"Welcome back young master." Henry's subjects bowed before him.
Exclusive sports cars that could only be spotted in the country were littered around the arena. The splendid welcome rug was enough to make the jaws of anyone fall apart.
Together with the apex building that shaded its shadows around Henry, the extent of his power could not be fathomed.
The subordinate tore apart in separating motions, leaving a straight line in their middle and revealing a lady coated in splendor.
Her age counted up to forty but she was still beaming like the morning sun ray and the perfect smile, skin as smooth as silk.
"Welcome back Henry." Her hands were wide as they engaged each other in a warm hug of delight.
It's been three years now that Henry was sent away from his home. It was the family's tradition that for one to become the heir, they had to face three forms of hardship..
Failure to do this would also mean forfeiting their rights to becoming the heir.
First, they face some sort of hardship on the Joyce streets.
Leading the life of a poor man. His body was covered with dust, showing the extent to which he had suffered.
Stomach rumbled.
Henry's mother smiled.
"Come with me." She said,
A feast had already been prepared for him and he gulped it down. It had been such a long time since he had such really good food. For three years, he had only been fed with leftovers.
Afterwards, his mother came to him when he was done eating.
"That's a gift from the Floater family group, for passing the test to become the next heir." She handed a sunflower yellow card to him.
She was sure proud of her son.
It was one that was extensive only to the Floater family and the least amount that can be found in such is ten billion Dollars.
"Thank you mother." He appreciated it with a smile.
Henry could still remember his yells and wild appeals when they wanted to send him away from the family.
"I could never have done it without you by my side mother." He muttered and embraced her once again.
Henry was led to the inner roam where the men of luxury and the highest class in the city waited for him.
They all fell on their knees to greet the next heir of the Guild family.
"Welcome back young master." They announced.
He smiled.
Madame Gu went up to him and handed him a sheet of paper. He already knew the rules of the game, once he passed the test, a new company was going to be created in collaboration with a lower company.
A list was also brought forward before him but he didn't even bother to go through them.
It was his second Mission to become the heir, he had to form a cooperation with any company interested and build a world class company.
A Loan spamming up to a trillion dollars would be given to him for this course. And the list brought before him was for the first nomination.
Without even taking a look at the list, he announced.
"I will go with the Guild family and the top highest form on the list." He announced.
The joy that once clouded the face of his mother washed up in an instant.
"I know how much they have mistreated you since you got married to this family, why do you still want to favor them?" She wondered if her son was making a terrible decision.
His slight sigh escaped from his mouth, during the process of his hardship, he had fallen in love with a maiden.
Her family treated him like trash because they felt that he was broke and needed someone else.
But even though they all treated him with so much contempt, Linda was still different. This was the time that he got to wash up all the tears from her eyes and make the rest of the family pay for what they did to him.
"Consider it as our wedding anniversary gift Mother." He resorted to a gentle smile but was not going to give in yet.
"You can't run business with sentiments Henry, you can only choose the best candidate." Madame Gu tried to change his mind but it was already fixed.
"I know what I am doing mother." He said calmly.
Even though she was not okay with it, Madame Gu had to give in to his son's wish but with a sigh that listed the amount of her despair.
"If you say so." She began.
"I will inform the secretary to pass this message along to them. If you do well with this establishment, I am sure that no one would be able to challenge your right as the heir."
They spent some time together. And even though the mother and son never wanted to go their separate ways again, they knew that it was inevitable for them.
He has business to do.
Henry got out from the Floater family Villa and reached out to his best friend, Fred, instructing him to reserve the most spacious setting in the whole of the city.
"It's time for payback." He muttered into the cell phone.
His next point of call was the small Villa owned by the Guild family group. They were gathered around for their usual family dinner.
But the moment he made his way into the large hall, there was a twitch in the atmosphere.
His mother-in-law, Madam Catherine was the first to notice his unwelcome presence in the place.
He was confused. The Guild family had never had such an elaborate ceremony before.
"Could that be the reason that he was sent out?" His subconsciousness spoke back at him.
