Albert ordered the men to put Joel in the car. Seconds later the car wound its way through the deserted roads, Joel's foggy mind struggling to comprehend his surroundings. No amount of struggle could free him from the grasp of these tough looking men. He wasn't in his best so he couldn't even save himself if he wanted to. Joel was turning into a liability even for himself. Joel's pounding headache intensified, making him give up his struggle. As the car came to a halt, his gaze fell upon an unfamiliar building. It was so quiet and the mysterious air surrounded it. "Where am I?" Joel demanded, his voice laced with a mix of anger and distrust. "Albert, why did you bring me here?" "You're somewhere safe," Albert replied, turning to face his men who were waiting for his next command."Don't fool me. There's nothing safe about this place." Joel snarled, jerking out of the men's hold. They were quick to hold him down. "Why would you bring me to such a place if you do not have Ill inte
Joel’s eyes stared blankly at the wall, his mind consumed with self-loathing. How did it come to this? He couldn’t believe that an hour ago he was held captive by Albert just so he could bring him back to his senses. He stepped in front of the mirror and was disgusted at the reflection that stared back at him. He had lost so much weight. His once clean shaven face wasn't so clean anymore. He picked out a razor to shave before he stepped into the shower. His ego was hurt but he had to admit that Albert was right. Just because Anna wasn't found doesnt mean she was dead. And he couldn't hand it over the trophy to his enemies on a platter of gold. They are all in a competition to oust one another. Ruining himself with his own hand was giving the enemy more points and more advantage. He was such a fool. He thought. When he stepped out of the shower, he felt better. He dressed up quickly to head for the dining room, as he was already feeling famished. Albert had ordered his meal to be pr
Joel's footsteps echoed on the wet pavement as he approached the Hotel. It was an old hotel in the middle of town, it was so quiet and didn't have people walking in and out of it like other big fancy hotels. Joel believes the Brotherhood must have chosen this location as their meeting place because of its quietness and privacy.As he stepped in through the metal door, Joel was greeted by the figures of three figures dressed in expensive suits. They all raise their heads to meet his gaze. "You're late Winston." "I'll prefer being called by my name," Joel answered as he dropped into the leather seat. "I'm sorry, the rain caused a traffic jam.""Welcome Jeol," the familiar man seated in the middle said, his voice smooth and gentle. "It's good to see that you are still on your feet after all that has happened to you." Joel wasn't sure if he was to take the man's words as a complement or a tease. He nodded curtly, his heart racing. "I know you all have wanted this meeting to be held
Joel was waiting for an answer. With the reaction they had on them, he was almost sure they knew who was causing him so much pain. "I'm all ears, gentlemen," he whispered, becoming impatient. "Don't put any ideas in your head yet." One of them was quick to say. "We are only being cautious. We aren't sure yet but with you asking for our help now, we have no choice but to investigate and confirm who is or are after you." "And here I was thinking you already had an answer to my question." Joel said rather loudly. "I hope this investigation won't take forever because I'm running out of time.""I hope you can trust us more than you do now. If you know who the Brotherhood cult is you would go home from here and have a nice sleep. But we'll let you off the hook because you have no idea of our capabilities." "It would be amazing if you could blow my mind because your confidence is off the roof." Joel stood up to pour himself another glass of champagne. He felt like drinking another becau
A few people were talking to the nurse at the reception area. Joel wasn't expecting the hospital to be that busy by 7AM. He sat in a metal chair, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. He stared at the floor, trying to ground himself, breathing slowly to keep himself calm. His head felt heavy from the lack of sleep and even at the moment he felt so anxious because he didn't know what news to expect about his wife, Anna. When the reception area was free of people, he approached the reception desk, his voice barely above a whisper as he stated. "I'm Joel Brown and I'm the husband of one of your patients, Anna Brown." He leaned into the nurse. "I got a message last night that I should be here by 7 AM." The nurse, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, gave him a brief sympathetic nod. "You can see Dr. Patchman now." Gesturing toward a door down the hall. Joel gave her kind smile before scurrying away. His heart raced as he walked down the corridor, his footsteps echoing against t
A week later Joel had rushed over to meet the Brotherhood as soon as they called. This time at their official meeting point. He was already a part of them so he was given the main address to where the Brotherhood converged for their meetings. He had come to them in desperation, and now he was about to find out what the Brotherhood had done to give him what he desperately needed. The last time they met at the old hotel, he asked them for help and they promised to get back to him in less than a week. He was being hopeful and the news had come earlier that morning: the charges against him for Xavier's death had been dropped and the media had declared him innocent. He rejoiced for a moment before Albert came in to tell him about the meeting. He was happy with the outcome but he couldn't dismiss the suspicious thoughts his mind harbored. When Joel entered the chamber, the leaders of the Brotherhood were already waiting. Five men sat around a circular table. Their faces were unreadab
Six months had passed and Joel had found a way to survive all that has happened to him. Now he was standing in his lavish living room, surrounded by friends and colleagues celebrating his win; the immense success of Winston Successes. The company's turnaround was nothing short of miraculous and Joel was the man of the hour. Being the end of the year, It is a great time and season to celebrate such a winAs he mingled with the guests, a familiar face approached him. It was Clark, a close friend. He met Clark in Mexico years ago. Clark only recently moved to Florida three months ago and has really been a good friend. "Joel, I am beyond shocked. How did you do it?" he said, his eyes flashed with curiosity. "When I came over to Florida, you were at the brink of disaster and now…this" A little smile appeared on Joel's lips. "Honestly, Clark, I can't explain the effect my suffering had on me. I can remember being determined not to allow whoever was out to get me to win." "I envy you,
Joel sat in his office beaming with excitement as he discussed his upcoming engagement with Emma. He looked like someone who had fallen in love all over again. He flipped his pen continuously on his desk while smiling and speaking excitedly. Albert couldn't help but take in the new Joel. He had to do what he had to do to get Joel to his senses months ago, but Joel behaved like he was reborn and triumphed through his sufferings. He doesn't even talk about Anna much but he hears from the maid that they've seen him on several occasions staring at a picture of hers. There's no doubt he's still in love with her. Albert was happy to see him as a new man but he was worried and he was determined to speak to Joel about the matter. The moment Joel ended the phone, Albert dropped into a seat and pulled himself forward. "Sir, are you sure about this?"Joel's smile disappeared as he put on a straight face. "What do you mean, Albert?""You've only just known this lady, Emma. And now you are ru
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