Since it was just a beep, she chose to ignore it and then went ahead to show Javier her work. After reviewing it together, Javier made some corrections and she left to perfect it. She had just started working when her phone began buzzing against the desk. Just as she was about to mute it, her fingers mistakenly slipped, receiving the call from Stella in the process. With a frown etched on her face, she scowled, “What do you want?” “Your guilt is eating you up already, I see,” Stella commented, gripping the edge of her table. Earlier, she had just stepped out of the boardroom after meeting with some investors. Thinking her secretary wanted to show her her next schedule, she took the iPad from her only to be greeted with the video the reporters had leaked online. Thinking it was her mind playing games on her, she went ahead to make confirmations, browsing through different sites coupled with calls and when she discovered it was true, she went livid. She sent Julia a text but
A few weeks later… “You said you have a plan, why haven't you implemented it then?” Mr. Brooks yelled, hitting his fists against the table in anger. While he was going through the business report, Dulo was the number one tech company in the state, displacing his which had been on that spot for several years. “You think it's easy?” Stella retorted, glaring angrily at him. “I tried everything I could, made employment easy for those seeking it and a whole lot more but they still choose to go to Dulo. What do you want me to do?” She yelled. “Calm down, your father didn't mean his words, he is probably pissed.” Mrs. Brooks said, holding Stella's hand. “He shouldn't speak at all then.” Frowning hard, she grabbed her purse and then stormed out of the living room. Dulo which had now become a household name was a place where everyone wanted to work. Applications kept pouring in every day despite the high rejection rates. Also, apart from the partnership request that was made on a
That morning, she had walked in on Rina telling Tyler that her training session was over and it was time they made her a fully-fledged member. Tyler had refused saying her training time was yet to elapse and so Rina told him he was going to prove to him that she was almost if not already perfect. When he didn't come around all through the day, she thought he must have forgotten about it but here he was claiming he couldn't perform a task he did all the time. “I don't even know what you are talking about but please, make sure you do your best. The boss specifically wants to see this latest noon tomorrow.” He said and with that strode out. “Okay.” Smacking her lips, she picked up the file and with her purse hanging on her shoulder made her way to the garage. On their way home, they stopped at the restaurant for dinner. Ever since Julia started working, they always had dinner outside since she would be too tired to make a meal. “How's everything going?” Raymond asked, startin
The following day at work, Julia who had crafted a letter of leave went straight to Tyler's office immediately after she got to the floor. While she was doing this the previous night, she made sure Raymond had no idea about it because she feared he was going to make her go against her will. She felt that, despite being married to him, she still had to go through the normal protocols to prevent tongues from wagging. “Good morning sir.” She greeted, hands placed together. She was standing before Tyler now. “Good morning Julia. How are you doing today?” He asked, leaning towards her. “I'm okay.” She nodded and she slowly pushed the letter towards him. Thinking it was a letter from Raymond, Tyler began to panic as his mind went haywire with different ideas. “Sir, please I will be going on a week's vacation. That's my letter stating it.” She said and with a sigh of relief, Tyler took off his glasses as he wiped his eyes vigorously. “You really don't have to do this.” He said as
Raymond was sitting behind the huge mahogany table in his office. He was scrolling through the business proposal that was submitted to him that day. Still engrossed with this, he had no idea it was past 10 am and that he had a meeting with an investor. It was when his secretary brought his notice to it that he realized and immediately suspended his work. On getting to the board room, Anderson Miles, the investor, was already waiting for him and immediately he saw him, he rose and then extended his hand towards him. “Good morning Mr. Raymond. Thank you for granting me this meeting.” He said, letting go of his hand. “It's no deal. Pardon my lateness, I almost forgot about it.” Raymond said, gesturing for him to take his seat but Anderson remained standing until he took his. “You aren't to be blamed. I know you have a tight schedule and I'm grateful you squeezed time out of me.” He said. Nodding, Raymond cleared his throat as he adjusted on his seat, “Mr. Anderson, I apprecia
“You have to learn how to stop reacting to every slight thing. You're definitely going to be hurt real bad if you keep up with this attitude.” Raymond said when Julia wouldn't stop frowning. Ever since she finished speaking with Stella, she had been like that and even when he tried to cheer her up, she wouldn't budge. “I hate her.” “You don't have to hate instead, you should tell her what you don't like, and trust me she will respect your boundaries. If you keep giving her attitude and pushing her away, it won't solve anything.” “So, what are you suggesting?” She asked, hands across her chest as she stared back at him. With a shrug, he said, “Put a call across to her and then apologize…” “Never. How could you even come up with that kind of idea.” She yelled, squirming on the couch she was occupying. “It's not a bad idea.” He shrugged. “It is a bad one. These are the same people who made you go through hell for months.” She yelled. “Hold, let's get this straight. Apart