"What are you doing here?" She slotted angrily at him.
"I'm here to see my wife, should there be a problem with that." He responded.
Everyone in the hall was astonished by his words and sudden boldness. She glared at him, turning over to the door.
"I want you out of this place right this moment." She thundered.
"Mother, what is going on here?" A voice proceeded from behind, followed by the clicking of heels down the stairs.
Madam Catherine's voice softened noticing the presence of her daughter.
Henry could not help but also smile even amid his mother-in-law's hateful glaze.
But there was some sort of panic in her eyes too. Henry soon noticed it. It was a manly figure, collapsing right behind her steps.
His face beamed in the ray of light, who wouldn't know him? The city's most spoiled kid and son of a milling company in the city.
Henry coughed loudly, taken aback by what stood before him.
Kelvin had always wooed her, making friends and getting the praises of the rest of the family.
He could not help but abhor dirty thoughts in his mind. Even though one part of his body was unstable.
Immediately their eyes crossed paths, and she frowned. "You are here." Her voice was like a cold stab through his heart while Kelvin smiled.
Henry's feet were numb, unable to speak for a certain period.
Finally, he was able to maintain his composure. His shock soon washed up with anger.
"Are you cheating on me, Linda? Is that the reason I was sent out in the first place? So that you will have time with your lover?"
Linda's frown deepened. She didn't feel that she owed him any explanation, especially to a junkyard like his.
"I want you to feel? Like I owe you an explanation? So what if I am cheating?"
He was taken aback by her cold words... Even though she was drawing backward lately, Henry never thought that she would openly cheat on him with another man.
And still have the guts to spill a bit out on his face as though it meant absolutely nothing to her.
Henry's hands were clenched with anger. The extent rising to his throat that he could hardly breathe properly.
"Do you realize that we are legally married? And you cheat on me as though it means nothing?"
"It means nothing to me because if I may ask, were you ever anything?" She sprouted out.
"I feed you every day and the only thing that you do is feast with my money. You were nothing but a worthless fool." She thundered back.
"Do you know the day I regret most, it was the day I looked up to you and thought that I had seen a man in you.
But after three years, you have successfully activated your category to that of a dog."
Soon, Linda brought out her cell phone from her pocket and pointed an image to his face.
Henry's eyes were focused on it. He noticed that it was the cooperation nominations that he was going to head.
His eyes farrowed, feeling the pain of heartbreak, welling up through his heart even more.
"Kelvin was effortlessly able to get me on the list. When the only thing that you do is lay around like the devil's workshop."
"This is my way of telling him thank you." She opined. Brought out a sheet of paper from her bag and pasted it on the table.
"That's our divorce agreement, specially prepared by my lawyer. Sign here." She pointed to the red spot lying at the right hand of the papers.__
"I already signed it, you don't have to waste any more of my time
, sticking those broken asses of yours to me." She responded with fury in her eyes.
Henry opened his mouth to speak but his voice cracked before he could say any word.
