The next morning, the Jefferson Group was unusually alive. Whispers filled the air as staff caught sight of Jordan walking into the building, alive and steady, with Doris Okeke trailing behind him like a shadow.Some staff paused mid-task, their jaws falling in disbelief. A few whispered under their breaths, others stole glances, and some even nodded in relief as though a heavy load had been lifted.Doris herself was almost dazed. She clutched a tablet close to her chest, scrolling through data she had dug up since last night about her new boss. She had thought she knew Jordan, had thought his empire was limited to Jefferson Group and iNet Group.But as she read through the list of assets, subsidiaries, and international partnerships linked to his name, she felt a shiver run down her spine.The man was a giant, controlling more than she had ever imagined.Most shocking of all were the quiet partnerships still tied to Bennett Industries. Doris leaned against the elevator wall, shaking

The wide glass windows of Bennett Industries reflected the morning sun, but inside Zoe’s office the air was heavy.She sat at her desk, eyes fixed on the computer screen though her mind was far away. Papers lay scattered before her, yet she had not touched them. Her fingers drummed nervously against the polished wood, betraying the storm brewing in her chest.The door opened softly. Esther stepped in, dressed in her usual elegance: an ash-coloured gown, gold earrings glinting faintly, her hair packed neatly.A calm smile rested on her lips, the same smile that had carried her through countless storms. She moved slowly, like a queen surveying her court, and settled herself into the chair opposite Zoe.“My daughter,” she began, her voice warm and measured, “why is your face like this? You look as though the world is ending.”Zoe raised her head. Her eyes were rimmed red, the strain of sleepless nights etched on her face. “Mum, the world is ending,” she whispered.Esther leaned forward,

The drive back from the mall was heavy with silence. Zoe sat in the passenger seat, her hands clutched tightly on her lap, her eyes darting from the window to her mother.Esther held the wheel with steady hands, but the firmness in her grip betrayed the storm running through her veins.Jordan’s words kept ringing in Zoe’s head. “Soon, very soon, that thing you’re hiding from the public will be exposed.” She shifted uneasily, her lips parting but closing again as though waiting for the right moment.By the time they entered the compound and the butler rushed to collect their shopping bags, Zoe could no longer hold it in.She turned sharply to her mother as they stepped into the living room.“Mum, what was he talking about?” Her voice rose with a tremor. “That thing you’re hiding… what did Jordan mean by that?”Esther dropped her handbag on the couch and slipped out of her heels, keeping her face calm. “Don’t let his words bother you, Zoe. That boy knows how to play mind games. He wants

The shrill tone of the private line broke the stillness of the study. Esther sat back in her leather chair, crossing her legs slowly as she picked it up.“Hello?” her voice was steady, almost bored.“Madam Bennett,” the man’s voice came tight with urgency. “It’s me. Your family lawyer.”Esther adjusted her grip on the receiver. “I know the voice. Speak.”He exhaled sharply. “Jordan Jefferson has him. The old family lawyer. The man who knows the truth about Ezra’s real will.”For a second, the glass of wine in her other hand almost slipped. She held it tighter, her nails pressing into the stem. “You’re sure about this?” she asked, her voice low, her chest suddenly heavy.“Yes, madam. From what I gathered, the man has already spoken. If Jordan has that information, he has enough to tear everything down.”Silence filled the line. Esther’s mind raced, her face stiff. Then, just as quickly, her shoulders dropped, and her eyes sharpened. She lifted the glass of wine, took a slow sip, and pl

Jordan stormed into Jenna’s apartment in a rush, Doris trailing behind him, his face drawn tight with worry.His eyes fell on Mr. Hansley immediately.The old lawyer’s shirt was still stained with blood, his side bandaged roughly, and he lay weak on a stretcher that the paramedics had just wheeled into the living room.“Oh my God!” Jordan gasped, rushing closer. “Are you hurt? Are you okay?”Hansley’s lips moved slowly, his voice faint but steady. “I’m fine… just a little wound by the side of my head.”Jordan crouched beside him, studying the heavy bandage wrapped tightly around Hansley’s forehead.His chest rose and fell quickly as though his body was still struggling with shock.Doris covered her mouth with both hands, whispering softly, “Jesus… they almost killed him.” Jenna stood by the window, her arms folded tight, her eyes darting between Jordan and the wounded man.The paramedics finished their work and advised rest before packing up their things and quietly leaving. Silence f