The ICU unit smelled of antiseptic, strained life and the static consistent beat of the monitor.Benjamin stared at her daughter under white sheet with an aching heart, an oxygen mask over her head supporting breath she was losing fast because bone marrow infection was taking over.Aria's eyes flicked open. "Daddy...where is mummy?" Her voice came small, exhaustion palpable.The question cut something vital inside his chest. He forced a smile that appeared too thin to be genuine and sat beside her bed, carefully taking her arm in his palm."Mummy is coming." He said with a gentle voice. "She's on her way, baby." He gave out an assuring smile.But the moment Benjamin looked away from Aria, his smile was gone, replaced with worry."Where are you, Hannah." He whispered with a trembling voice, the weight of the situation pressing him to a corner where he only relied on hope and assurance. "Your daughter needs you." Minutes later, Dr. Chad walked in with a medical report that would shatte

Benjamin paused and turned back to meet Jackson Voss's gaze. "Grandfather Amos Hayes is dead." Jackson delivered like news bulletin headlines. Without asking, he continued. "He died last night. He made me promise him that I will find you wherever it takes." He paused. "He apologized for everything he'd done, for neglecting his responsibility justifying anger against protecting his son and grandson while putting them at risk." Before Jackson continued, he produced the Velvet Box again. "He asked me to hand this over to you," He stretched the box out to him. "Everything you need to know is inside." "I need to see my daughter." Benjamin said impatiently with the voice of someone who knew priority. Inside the Premium ward was a far cry from the regular ward: Cutting-edge machines and everything that suggested wealth transformed for survival. Aria laid on the bed, his eyes flushing with colour looking different in the way that lifted his spirit. Her innocent, delicate and soft s

Jackson nodded. "Yes, Master." "Go join them at the Hayes family house to follow the announcement," Benjamin said. "and tell me everything that happens there. Also I need compilation of my grandfather's inheritance."Jackson nodded. "The documents will be handed over to me by the lawyer as soon as the inheritance is announced. I'll send the list of your new estates."Benjamin nodded. A guard opened the door and he stepped down with Aria in front of Velvet Ember, one of the most expensive places in the city to enjoy time, a place where Benjamin couldn't afford in the past because one plate there would consume his six month salary.The place wasn't overrated. It was the same jaw dropping decors he'd seen in Ads before. Polished surfaces, crystal chandeliers scattering lights over patrons in different designer clothes and staff members in crisp white uniforms moving through the space serving patrons and welcoming others with a practiced smile.Cutleries clinked gently, conversation mi

Meanwhile in another restaurant which was no different from Velvet Ember where crystal chandeliers flaunt rainbow over patrons and expensive dishes, Hannah and three of her friends sat around a table nestled with expensive desserts and wines. Each of them wore designer outfits that seemed to compete for the costliest. Amara, dressed in the latest Fendi gown leaned forward, an intricate silver strap watch with authentic sapphire crystal as the centre piece catching the light on her wrist. She wriggled her hand as she flaunted it. "Ladies. Guess who gave me the latest Sapphire Crystal watch for my birthday gift. Custom label. $1 million dollars. Imported from Geneva." She said with flourish that overrated designer watch. She paused for effect that came with impressive nods from people accustomed with wealth. "Mr. Johnson. Chairman of X Enterprise. My new man. He's spoiling me." "I'm happy for you, Amara." Lizzy said. She was dressed in a silk burgundy gown embroidered with diamond s

Back at Velvet Ember, Benjamin Pocket his phone immediately he dropped Hannah's call and turned his gaze to meet the young woman at the back. Cassandra. She is tall, elegant in the way beautiful alone couldn't describe— Soft dark hair curled behind her back, white impeccable blazer that fitted her curves without tightening. For some seconds, Benjamin stared at her, taking in her striking features but he didn't linger on her. Cassandra's finger clasped in front of her pants, head slightly tilted down, her cheek flushed in embarrassment from the earlier exchange. "Thank you, Sir," She said, her voice small. "I will pay you bac—" "It's not necessary." Benjamin cut through her words gently. "and it wasn't your fault. She should have focused on the way instead of scrolling through her phone." Cassandra lifted her head gently, her beauty striking despite the sadness in her expression. "I thought no one saw it. I thought I was the one who was wrong. Always wrong." She said with a somb