Henry scoffed, bitter sorrows welling up through his vines. He had given her the company to tell her it was a gift for their wedding anniversary.But there she was, divorcing him because of it. His heart raced harder, increasing the height of his pain."Do you believe he did it for you?" Henry shot a cold and gave right into her eyes.His words made cold waves of laughter go around the hall like multiple chatters."Stop being such a fool already." James, the eldest son of the family, sprouted out."If it wasn't Kelvin that did it, who else could have." His laughter welled up even more."Maybe he is going to tell us next that he was the one that got the contract for himself. How pathetic." Others laughed.Kelvin smiled, pushing himself into the spotlight, and said. "I know that you are bitter now brother and you can't acknowledge what I did for them.And I know the reason that you are afraid to sign the contract, you don't know how you are going to live on the streets. But you don't h
There was a strange recognition between them both as they kept on staring at each of them.Then Henry does not notice where he might have known her from. That was the very well-known Evelyn, his previous colleague where he walked as a Janitor. 2468She is his senior and has always been torn on the flash during that period."What are you doing here? Just a small opportunity and you were already planning to steal?" She threw away every single inch of her professionalism since they were the only ones in the store after all.Henry was stunned."Steal?" His brows furrowed."Don't act like you are deaf, if you aren't here to steal, then tell me, what else are you here to do?" She replied.Her heart seemed open to hear him out. But there was every trace of mockery in her voice. "I came here to get some clothes." He responded, not expecting her to believe anyway.The laughter that spewed from her mouth had the energy to awaken the neighbors in the area.She tried to stop but her wits were no
Henry continued to search for it but no matter how much he did, he could not find it."It was right here." He mumbled to himself calmly.Mr. Mark frowned."What tricks are you trying to come up with this time?" His brows furrowed."It's obvious that she already lost the bet and there is no trick under his sleeves anymore." Evelyn smiled brightly."Hey, Stinker." She called out to Henry. "You should drop the act of yours already and admit defeat. You are Just going to do the licking for a day."Evelyn brought out her cell phone and pushed her shoes off her feet, going further to say still smiling."I just need to get a capture of your face licking my feet so I will post it on my social media account.""Don't worry." She furthered with a really cute face."I am sure that you are going to trend all over the internet for the first time in your life all thanks to me."Henry stopped standing. An obvious frown on his face now.They all shot glances at him, the only thing that he could do now
"Are you planning to take that scumbag as your wife?" She eyed.He didn't want to talk about it. Staring at the wristwatch in his hands, he quickly said, hiding the sigh that was hiding on his face."Mom, I am going to be back really soon." He responded.Henry stormed off and got into the room. Getting dressed as soon as he could, he soon left for the party.The venue of the party glittered from afar. Even though they still had almost thirty minutes to begin, most of them had already arrived for the party.What for the others that were yet to arrive? Their cars raced on the street as though they were in some sort of marathon."Get out of the way you scumbag! Not like the heir is going to favor you anyways." Drivers on the verge of breaking out yelled at each other.At some point, Henry Could not help but smile."Stop here." He turned over to the guard who drew a stop with a confused expression on his face."I am going to highlight here." Henry further stated his intentions.The drive
"Young Master?" Everyone was confused.Looking at the classy lady, she was just a class above that of the guard. He was confused and shot stared at her."What's going on here?" The guard Inquired with confusion written all over his face.She was about to give in the explanation but Henry was able to stop her with a blink. Thoughts were already running through Linda's head."Could it be? No, it was certainly not possible?" She threw the evil thought away from her head."You are making a really big mistake this man is stealing into this place." The guard replied. "But I am chasing him out already."Her eyes twitched"Have you gone mad? Chasing Madam Gu's guest?" She thundered."Madame Gu?" Everyone exclaimed. The guard's heart almost stopped beating."But how is it possible that he knows Madame Gu."If not for Henry, she could have revealed the truth a long time ago."I'm sorry sir." She apologized on his behalf knowing how much trouble she had gotten herself into."You should come wit
"Yeah, it's no big deal. My father has a strong connection with the Floater family. Once he asks for their help, I am sure that they are going to get you on the list.""Thank you so much, Kelvin, I don't know how much I can appreciate you after everything that you have done for us." She appreciated it.James blushed."Kelvin, you are such a superhero, from today, I am going to have you as my idol." He said.And Kelvin trapped him by his shoulders. "I am sure that you are going to do a greater exploit than me?" His words were even more encouraging than that of motivational speakers.But even the little insects wouldn't be so sure about that, especially for someone who wouldn't move a limb and only depended on his sister's wealth.Madam Catherine smiled. "This is the Son-in-law that I am talking about, not that scumbag." She muttered aloud.Once she said the words, the chair beside them she had not been occupied for a while drew open.They all stared at it only to notice that it was H
