002“My daughter, Aurora, wants to get married,” Mr. Harthaway began. “But the man she’s chosen… I don’t trust him. He’s wealthy, yes, but arrogant and spoiled. The kind of man who sees people as things to collect.”Malcolm frowned. “And you think I could change her mind?”Mr. Harthaway smiled faintly. “She’s stubborn, but not blind. I believe if you can just spend time with her, she’ll see your worth. I want a man with integrity for my daughter. Someone who’s not after money or power. Someone like you.”Malcolm looked down at his worn shoes and then backed up at the wealthy businessman sitting beside him in the car. “But sir… I’m just a broke secretary. I don’t have anything. How could I possibly compete with someone who has it all?” He asked.“You have more than you realize,” Mr. Hathaway said. “You have tolerance. Not every man can do that. If it were to be young men your age, they would lashed out and insulted their boss. But you didn't. You’re humble, hardworking, and kind. I se

004Mr. Harthaway cleared his throat.“Malcolm, meet me at my office tomorrow morning,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “We’ll talk about your future there.”Malcolm nodded gratefully. “Yes, sir. I’ll be there.”But the moment felt too peaceful. Too good. And as expected, it didn’t last.Anthony, the man Aurora had once wanted to marry, scoffed loudly. His face became angry as he pointed a finger at the whole family.“You all will regret this,” he spat. “You think he’s better than me? You’ll see. Don’t come crawling back when he brings shame to your name!”With those words, he stormed out of the living room, slamming the door behind him.Aurora’s brothers, clearly alarmed, exchanged glances and chased after him.“Anthony, wait! Calm down, let’s talk about this!” Alvin called out.“We’ll sort it out, man!” Belvin added as they disappeared through the door.Malcolm stood still, piecing things together. It now made sense. Anthony must have been close to the family.Maybe even like a bro

006The banquet hall buzzed with murmurs and side glances. Guests whispered behind champagne glasses as Malcolm stood beside Mr. Hathaway and Aurora.His plain suit couldn’t hide how out of place he looked among men in silk and women in diamonds. But still, he stood tall and confident.“That’s him? The one engaged to Aurora?”“He looks like a waiter.”“I heard he used to be a low-level secretary.”Malcolm overheard some of the whispers but chose not to react. He reminded himself why he was there. This was his chance at redemption and revenge.Just then, a man walked through the crowd with calm elegance and a warm smile. His hair was greying, but his posture still carried power and grace.The guests made way for him to pass signifying that he was a man of importance.It was Mr. Wade—the former vice president during Malcolm’s father’s administration.He was again hit by nostalgia which each step Mr Wade made towards them.Mr Wade was Malcolm’s Dad’s best friend. A man who watches Malcol

008Malcolm sat at the edge of his bed, staring out the small window of his modest apartment.The morning sun had barely risen, but his mind had been awake all night. He kept thinking about his parents, about everything that had been taken from him. The pain still lived in him, deep down. But now, for the first time in years, he had something else, hope and a plan.He pulled out a notepad from his drawer and began writing down his goals. At the top of the list: Justice for Mom and Dad. Beneath that: Rise to Power—One Step at a Time.He had already taken the first step. He began hiring private investigators using money he secretly received from his parents’ lawyer.The lawyer had promised to keep his identity hidden until Malcolm was ready to face the world as his true self. Until then, Malcolm was going to keep trying to power.To him it was also an opportunity to rise without his father’s name being the cause.He purchased a few thrift business shirts and pants to maintain his reput

010Malcolm woke up early, the weight of the divorce yesterday still sitting heavily on his chest.He knew the road ahead would be harder now. No wife. Just a dream that burned inside him like fire.As he was buttoning up his shirt, when his phone rang. It was Mr. Hathaway.“Hello, sir,” Malcolm answered, trying to sound steady.“Malcolm,” Mr. Hathaway said softly, “I wanted to speak with you… about Aurora.”Malcolm stayed quiet.“I heard what happened and I'm truly sorry. She regrets nothing,” Mr. Hathaway admitted and continued. “But I want to apologize for her behavior. She didn’t have to be so cold and pretend to love you”“It’s okay, sir,” Malcolm replied. “I understand.”“I was hoping you’d consider coming back. Maybe give it another try?” he asked.Malcolm paused. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, Mr. Hathaway. But I think it’s time I stand on my own. I’ve got things I need to do. Important things. And I can’t afford distractions right now.”There was a long silence.“I