Joel didn't want to think too much about the Brotherhood cult or Billionaires Club. They were the least of his problems. His marriage was on fire and whoever killed his father I'd walk free. Suspecting his wife was already giving sleepless nights and banging headaches. He shook his head as a thought popped in his head. Something was going on behind the scenes. Why was everyone trying to take him under their wing?If he were to ever join the Billionaires club he was sure that the Brotherhood wouldn't seat silent. Joel dropped into the leather seat. He decided he would just tidy up his grandfather's desk and clear out anything that's unimportant. That's his best bet for keeping his mind from wandering to places he didn't want to go. He began by emptying the drawers on the left side of the desk. When he was done sorting the papers and separating the important files from the unimportant ones, he returned them back into the drawer.He turned to the right side and in the first drawer he
Anna picked up the file with trembling hands and her jaw immediately dropped. She couldn't raise her head to look him in the eye. The shame she felt tore through her like a knife. "Can't you speak? I'm waiting!" Joel's patience was fast running out. "I…I wanted to tell you, but I…didn't know how to…I'm sorry." Anna stuttered as she continued to look down at the secret she's hidden from Joel for five years. "You lied to me Anna. You told me you had no family as you had lost them when you were young." His nose flared and eyes flashed at her, completely losing his temper. "What part of your life is even real? You hid the fact that you're a Mafia's daughter all these years." Tears trickled down Anna's cheeks. "That was my past. I wanted to live a new life leaving all the terrible experiences behind. I and Harper had to run from home after our father died because a rival mafia gang was after us." "And you want me to believe all this? I love you Anna. I left my family just to s
Joel stormed through the doors of the Winston Estate, his mind reeling with shock and anger. The revelation that his wife, Anna, was the daughter of a Mexican mafia lord and had hidden her identity from him felt like a betrayal. He couldn't believe it. Not after what they have been through together. To him she was just a simple beautiful Mexican lady he fell in love with. His wife's sudden transition from a simple lady to a notorious mafia's daughter was making him lose his mind. He moved in the direction of the study. He couldn't believe the woman he loved and trusted could deceive him so deeply.As he entered his study, his secretary, Albert, approached him with a sad expression. "Sir, I'm afraid I have some terrible news."Joel's heart sank further. "What is it, Albert? I'm just getting back from seeing my wife and I'm not in a good mood right now. If you know that this isn't terrible-terrible , then give me some space."Albert bowed and boldly took a step forward. "The cl
"I suspect some bunch of bastards. It has to be them." Joel blurted,unable to keep himself calm. "But I need to be sure."The chief nodded. "We'll do everything we can to help you catch those responsible."Joel's expression turned cold. "I'll take care of it, Chief. You just focus on finding the evidence."As the chief left, Joel's mind raced with plans for how to get back at the Billionaires Club. He would not rest until he got even with them. He thought that it was because he had turned their offer down, perhaps that was why they had declared war with him. But for now, he had to deal with the problem at hand. He had to set up a meeting to address the problem. Although the company is one of the Winston Smaller businesses, the effect of the damage and the loss of millions of dollars will be felt in a way.He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. This was going to be a long and difficult road without his grandfather around to give him the needed advice. Joel's a
The news of Xavier's death was broadcasted throughout the city. The Billionaires Club vowed to make whoever is responsible for the death of one of their highest esteem members pay. Xavier's staff, still shaken by their boss' death, kept giving the same statement to the authorities whenever they were asked. Their words never changed. It was as if they were so sure that Joel was the one who killed Xavier. They kept on mentioning the intense fight between Joel and Xavier just the day before, and this made the rumors spread like wildfire. Everyone was falling for the wrong narrative. "Mr Joel had threatened to kill Mr. Xavier multiple times," a short lady with large eyeballs and a million freckles on her cheeks said. "They were involved in a heated argument yesterday, and we're surprised it ended like this. We thought he was only saying those things to our boss as a warning." Joel stared at the television wide eyed. He couldn't believe something he said out of anger was what was us
Joel tried to drown his sorrows in alcohol, a habit he rarely did. But now he went all out. The more he drank, the more his problem appeared unsolvable. Albert had told him to put his trust in Larry Hogan. He assured him the lawyer was going to do a good job. His wife, Anna, had tried her best to reach him but he's been rejecting her calls. One time he was so angry that he almost blocked her. He didn't want to hear any explanation she has. He was surrounded by people who were selfish and manipulative. It broke his heart to discover that his wife was one of them. He trusted her. He loved her and he was willing to do anything to make sure she was happy. Even though he didn't want to see her for now, deep within, he longed to be close to her. Joel blinked his eyes. He wiped both eyes with ghe back of his hand. He was already drunk and had no idea where he was. The bright pulsating lights almost blinded his eyes and the loud music made his head bang. He recognised Albert standing nex