A week later… Things were moving faster than everyone could comprehend. The sales, profit margins and recognition Dulo had managed to generate within a short space of time was too much that Raymond and his team were finding it difficult to handle. Everyone in the firm went on happily with their work, aiming for more wins since Raymond always made it a point of duty to celebrate his victory with them. Though they didn't say or even act, the Brooks were the only people who were unhappy with the achievement. They always grumbled about it but each time they saw Raymond, they applauded and praised him. Today, Raymond was going to be a guest at the national broadcasting station for an interview. This was going to be the seventh one he was going to appear at since when he returned from Dublin. As he was putting finishing touches to his work, Niko made his way into his office — it was the both of them that were going to appear at the broadcasting house. “You have another interview b
On his return to the company, Raymond made his way to the boardroom where the new recruits, the board of directors, and executives sat to give them one final interview before the induction which was set to commence by two pm. “Alright everyone, let's settle down,” Adam said, hitting his palms together to attract everyone present. While Raymond went to occupy his seat, Niko went ahead to meet with his team. “Everything ready?” He asked Adam who was in charge of the process. “Yeah.” “Then let's do it.” The oral interview lasted for half an hour after which Raymond was invited to the podium to speak to them. Impressed with the young minds, he didn't fail to commend them and when he was done with that, he cleared his throat and with a serious tone said, “The company already accepted you all, no doubt about that but I still have one more request before the induction takes place.” He said slowly, allowing his words to sink in. “Please give everyone a sheet of paper.” He said an
Chapter 188Niko had been going on and on about his dream wedding, it was not as if he was in a serious relationship or had anyone he had a crush on.Adam and Raymond were trying to stifle their laughter because they found his gestures funny but listened to him regardless with rapt attention."No, my dream wedding would be in Paris, the city of love, no, no, Dubai. Women love traveling to Dubai and I know my woman would want the same too.” "What woman, last I checked, you're single.” Raymond said. "Is that what you think?" Niko asked with a smirk. Adam and Raymond exchanged glances with their mouths wide open. Adam was the first to speak because he was surprised since he was closer to Niko."Are you seeing any woman now?" Adam asked, surprise evident in his tone and Niko chuckled for a bit before he sat down, he had been standing ever since he began his description."I would only tell you when I'm done with my description of my perfect dream wedding. So as I was saying before I was
Raymond has just left the correctional center and all he could think of was his father's face. The look on his father's face kept replaying through Raymond's mind. He would rather have his company crumble than let his son manage it? What kind of man was that? — he scowled, replaying his words in his head. On leaving the prison, he called Adam and Niko to meet him at their favorite bar. He needed a drink to wipe the images flooding his head. The image of his father trying to kill him. The image of him swearing to do it again, everything was making him.go crazy. Several minutes later, Adam and Niko met him at the bar and they began taking shots."It's not enough that my wife almost died, I had to go be reminded of the shitty ass dad I have." Raymond yelled downing another shot in one gulp. "You shouldn't have met him." Adam said to him rubbing his shoulder. "I don't know why you bother with him when you should be looking for ways to cut ties with him for good." To that Raymond grun
“Are you sure you are okay?” Raymond asked, leaning against the bed frame. As for her family, they were in the waiting room. Niko and Adam and finally succeeded in pushing them out to prevent further drama. “Sure, I'm.” Came her response, accompanying it with a smile but Raymond wasn't placated by it and didn't bother to hide it. “Are you thinking about Dina?” She asked and immediately, Raymond snapped his head in her direction.“Dina doesn't matter here, your health and wellbeing comes first.” He said, propping her up, he said, “Let's get you to Doctor Anderson so he can check you thoroughly.” He said, pushing her hair behind her ears. “Don't you trust…” “I don't.” he snapped even before she could complete her words. “Fine, let's go see him.” She said with a shrug. After making a few calls, Julia was moved to Doctor Anderson hospital. Though he wouldn't be the one to perform the checkup, he referred another doctor who shared the same name with him. Before they could get to th