Everyone turned to me in amazement as they faced Henry. They were all shocked at his response, and different thoughts ran through their different minds at the same time. What gave Henry the boldness to reply to them that way. Kelvin shifted on his seat and cleared his throat uncontrollably. His palm had begun to sweat, and he quickly tightened his fist. He wondered within himself if it was truly his father's doing. Henry was right. Does his father command such authority? Could his father really pull that string?"I'm sure you only came here to eat and drink," James mocked Henry. "Of course, what else do beggars know how to do?"Henry stared at James for a while, and then he snickered. The snicker sounded so loud and annoying. Everyone in the room was still amazed at Henry's newfound courage. "I knew you were only pretending to be meek all along," Madame Catherine said to Henry. "Your true colors are finally out."Madame Catherine was also amazed at Henry's new courage but tried to
Meanwhile amidst all the drama going on inside the of the party hall, there were still guests arriving one after the other in their respective cars.A black limousine pulled up outside, it was differing from all the cars that had arrived earlier, everything about it spoke of class and affluence. Anyone looking at the car from afar would know that whoever the occupant of that car was, they must be very powerful.As soon as the limousine stopped, two men on black pristine suits quickly jumped out of the car and one of them opened the door to the limousine while the other stood aside. It almost looked as though they had really spent time to do those things in sync.The first thing one would notice as soon as the door opened was first, a foot which stepped out of the car, then followed by another foot. It was not just an ordinary foot, but one which had on one of the most expensive s
Every other person in the ballroom went numb and stared at the center of the room like they had seen a ghost. In fact, they had indeed seen a ghost because everyone initially believed that Henry was dead.Yes! Henry Floater was standing in the middle of the room.Miguel was quick to regain his composure immediately, he was the first to speak."What are you doing here? How did you escape?" He asked under his breath, pointing at Henry. "Shouldn't you be in prison? How did you show up here without fear of being thrown back in jail?"It was finally Madame Gu's turn to speak as she turned towards Miguel and cast him an angry glance."Don't you dare speak about my son like that." Madame Gu said and finally ran towards Henry. "Where have you been, my son? What happened to you?" She stood from afar, unsure if she should touch him or not.She swallowed hard as she studied his face, it was really Henry.Henry reached out for his mother and hugged her. His eyes were focused on Natasha who was s
Madame Gu slipped the ring into her middle finger while standing in front of the mirror. It was finally the day for the much awaited ball.She stared at her reflection in the mirror. This was not her, this was not what she used to look like. But everything that had happened within the past few days had reduced her into a shadow of herself.Natasha had also been invited to the ball and Madame Gu wondered why. Her company had not formed any alliance with the Floater group, Henry whom she was supposed to get married to and strengthen the relationship between the two companies is nowhere to be found, and had been presumed dead by the law enforcement agents and the cops.But Madame Gu had refused to believe that her son was dead. But why wasn't there? If he wasn't dead, why was he yet to show up?A tear dropped from Madame Gu's eyes, but she was able to hold it back and run her thumb over her eyes to get rid of the tears the moment she heard her room door pushed open from outside."Miss Na
Natasha woke up that morning to an open window which she had intentionally forgotten to lock the previous night, maybe because she enjoyed the natural breeze that was coming in through the window.It felt so..."Soothing." Natasha said, staring out of the window before she got out of bed. She went to sit in front of her dressing mirror and stared into it. Looking at her reflection now made her realize how much weight she had lost and how neglected she was looking over the last few months. She had practically become a shadow of herself ever since Henry got missing and had been presumed dead. She had found herself unable to live with his absence ever since then.She had gone to bed with her mother banging on her door the previous night, trying to find out what was wrong with her and trying to get her to come downstairs and have something to eat.Even though she felt bad for her mother who was obviously worried about her, she still could not bring herself to go outside, nor could she eve
