“Ha..Elijah...” Clara began, standing in front of Elijah who stared dead back at her. She rolled her eyes on him like he was watching a shocking report. Surprise flickered in her gaze— Obviously, she wasn't expecting to see Elijah...the diner boy of all people in a place like this— Century ‘21” of all places..and..not looking like this. He looks different. The suit..it was modest but her eyes lingered over it, like she was trying to read how much it cost.“What the heck are you doing here, Elijah?" Her tone was sharp, Screaming disbelief. Elijah scoffed, his eyes holding hers. Not affection. Not admiration. It was cold, uninviting, like he was looking at a guest draped wedding gown to a burial ceremony.“What I'm I doing here?” He snorted then continued with deliberate rudeness. “Of course I know you're not dumb and blind to see that they sell cars here...”“You're here to get a ride for your, boss? Or you've been sacked at the Diner and now You're slaving for some millionaires in

Martha's hand moved instinctively, propelled by the anger she had been restraining all along but it burst out in full force. She didn't hesitate, didn't hold back.Her palm slammed against Clara's face. The impact was loud, cutting across the hall sharply like a truck hit a concrete wall. Heads spun in the direction, and the hall hushed as patrons who were earlier engaging in light conversations with attendants had now diverted full attention to the scene.Clara stumbled, three steps backward, her heels scratching the marble while at it. Luckily, she caught herself the last moment before she could crumble to the floor.Her breath hitched, eyes popped wide, flashing with an expression of panic and disbelief. She doubled over, holding her face in disbelief. It was swollen, her mascara deterred, five finger prints raised on her face— fresh and raw.Elijah himself was slightly taken aback by Martha's sharp move.Derek pinned on a spot, his jaw slightly ajar, not knowing how to react to t

Just then, a poised woman walked to them, her heels clinking sharply against the marble like dagger on glass. Her eyes were sharp and perceptive, scanning the hall till she caught Derek. She draped a grey suit that fitted her just right. A brown envelope could be seen in her hand. The woman is Richard Vaughn's assistant— Derek's father, who is the CEO of Century 21.She bowed gently before Derek and greeted politely with a practiced smile. She stood straighter.“There you are, Mia. What took you so long? We don't want to annoy Mr. Langston Envoys." Derek smiled faintly, nodding in response.“The CEO is in a virtual meeting with his suppliers. That was what caused the delay, Sir. But he took a short break and had the necessary documents signed.” Mia held out the document to Derek. He collected the envelope and pulled out the papers and read through, nodding his head gently as he grasped the content. At the top of the paper is the heading: “Conveyance deed.” At the bottom, his father

“Have you seen who you're here to visit, Elijah?" Martha asked Elijah impatiently, her expression twisting slightly due to how uncomfortable the gown she wore felt— It felt really out of place for her regardless of the grandiose. She wasn't used to wearing such a body-fitting and resplendent gown but she had to wear it since Elijah wanted it for whatever surprise he has. What was more uncomfortable for her was the stares she was driving from onlookers especially men. Imaginarily, as the smoldering looks lingered on her body, she felt the zippers at the back crawling down, the metallic slider cold against her bare skin as though the gawking eyes from men staring shamelessly was stripping her bare. “God!” She muttered, finger pressed against her temple, her low, almost tired voice giving away her frustration. “I'm sorry, Mum. Just a moment, please.” Elijah who was mid-conversation with Evelyn turned to her slightly with a half yet genuine smile, obviously absorbed by the conversati

Elijah eased the BMW into the designated parking lot of Cityview Hall, the most popular shopping mall in the city.He cut the engine and leaned back into the leather seat.Already, Martha's attention had been captured by the towering mirror and steel shopping mall. She stared through the tinted glass window, watching as people moved in and out. As someone who had always wanted to have a big one, she couldn't help but admire the Mall with a smile on her face.Elijah glanced over with a smile. “I see you're still interested in possessing one.” He said quietly.Martha looked at him and smiled. “Of course, Elijah. I love business and business management. I have always loved doing businesses which was why I studied the course in the university.”Elijah nodded gently and leaned forward slightly.Before he could say something, Martha turned to him with a serious but pleasant expression.“I want to appreciate you for what you've done so far. You took us out of that rent and now you got me a C