe he made me clean the cake on his suit with my hair? And he instructed his men not to let me go until the banquet is over?" "Wait, you mean Jerome, that lowly, trash servant did this to you. How dare he? Where did he get the gut from?" Her mother was surprised. "Well, he now has the guts. He is the grandson of Cadell's family. The long lost grandson.""What, ""What
TWO DAYS LATERIt's been two days, and the news about Jerome's disappearance is everywhere. TV stations are reporting on it every hour, making it the hot topic of the city. The police have been working non-stop to find any traces of Jerome, but so far, there's been no progress.In the Cadell's mansion that evening, Steve and Gaius were present, visiting frequently. The old master, however, was visibly distressed, sighing every few seconds out of worry and fear."Is there anywhere else you think he might be?" the old master asked Steve and Gaius."No," Daniel replied."Sir," a guard interrupted, entering the room."The cops are here," the guard reported.Sitting on the balcony upstairs, they watched as four cops entered, and the old master stood up expectantly."Any news?" he asked."We found this... by the bridge," one of the cops said, handing over a piece of note to the old master."What is this?" the old master asked, his hands shaking."It's a supposed suicide note written by your
Steve stayed back with Gaius and his family, as well as Jasmine. Jasmine has been crying nonstop, Steve tried consoling her it seems too difficult. Gaius watched his friend suffer and feel uneasy trying to calm Jasmine down."Fuck this is frustrating!! Why does she cry too much? Does she have an ocean under her eyes?" Steve mumbled under his breath with a frown.Gaius helped him out by putting Jasmine's head on his shoulder and taking Steve's hand to stroke her hair gently. She came down shortly and Steve smiled, not long after sleep took over her and Steve positioned her well on the couch, allowing her head to sleep on his lap as he continued stroking her hair.Her beautiful face caught him and Steve began staring at her full eyebrows, nice nose, and such lovely lips too. He didn't know what was going on but his heartbeat is racing abnormally right now.Jerome had called the guys earlier and told them he would spend the night in the hospital with Eleanor since she had been attended t
Jerome had already told Eleanor about Jasmine's consciousness so she insisted they go visit her today.Sje was so excited that she couldn't wait to see her. She prayed a silent prayer thanking God for giving her a second chance.They are currently in Jerome's car on their way to see her. Jerome's phone rang and Eleanor had to pick it up for him since he was driving.She put it on loudspeaker so that he could hear “Man. You guys are going to keep me here till night falls right?" Gauis fumed over the phone" What are you talking about? " Jerome asked innocently."Don't tell me you forgot?" Gaius said."What day is today? I don't remember today being any special or am I missing out on something?" Jerome asked clueless.“What hell with you Jerome!!! We were supposed to go and pick up my family today, can't believe you forgot," Gaius said, annoyed already."Shoot!!! I'm so sorry man. Take the lead I will join you soon I promise. Have you called Steve though? I bet that lazy bone is still s
"All eyes fell on James, somehow they were happy he was here because he was the only one who could handle Stanley's madness.""Have you gone nuts? Do you want to kill your grandpa, someone who cared for you as an infant even though he has never liked existence? He did his best by giving you capital to start a new life. You wasted the money and showed your stupid face here like the burden you are, and now you want to kill him? I swear to anything you hold sacred, if you do not put that gun down, I promise you will regret it, little boy," James barked at him.In a normal circumstance, Stanley would have thrown the gun away as soon as James scolded him, but this time around, he had a smirk plastered on his face. He started laughing maniacally, showcasing his madness."You fool, do you think the little stunts you pull still affect me? Grow up, man. Those empty threats of yours don't affect me anymore. I will advise you to clear my way, or do you want to die in his place?" Stanley glared a
"How did all this happen right under my nose without my notice?" the old master said with shock."You have a good mindset, Grandpa, but it doesn't mean everybody's like you. James chose to take the part of envy. You did not choose for him, so do not blame yourself. As for Annika, she is just a green snake in the grass," Steve said, trying to calm the old man down."I knew that Annika's silence was a threat, but I never expected her to join forces with James. Nevertheless, I'm not surprised. I expected one thing or another from her," Jerome said without concern."Steve, can you tell me exactly how you managed to get them together?" the old man asked."Before grandma left this morning, I was with her in the house when James and Annika came down together, ready for work. I got suspicious, so I asked Grandma when the both of them became that close... She replied that it started not long ago, but from her speech, I could sense she was happy at the new bonding. I don't know why, but somehow
Steve went straight to Cadell's company, needing to see Jerome immediately. He had been avoiding the fight that had arisen between himself and Jerome, but he was lucky enough Eleanor had talked to Jerome on his behalf, so they were fine now."Is your boss in?" Steve asked as he chanced upon Bright, who was just coming out of the elevator."Yes, he is in. Should I inform him about your arrival? He is currently in a meeting with the company board," Bright answered."Don't worry, I'm not in a hurry. I'll wait for him in his office," Steve smiled.Bright escorted him to Jerome's office, offered him a glass of water, and excused himself to continue his work.James came in with Anika, rushing to the meeting room, which ended abruptly at their arrival. All the board members stared at them with disdain."Why are you just coming, Mr. James, and Miss Anika?" One of them asked with a frown."Had to take care of some personal stuff," James answered simply."What about you, Anika?" Another person
Steve has now become a frequent visitor in the Cadell's mansion, both for the old lady's sake and also to observe Annika as well.Anytime he visits, he spends some time with the old lady, and this makes her so happy. She always has a new story to tell of her youthful days.Eleanor and Jerome had left early that morning because they had work."I do not see you busy of late," the old lady asked curiously."I took a break from work; my second-in-command is taking care of everything perfectly. He contacts me anytime he has difficulties," Steve explained."Okay, I was just wondering because the Steve I know is a busy person who has no time to spare," the old lady chuckled.There was silence in the room till the old lady spoke again."Why don't you use this opportunity and find yourself a lady who will take care of you? I know everyone has been urging you to get married, and you find it irritating, but let me give you a clue on what a partner in your life can do for you. She is going to be
Jerome and Eleanor were still in Jerome's grandparents' house when a call came to Jerome's phone. He excused himself to take it; it was a call from the doctor who is taking care of Jasmine."Why are you calling me at this hour? Do you need anything?" Jerome asked."I have good news for you instead, the lady you asked me to be taking care of is awake," the doctor broke the news."Finally, I can rest. It took her long enough," Jerome breathed out."What should we do about her, Boss?" The doctor asked."We will come visit her tomorrow; it is already late," Jerome concluded."Allow her to be in the hospital for now; I will be sending someone over to bring anything she will need. Keep her for now till I come for her myself," Jerome instructed.The call ended, and he joined his family."What took you so long?" Eleanor pouted."Just business," he answered."Where are my grandparents?" Jerome asked."They said they had to go get some sleep, and also your grandfather said we should stay for the
There was silence between the old man and his grandson, none of them was ready to talk. The old master was expecting his grandson to say something but the bitterness down his throat is preventing him from saying anything."Did you call me to sit here and watch you or you're going to say something," the old Master started to break the silence in the room."Why did you do that?" Jerome said simply."Can you talk in simple words? What do you mean by what you just said?" the old master replied."Why did you take such a decision and ask my friend to keep it away from me? It is not just anything this issue here, is something that involves my life. You should have at least told me about it if not for anything for the bond we share. Not for once have I taken any decision without telling you about it because I thought you were my everything and we have that kind of bond but then you proved me wrong," Jerome spoke bitterly."Why would you think that of me? You should listen to me at least, I