“Agreed?”“Yes..” they reluctantly chorused, their tone low. Though Richard had shown them mercy and left them with the consortium, it was more like they didn’t have the consortium either.They had now lost all power over the consortium. Every decision to be made would have to pass through Richard. No fund would leave without his notice and without a reasonable reason. So therefore, no more mismanagement of funds too. They would be left to continue in their respective positions, but more like figureheads that have to follow Richard’s instructions and decisions only. Coupled with that, they have to take full responsibility for every damage they have caused to the consortium, and pay every debt.How would they raise millions of dollars to pay back the debt? They had no idea how, but this was still better than dying in Dario’s hands. “Agreed?!” Dario shouted, not satisfied with their earlier reluctant answer. “Yes, we agree,” Bruce’s shaky voice trembled, his head lowered. “Yes,

Meanwhile, as Richard drove back to his villa, two black jeeps suddenly blocked him in front of his car.Richard quickly stepped on the brake to avoid collision. His brows furrowed, wondering who they were and what they wanted from him. Almost immediately, two men stepped out of each jeep and walked to Richard’s mirror. *knock* *knock*One of them nonchalantly knocked on his window, asking for him to wind down, and he did. With a glance, Richard could guess they were one of Delilah’s men. “Good evening, Mr Richard,” one of the men greeted and bowed. “The war goddess has summoned you. Please, you have to come with us, right away.” Richard’s brows furrowed deeper, wondering what she wanted from him at this hour that couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Plus, he’d rather not be in the same space as her.“Whatever it is, can’t it be delivered as a message?” Richard asked. “No, Mr Richard. Please, kindly, come with us.”Richard heaved a sigh, clenching his jaw. He parked his car and deci

***The following day, Richard woke up to his ringtone echoing loud in his ears. When he checked the time, he realized it was already late in the morning. He yawned and quickly answered his phone. “Good morning, Mr Richard,” a familiar came through. “Trust you had a good night's rest.”“Good morning, Ms Janae,” he greeted back and sat up on his king sized bed. “Yes, I did. Thank you.”“I was hoping you’d be free tonight…” she paused, “my family is hosting a banquet. We’re launching our new hotel, and I’d like you to come as a guest.”“Thank you, Ms Janae. But…”“You can just see this as a way of saying I'm sorry, considering how the auction went the other day…” Janae quickly said before he declined. “You don’t have to apologize for that,” Richard began, proceeding to decline the invite again, but Janae saw through him and quickly interrupted.“I knew you’d decline, Richard,” she said, sounding a bit too casual. “Actually, I found one of the rare herbs you’ve been looking for…”She

Later in the evening, Richard prepared to go for the banquet as planned– If for no other reason than to get the herb. He was still not over what had just happened a few hours ago. How could they have uttered such heavy accusations against him?? It was as if even Uncle Wilson didn’t completely believe that he was innocent. But Richard decided not to use words to prove his innocence. He would find who was behind this and make them regret ever being birthed. Would it turn out to be one of Richard’s enemies?Richard arrived at the venue and made his way to the grand hall of the hotel where the event was taking place. “Hey Richard?!” Janae called, scurrying towards him with a warm smile. She leaned in and greeted him with a light kiss on both cheeks. Richard stiffened for a brief moment as her gesture was far too familiar given their relationship, but he schooled his expression and accepted the greeting with a composed nod. “Thank you for coming,” she said.“Don’t mention, Ms Janae

Richard arrived at Blackridge a minute to eleven p.m. The entire area was dark, and quiet as no one lived there. It was more like a ghost town. Just as the clock ticked eleven, a searing, blinding light pierced through the dark, flooding Richard’s vision. The glare came from multiple trucks hurtling toward him at very high speed. Richard knew it was Cane and he had brought men. He calmly watched their vehicles speed toward his, and he shook his head in pity of their future doom by his hands. Just as swiftly as they approached, they screeched to stop, leaving a calculated gap between them and Richard’s car. In perfect harmony, the doors of the trucks flung open. Over two hundred armed men stepped out, the sounds of their boots leaving a sickening sound echoing in the air. “The herb must be so important to you, I see,” a voice came from behind the men. And soon enough, Cane made his way to their front. Richard stepped out of his car. Just then, Richard noticed a