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
Joel knew he was harsh on Anna but he justified it as something which he had to do. He thinks pushing Anna away is the language she would likely understand and hopefully confess what she is hiding. Anna's heart ached. She held on painfully to her chest. Her eyes filled up with tears as she drove away from the estate, making her sight blurry. She felt lost and alone, her heart heavy with sorrow. She had never felt so disconnected from Joel, her husband. The tension between them had been building for weeks, and now it seemed like there isn't hope to rekindle the love they once had and shared. As she drove through the streets of Florida, she found herself at Jessica's doorstep, her friend. Jessica, a warm person, is probably the only friend Anna has. She welcomed Anna with open arms, concern carved on her face."Anna, what's wrong?" Jessica asked, ushering her inside. "You look like you've gone to hell and returned. "Anna broke down, tears streaming down her face as she collapsed ont