"Where's Raymond? I can't believe he couldn't do anything to help Julia rather he sat back watching that lunatic lynch her.” Mrs. Brooks said, storming towards the ward she had been directed to. The moment Raymond heard Mrs. Brooks' voice, he froze against the chair he was occupying. His hands immediately became sweaty as he braced himself up to face her. Niko and Adam looked at him in pity. They knew the history between Raymond and Julia's parents even if it seems they had rectified their differences and they didn't want to interfere.Immediately Julia's parents entered the room, Raymond stood up from his seat while they looked at him with disdain before they bypassed him and went straight to Julia who was still unconscious but was now stable. "Can you see what you've done, you see. I warned Julia not to get involved with a despicable person like you but she was swoon by your charms to listen to me. Now look where that love has gotten her." Mrs. Brooks yelled, venom dripping from
Meanwhile, Julia was holding her head in pain, she screamed in sheer horror as she saw the blood streaming down her face, staining her clothes in the process. The noise coming from all corners made her so uncomfortable coupled with the pains she was facing. "What has Dina done to me, my head." She was still screaming when she felt Raymond's body against hers. Lifting her up, he held her tight and then placed her down on the floor."Listen to me Jul, nothing is going to happen to you, okay, I can't believe Dina would go this far.” He said, checking her pulse. Tearing his shirt, he began to press it against her wound. It didn't take long before the cloth became crimson red. "It hurts Raymond, it hurts." Julia screamed as tears continued streaming down her eyes as she lay helpless in Raymond's arms. He has never been in this kind of situation before and so, he was so confused."Please Julia wake up, you can't die on me please." Raymond whispered in her ears as tears brimmed in his ey
Chapter 183For the next few minutes, Julia couldn't raise her face. Without being told, she knew a lot of eyes were staring at them and because of this, she couldn't raise her head and look back at them. “If only Raymond had relieved her of her job when we asked him to, this wouldn't have happened.” She muttered, biting her lips in anger. “Hello sissy, I told you I'm going to get you out of the way so I can have Raymond to myself. You thought I was kidding? Damn! I wonder why a lot of people take me as a joke when I'm damn serious, Dina cringed, throwing her hands in the air. Niko wanted to stop her but Adam came out of nowhere and then blocked his path.“What do you think you are going to do?” Niko yelled, trying to bypass him but couldn't.“Let's watch her.” He replied, pushing him backwards. “Watch her as she attempts to kill Julia? Are you even thinking?” He yelled, still trying to move but couldn't. “Get your hands off me.” He yelled, pushing him but he wouldn't budge. Whi
The two continued bickering with no hope of stopping anytime soon. While Raymond was using their hassle to keep himself from zoning out, at the same time, he was looking at the door as he awaited Julia's arrival. They had gone to get the perfect dress for the party scheduled to hold the next day at the shopping mall.“Bye.” He said the moment he saw Julia walking towards him with a broad smile on her lips. “How do I look?” She asked, swirling around for him to have a clear view. “Super.” He said, smacking his lips with a little smile. “You're sure.” She asked, raising her brow at him. “Of course. It's as if the tailor had you in mind when he was making the dress.” He said, accompanying it with a wink whilst she blushed shyly. After picking a few more things, the couple's retired home for the night. Raymond knew better not to tell her anything concerning Dina's plan. The following morning, after breakfast, since the party was scheduled to hold by evening, Julia decided to keep he
Pursing her lips, Ava tried to forget about the conversation she had with Dina but couldn't. Meanwhile, Dina was busy eating merrily as she continued divulging more information to her. “Please stop it already, you are making me feel nervous.” Ava snapped. “What? Are you angry because I defeated you in our little game?” She yelled back at her, rolling her eyes to the back of her head. “That's not the point here.”“Then what is it? Speak now or forever remain silent.” She snapped, cutting a large chunk of her meat. “They are a couple, we shouldn't make things tough for them.” Laughing, Dina said, “Couples my foot. Also, I want you to clear that motion from your head. We aren't a team or anything. We decided to play a game and I beat you to it.”“I know I lost but come to think of it, you are taking this thing too far. If this continues, I'm scared you wouldn't mind doing something that would mar their marriage forever.” She mumbled. Leaning towards her, she said with a little voice
“Ava isn't the culprit here.” Niko suddenly said the following day when he, Julia, Adam and Raymond were gathered around a table to decide on which way the party was going to go. “Really?” Julia asked, leaning close, eager to hear everything that he wanted to say. “Yeah. Thanks to the spyware installed unknowingly to them on their phones.” He said, gritting his teeth and seething with anger at the same time. For the next few minutes only Niko and Julia talked. Raymond and Adam on the other hand are just watching as they listen to their conversation. “So who's the culprit now?” Adam asked with a firm voice, hitting the butt of his pen against the table. “Dina of course.” Niko replied and immediately Julia slumped on her seat, all the while she was thinking Dina was the innocent one. The previous day, she even went ahead to share lunch with her, promising to help her find someone else. “This is crazy.” She said, shaking her head as she bit her bottom lips. “If you want, I can sho