After what seemed like a tense moment, The commissioner reached across the table and pushed the briefcase to himself. Even from the video, Alex could see the manner in which his eyes lighted with greed as he stared at the bundles of cash. “What do you say, cousin?” Mrs. Andrews asked, her voice soft and tempting. “Will you do this for me and my son? Will you do this for your family? If you say yes, there’s definitely more where that came from.”For a split moment, the commissioner tried to fight his greed. “But if I get caught…”“You are the commissioner of Police!” Mrs. Andrews interjected. “You will not get caught if you’re careful. You’re the leader around here, aren’t you? Everyone is bound to follow your orders. Just use your power, Rasheed. No one will know.” She said, resorting to massaging his ego. The woman was a manipulative witch. Even Alex had to acknowledge her dubious skills.Finally, just as Alex knew he would, the commissioner snapped the briefcase shut and hurriedl
Alex’s guts tightened with anticipation as he grabbed Blakely’s fingers and held on tight, channelling his support without words. “…I have arrived at my judgement, thus;Stemming from the evidence presented by the prosecution, Mr. Cole Andrews is guilty of the offense of rape of Miss Blakely Anderson under section 130.35 of the New York Penal law…”Alex’s heart was pounding like a runaway train at that very moment.“…accordingly, he will therefore be sentenced to a prison term of twenty five years as stated by the same section of the Penal law.”The judge hit his gravel twice to signify the finality and authority of his judgement and Alex nearly sagged with relief. Blakely burst into full blown tears of happiness and the entire hall erupted in a frenzy of whispers.“Oh my God, Alex.” Blakely sobbed. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” She leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his waist as sobs shook her frame. Alex held on tight, rubbing her back in circular, soothing motions.
Alex led Blakely to the car, still pondering on Mrs. Andrews’ words. He knew her to be wicked and vile, but there was an emotion in her eyes today while she asked him to be careful of Blakely that he did but quite understand. For a moment, it felt like Blakely had actually done something wrong. There was just something fishy about the entire situation. “So, should we go out to celebrate our victory?” Abuela Zeya asked. Alex turned to Blakely.“Are you okay with that? If you’re too drained we can…”“No, it’s fine.” She cut in, smiling at him. “We can go.”“Okay!” Abuela Zeya sounded excited. “There’s a nice place that opened up a few weeks ago just by the bayside. You need a reservation to get in but the owner is a good friend so I’m sure he’ll squeeze us in. I also fear they serve good food.”Alex nodded. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”Abuela gave directions to the driver. A few minutes later, they arrived at the restaurant. They were already seated and taking their orders when sounds
Who is that crazy woman?” Abuela Zeya asked, struggling to look over Alex’s shoulder. “Security should handle her immediately. What the heck does she think she’s doing? This is not the place for such shenanigans.”Alex pressed his fingers against his eyes and breathed in deeply, trying to ease the dull, throbbing pain that had long since started in his skull.“I’m talking to you, Alex! Don’t you dare pretend like you can’t hear me!!”Alex for to his feet, his chest tightening when he noticed Blakely’s confused expression. “Please keep eating. I’ll handle this.”“But Alex…” Blakely started. Before age could land, he’d stepped back and walked away. His fingers were balled into fists as he slowly approached the guards. “Let her go.” He ordered on arrival. “I’ll talk to her.”“Yes, sir.” They chorused and walked away.“That’s it, you fools.” Meredith sneered. “Walk away.”Without waiting for her to protest, he wrapped his fingers around her arm tightly and pulled her towards the restau
“…starting today, whatever deal I made with you stands cancelled. Our date is off the table.”Meredith’s face twisted with remorse.“Wh-what do you mean?” She stutters, “we had a deal, Alex. Please…”“And that makes you feel like you can encroach on the time I spend with my family?” He growled. “What the hell even made you feel like you have such right?”“Alex, please…”He took a deep breath to calm his raging nerves and stepped back.“You know what? Get out of here. Now.”She blinked in surprise.“But, Alex…”“I asked you to leave!” He thundered, startling her. “Leave and don’t come back. Ever.”Meredith lowered her head in shame and turned to do as he said. Just then, a soft voice came from behind Alex.“Alex, is everything okay?”He looked over his shoulder to find Blakely coming towards him, her face twisted in an uncertain expression. He stretched a hand in her direction and she took it hesitantly.“Everything’s fine, baby. Meredith here was just leaving. I handled it.”No longer
For a moment, Alex was silent. His guts tightened with tension as he shifted to the edge of his seat.“What about him?” “Well, this news might be bad or just… normal, depending on how you take it.”“Just tell me,Tariq.”“Well, here goes. Your grandfather has another entire family in Spain. You’re not his only grandson.”Alex froze, not sure he’d heard right. “Excuse me? Did you say…?”“Yes, you heard right.” Tariq cut in. Alex blinked for a second, trying to assimilate the shocking news. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t wrap his head around it.“But the members of the conglomerate all told me that I’m his only grandson. Even Abuela Zeya claims that it’s just me. How the heck is this possible?”“Well, the conglomerate and Zeya are not aware because Alexander wanted to keep his second family a secret. He did not want them involved in the drama of his real life at all. Because…” he drifted off and Alex nearly passed out from all the suspense. “Because? Tell me.” He growled.
Alex was stunned into silence. He gave Tariq a hard stare, trying to come to terms with what he meant.“Revenge…?”“Exactly.” Tariq concurred. “But in order to take revenge, I need to go into their territory.” Alex mused. They hated my grandfather. Surely they’ll hate me, too, if not more. It’ll be like walking straight into a lion’s den.”Tariq nodded.“Everything you said is true. Which is why you’ll go there under disguise.”Alex blinked in shock.“I’ll have to disguise myself? What aim will that achieve?”Tariq shifted closer.“Look, Alex, did you know that you have a vast inheritance in Spain?”Alex was taken aback.“What?”“You heard me.” Tariq confirmed. “Your father spent ten years in Spain before he was able to escape Armando’s clutches. Within that period, he established factories and other multi-billion dollar businesses. When he died, Maria and both her sons got a hold of his will.”“She had two sons for him.” Alex whispered.“Yes, she did. Gustavo and Mendez. Gustavo is
“Alex, are you sure this is safe? Are you sure we can trust this guy?” Abuela Zaya asked for the umpteenth time as she watched him pack up a small travel bag for his trip.“Yes, Abuela. We can trust him. Tariq was grandpa’s best friend.”“Then how come I do not know him?” She retorted, her face twisted with worry. “How come he’s telling you that my brother has an entire family in Spain and I had no knowledge of it? I need you to calm down and think about this rationally, Alex. Something just doesn’t add up.”Alex heaved a sigh, dropped the bag and walked to the bed. He sat beside her and draped one arm around her shoulders.“Nothing adds up, Abuela. Nothing. But you read the letter from grandpa, didn’t you? You even recognised his handwriting the moment you set your eyes on the paper. You also confirmed that Grandma died through very mysterious means. Grandpa’s investments in Spain are on the verge of being crippled by his greedy second wife and her children. Tariq even confirmed t