In the room backstage, Robert sat smiling nervously as he thought about how the revelation had gone. That wasn't so bad, he thought, still smiling. His grandfather had gone into the audience after hir reveal, perhaps to mingle with one or two people and tell them what an amazing man Robert was. Today, he didn't exactly need Raymond or Robert to help him because he had a walking stick which helped him balance perfectly.Raymond went back on stage to continue his anchoring job which he was doing quite perfectly. "Good evening again, people. It has been brought to my notice that The Noels are here as well. I hadn't acknowledged them earlier, so please put your hand together and welcome Me and Mrs Noel." As applause filled the air, Michael sighed. Turning back, he could see his parents waving at the crowd. He has thought they wouldn't come because he didn't want them to but there were here anyways. He felt annoyed that he wasn't recognized along with them. But there wasn't really a thing
One thing about Robert was that he was determined. A very goal oriented person. His grandfather was extremely glad about that, being that he wasn't raised by him but he still had the mentality."Of course, I know you won't. I trust you." Jude said, his smiles illuminating his face and highlighting his wrinkled skin. "So the banquet is almost starting, you should come out now.""Banquet? What happens at a banquet?" He asked as he had never been to one." Well, a formal occasion where people talk over drinks and maybe food. The entertainers won't be part of it, I'm already assuming they are all gone." Robert explained calmly."Okay, do we have to go right now?" Robert asked, dusting his suit."Yes, my child. You will need this too." He immediately handed Robert the ring that had fallen off him during the situation at the precinct. Robert put on the ring and smiled as memories of how he got to where he was flashed in his mind. " And get ready for that speech." Jude chuckled as he walked
"Oh is that so, alright then." Jude smiled dryly. "And I want to thank you for bringing me the missing heirloom. If you never did, Robert would still be out there, away from his family. In fact, all this is because of you. Thank you." Mr Richard and his wife felt incredibly guilty because of everything they had done to him, especially because they tagged him a thief when the ring fell off him. They looked at each other, their conscience waging fierce war against them."I don't think you should thank us. I mean, we know Robert must have told you everything that happened." Mr Richard said, his head facing the floor."What you did? I don't understand." Jude said, almost bewildered.The Richards looked at each other in surprise at what he said. Mr Richard, especially kept wondering what kind of person Robert was, who didn't tell his grandfather about the mistreatments he went through. But unknown to them, he had indeed told Jude only that he didn't reveal that they were the parents of his
"Happy? Is that so? How wonderful was that? Speaking of your daughter, where is Sophia? I haven't seen her since the event started." "I think she went to get some fresh air. She was really upset a while ago about treating you badly and she's sorry too. She absolutely regrets it all. I really wish we could turn back the hands of time." Mrs Richard added."Regret? Isn't that funny? Well, she wouldn't have if I didn't turn out to be the grandson of the richest businessman in the world. You two wouldn't have regretted it either. You can't play mind games with me, I'm not a child." Robert retorted, now in anger. He stopped, taking some deep breaths as he adjusted his suit."We know you aren't a child and I promise we are not playing mind games with you. We are only apologizing for our wrong. We do hope you forgive us." Sophia's dad finally spoke again."Well, that not what we are here for tonight. Do enjoy the party, my dear guests." He nodded, his very charming smile on his face as he de
"I don't know what you think of me Sophia, but one thing you know I can never be is a fool. Maybe I was once, but I'll never ever be one again." He was looking her directly in her eyes, they began to flutter. "Don't think you can use that old magic on me, Sophia. It won't work anymore. You proved to me that you never loved me and I'll never forget everything you and your family put me through.""But I'm sorry, babe. Please forgive me. How do you want me to say this now? I've told you, it wasn't my fault. I promise.""It wasn't your fault that I caught you in bed with Michael, over there? No, tell me." He asked gently."I'm sorry, please. I did not mean for all of that to happen. There was just so much pressure on me, I didn't know what to do." "Spare me that trash, Sophia. And you see that thing you're doing with your eyes? Yes, it doesn't work on me anymore. Anyways, enjoy the party." He started walking away from the table to another table. "Robert, please.." She walked just behind
Robert, on the other hand couldn't help but find her attempt ridiculous. How funny of her to think that some little show would make him fall for her again, he thought as he went to meet his grandfather. He knew Sophia all to well to believe her lying schemes, he knew she was never one to take responsibility for her actions and all that made him want to lock her out of his life the more. For the past few days he had known Jude, he had suddenly become him safe space and confidant. He told him almost everything that bothered him because he looked to him for advice and this made Jude glad. He knew at once that the business operations would run smoothly, being that Robert was one to ask for help or directions when he needed it. This was the difference between Robert and his father, Pierce. While Robert was open to learning and resilient, his father was just hands down stubborn and secretive. Of course that was the reason Jude never knew Robert existed till after his son's passing."Grandfa
She looked up at him and saw the wide grin on his face, making her feel weak, like she was going to fall to the floor and turn to ashes. Her parents looked soaked in humiliation, each heading back to their seats to head home. But that wasn't Sophia's plan at all. She had to make her move before going home, an effective move this time. "Let's go home, Sophia. I'm sick of this place." Her father spat bitterly as he stood up."Yes. I have received more humiliation that I have ever done since I was born and all because of who? Our former son in law, your ex husband." She added, fixing her purse. Just then, Sophia held her father's hand, pulling him back down to his seat."Wait, dad. There's something important I need to do before we leave." She talked calmly as she watched the remaining guest kiss Robert's ring."What is so important to your than our dignity? What? We need to leave this place now." Mr Richard continued."Wait, dad. I'll tell you later but trust me, it will give us as muc
He was pushed to the floor immediately,and handcuffed. Raymond stood there, breathing hard and coughing in labour as he tried to catch his breath. He was immediately led out, into an ambulance that was called when the whole situation was going down. Robert first went to make sure his grandfather was doing just fine as a security guard stood by him. The whole place was now in a messy state as the chairs were faced down with some, broken."It's okay, grandfather. The maniac has been captured. You're fine now. Does anywhere hurt? Should we go to the hospital?" He asked, kneeling before his grandfather as he tried to make sure everything was well with him. Jude shook his head softly."Thank you so much, my child. You are brave. Where is Raymond? He just saved my life, I need to see him." Jude spoke slowly."Don't worry about him, grandfather. You'll see him soon. He is in his way to the hospital as we speak. You're fine, okay?" Jude nodded again. Robert stood to his feet slowly and moved