Joel turned to look at Albert. "You told me I didn't…" "You didn't get tangled up with anyone last night." Albert quickly stepped in to clear the air before Joel completed what he wanted to say. "Officers, I think you must be mistaken. My boss didn't meet any woman last night. He was with me." Joel had to ask Albert again because at this point he wasn't even sure if he committed such a crime. He knew he wasn't one to stoop so low to rape a lady. But he couldn't say so confidently knowing he was completely drunk and can hardly recall what happened last night. He stared at Albert, not sure if he could still believe his words and maintain a bold composure in front of the officers. An accusation as grave as this was one that would destroy his reputation and self respect. It would further crush him because he was yet to find his way out of the other situations. He would have called his lawyer Larry Hogan to tackle this case too but he wanted to see how bad it was first. The police of
Albert noticed a sleek black sedan pulling up beside him. The window rolled down, revealing the club owner/manager, Mr. Smith."You're here?" Albert said with a tone of relief. "Yeah. I had to come as soon as you told me. I wouldn't want your boss going to jail for what never happened." Mr Smith said, still in his car. "Thank you," Albert said."Don't thank me yet." Mr Smith waved a hand. "Letme see the wench who is trying to ruin an innocent man." Joel saw Albert and a man he wasn't familiar with approached him. He was still held by the police. They had promised not to grant him bail until he can prove Kim isn't right. Already has strong evidence that Joel actually assaulted her. "Mr Joel, glad to see you," Mr. Smith said. "I brought the CCTV footage. I think it'll clear up any misunderstandings."Joel's eyes narrowed. He didn't understand what was going on. "What are you talking about?" he asked but he turned to look at Albert. "Who is he?""Sorry, I didn't inform you about this
Anna rushed into the living room as though she was being pursued by something. Joel thought she made such a dramatic entrance because Carson was crying. "Do you have to run in here like that? You startled me." Joel whispered, handing over Carson to Anna. "I think he's hungry." "Shhh…Baby. I'm here." She rocked the baby in her hands, then looked up at Joel. "I didn't rush in here just because the baby was crying. It's a coincidence that I just saw something on the news in the common room before coming here." "News? What did you see?" Joel asked, concern etched over his face. "I think you should tune in," she answered, her voice urgent. "It's something you need to see for yourself." Joel's curiosity heightened as he tuned into the channel Anna had suggested. What they saw and heard shook them to the very core. The name of the person speaking on the television was boldly written as 'Liam Brown Winston.' He was making a broadcast on television, he was using a handkerchief to wipe hi
"Where are you going?" Albert quickly asked. Joel pushed Albert out of his way. "Don't stop me. I need to know what's going on here." "Don't you think you should rest? When she comes here, you can ask her why no one spoke up about you not being dead."Joel's mind raced with so many questions as he stepped out of the room, ignoring Albert. He was determined to find Anna and demand answers. Why hasn't she spoken up that he was alive? Albert followed closely behind him in case Joel were to slump because he still looked very weak. Albert offered to help Joel to where he would find Anna since he wasn't familiar with the areas in the house. Albert led them into a private quarters. Joel's heart raced when Albert pushed the door open. He was still embarrassed with the way he had treated Anna. Inside he met Anna seated peacefully, feeding the newborn child while an elderly man sat behind a desk, watching him with a piercing gaze. Joel walked further into the room until he was standing next
Joel stared upright on the bed, his eyes fixed on Albert who stood by the window, looking grim. He could stop Anna when she walked out of the room in anger. He has no right to call her back and question her decision because he knew very well that he deserved her anger. There was still much tension in the air. Joel didn't know iw here to begin from but he was grateful to Anna that he's alive. "I still can't believe it's Emma who poisoned you."Albert said, when he turned around to face Joel. "She was playing me," Joel answered. "I wouldn't have believed myself if she wasn't there to say it herself.""This man who cliaked to be your half-brother, did he tell you why he wanted you dead?" Albert asked. "It's obvious. To exert revenge for what the Winston family did to him and his mother. He mentioned killing my grandfather because he never wanted to accept his as family." "So he waged war against you after he killed your grandfather. If this is true, then this stranger would be the o