Linda rolled her eyes and tried to avoid Richard, but she did not have my luck because he had already blocked her by the time she arrived at her car."What do you want?" She fired at him as he blocked the entrance to her car.She gave him a once over in a condescending manner, the kind of manner which would have him rethinking his life for the next few moments."What do you think you are doing, Linda? I hope you know the part you chose isn't the best for you? Instead of coming to me and let's resolve our issue together, you went ahead to cast me away just like that, just because you felt like I would not be useful to you." Richard pressed and Natasha rolled her eyes and let out a heavy scoff."You?" She said in the most condescending manner he had even seen and eyed him viciously. "Who exactly are you?" She asked amused and almost burst into a loud laughter. "And of what use are we supposed to be to me?" She questioned, watching him from head to toe while remembering how he had lied t
Two people were seen on a bed, involved in a steamy, raunchy romance.The two people were eventually revealed to be Miguel and Linda. After a while, Linda broke away from the kiss and slightly pushed Miguel backwards."What?" He questioned, looking deeply into her eyes. "Why did you stop? I was starting to get lost in the moment and you suddenly pulled away." They were both sitting on the bed, facing each other in an intimate position. Their faces were only inches apart, it would not be difficult for things to get steamy between them and for them to get intimidate one more time, Miguel would have easily pulled her into his arms and they would go into another steamy round of romance, but he noticed that she had something important to say, so he just let her speak."You wanted to say something?" He asked, lowering his head to meet hers."I... I actually don't know how you will feel about what I am about to say to you now." Linda began, playing with her fingers. She had her eyes lowered
Henry was seated beside the friendly military personnel who had been showing him around since he showed up there and had been equally trying to help him.He was promised by the military personnels that they were going to help him redeem himself and equally take back his company from his uncles. "Because your father had been very nice to us while he was alive, we are going to do everything within our power to help his son." The military man said to him while tapping his shoulder lightly.There were now in the underground office which Henry had been surprised that existed there in the first place when he was first led there. It was more like a tech room because it was lined with several computers and laptops and equally a strong Internet connection."I've been trying to track down Mr Pierson." The man who was sitting beside Henry said, his eyes were focused on the screen of the computer in front of him. "The person protecting him must be a very powerful person. It seems hard to be able
"You know you can't continue like this," Natasha's mom tried to persuade her. "You haven't eaten anything in days. You have been crying all day... you stopped going to work. Do you want to kill yourself?" "See how lean you look," her father lamented. Natasha just sat there, staring blindly at her parents. They were all seated on her bed. She sat in between her parents. "Natasha," her mom called as she pulled her close and hugged her. "You've done so much to get the company to where it is now. Why do you want to ruin everything?" "Just when I realised that I loved him, mom. They didn't even give me the chance to say it to him. They didn't give me the chance to have the last conversation with him, and they took him away from me." Her mom kept rubbing her shoulder while patting her back. Her parents knew she would ruin the company if she continued with the way she was going. Her father's phone began to ring, and he quickly picked it up. He stood up and walked towards the window to
SIX MONTHS LATER Henry's eyes were fixed on the blue Mercedes as it drove into the military training ground. He didn't shift his gaze from the car for a second. For some reason, he was attracted to the blue Mercedes. It finally stopped at a corner of the training ground, and the door opened. Henry's eyes first caught the silver heels as it alighted from the car, and his heart sank. He rarely saw women since he was brought into the training ground. He only saw them whenever he was outside, which was very rare. The men didn't allow him to go out. Other men were training at the training ground, while Henry was seated at a corner, thinking about his mother and Natasha. He wondered if they were looking for him. He didn't want to disobey the orders of not calling his mother."By the time she realises you're safe and stops searching for you. The police would become suspicious. "He would not forget the words. He sighed deeply as he removed his mind from the thought. The next time he look
It's been two weeks already, and Madam Gu had not been able to figure out where her son was talking to. The police had searched everywhere in the country, and they could not find Henry. There was also no record of Henry leaving the country. Madame Gu told herself that she was going to press charges against Henry's uncles and all of her relatives if Henry was not found. The police would also have to provide her son. If they didn't arrest him for a crime he knew nothing about, then he wouldn't be missing by now. "On what grounds are you going to press charges against them?" Madam Gu's lawyer asked her. "You have no evidence that they have him. Mere assumptions can not even win in the courtroom." Madame Gu sighed deeply. She was deeply worried. She felt that the earlier she started acting, then the better for her and her son. Since no one had called her for ransom yet, then it was not a kidnap to raise funds or something. They kept her son so that they could kill him. It was better t