Joel's eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy and confused. He looked around the unfamiliar room until he was staring at a stranger. A nurse. Where was he? He tried to remember. Was he not supposed to be dead? He was sure he had breathed his last so how was he here?"Where…where am I? Joel asked, his throat parched. "The nurse smiled kindly. "You're safe Mr Winston. I'll get the lady of the house." Joel looked more confused. What lady of the house? And the nurse didn't even answer his question about where he was. Moments later she returned with Anna, who was excited. Joel couldn't believe who he had laid eyes upon. His eyes widened in shock as Anna rushed to his side, embracing him tightly. "I'm glad you're awake. It was taking forever," she exclaimed. Joel was silent for a while still trying to make out what was happening. How did Anna end up here? He tried to speak but his voice wasn't audible enough. "Anna…how? Where am I?" he stammered. "You're in my uncle's house. It's
Anna looked at her reflection in the mirror. The last twenty-four hours were one of the toughest for Anna in the last few months since she found herself in a hospital. Her uncle had held onto her hand and told her to fight and stay alive. She listened to him but regretted later when she heard that her daughter Mimi was found dead on the accident site. She splashed water onto her pale face. Losing Mimi was something she wasn't prepared for. Joel would have almost died if she hadn't gotten to his room when she did. She exhaled deeply, splashing more water on her face. She reminded herself that she was supposed to hate Joel for how he had treated her. He had accused her of killing his grandfather and didn't even wait to hear any explanation she had when he found out her real identity. "That's all in the past now." She whispered to herself, staring intensely at her reflection in the mirror. She pulled her phone from her pocket. She had to put a call through to her uncle. He was the on
The doctor filled Anna in on how they think her husband, Joel, was poisoned. They had to commence with more important processes to stabilize him properly after a gastric lavage was performed on him. At the receptionist desk, Anna was about to sign the papers when the news came on with Joel's face on the screen. Joel's situation was already public knowledge. She wondered how the media got to know so fast and she was shown Jeol wasn't the kind of man throwing his title or influence around. So it had to be someone else's doing that the news was being reported. The headline read: "Businessman Joel Brown Winston Found Unconscious (Possibly Dead) in a Mexican Five Star Hotel." Anna's hands trembled. She didn't like that the news about her husband was already spreading fast. She knew she had to act fast. After signing the necessary document, Anna quickly made her way to meet the doctor in charge of Joel's case. Her heart was pounding in her chest. "Doctor, I'm sorry. I can see you ar
An elegant lady dressed in a beautiful white dress stared across the waiting room, turning her head from left to right. It was obvious she was waiting for someone. There was no sign of that person passing by. Moments later, her eyes were fixed on the elevator. She didn't want to lose this person in case he passed by. After waiting for a long time, her patience was beginning to wear out. She was here to see Joel Winston Brown. She had planned on seeing him and surprising him but unfortunately her plan was disrupted by the appearance if a strange lady. She had to come back down to wait when she saw the lady walk into Joel's room. She was almost lost in thought when she saw the lady who had walked into Joel's room earlier emerge, arm in arm with another man. Her eyes widened in confusion. She was certain this lady had gone into Joel's room. She's known about his arrival in Mexico and every other detail about him wasn't a secret to her. She wasn't comfortable with what she had seen
Joel's breathing became more shallow as he struggled in pain. The footsteps got closer. The stranger stopped in front of Joel's struggling form and gazed down at him with contempt. Seeing the only Winston Heir lying helplessly on the floor made him drip with excitement. He turned to Emma. "Well done, you've done an amazing job. Who would have thought the grandson to the almighty Carl Brown Winston will be easily eliminated." Emma muttered with so much pride. "Thank you, Liam. Even though you doubted me. I told you I could do it." Liam's gaze shifted back to Joel, who was writhing in pain. Joel was trying to say something but he was barely audible. "What are you trying to say?" Liam squatted and lowered his head close to Joel's mouth. "Who…are…you?" Joel breathed with difficulty. "Oh!" Liam laughed. "I was going to tell you even if you don't ask. But I can see why it's rude to keep a dying man waiting" Liam looked so excited to introduce himself, it was as if he had
Joel's impatience grew as he waited for Emma to begin speaking. He was eager for her to leave, so the faster she begins telling him what she's here for, the faster he'll get rid of her. Emma claimed she's connected and knows people at high places but he couldn't accept that as the whole truth. She located him so easily. Her ability to find him here only added to his distrust, especially considering the lies she had already told him. "I'm waiting, spit it out. You know I don't have all day." Joel said, his tone firm as he stated at her. "What do you know about my grandfather's death?" Emma's smile seemed forced as she finished texting someone on her phone. "Just a minute. I promise to tell you everything." She placed her phone on the table and her hand knocked over her glass of wine, spilling it all over the table and rug. She gasped, pretending it was an accident. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I've been clumsy lately." Joel raised an eyebrow, he's been watching her closely and he