CHANGING THE GAME WITH THE CASHFLOW SYSTEM

Drama in the kitchen.

Inside of Mr. Frank's office speaks for itself– Professional mixed with elegance.

The polished desks that caught the soft glows of light from the ceiling, the shelf seated on the pristine flooring, resting against the white wall. It was occupied with files of both past and current patients. And on top of the shelf rested acrylic awards and award trophies in gold and silver reflecting subtle glows from the light– a testament of his achievement in the firm.

He slumped into his chair and pulled out his phone, tapping on it sharply.

He put the phone on his ear as he dialed Jemina's number but it was Mason, her cousin who picked the call.

“Mason? Where is Jemina and what are you doing with her phone?"

Mason's voice came from the other end, polite and calm. “She forgot it in the office so I went to retrieve it.”

Silence fell on the line. Mr. Frank tapped his finger on the desk, his mind reeling. He's the curious and desperate type that takes interest in even little things especially the case of Blake, the useless son-in-law of their family

How the heck did he afford $47,000!!!”

“Hello sir, do you need to speak to her? You can tell me, I'll surely deliver the message.” Mason broke the silence, his voice pulled him away from the thoughts

Mr. Frank leaned forward and cleared his throat. “ It's not really an important matter but–” He paused as if reconsidering. Then continued. “Is anyone giving Blake money? Or did anyone fund his bank account recently?”

“That sleazebag?! Worthless son-in-law?! No one, sir!! Pa. Walter had warned everyone never to give him a penny. Even Jemina.” Mason cut in immediately, his hatred for Blake evidence in his voice.

Mr. Frank nodded gently, pondering. Something is definitely amiss. “Alright, Mason. Thanks.” He dropped the call and leaned back, swirling on the chair gently.

His mind reeled.

Blake. He could have stolen the money or he could have lent it from loan sharks. Those were his conclusions.

*****

The next morning at Walter's mansion.

Blake didn't hit the sack, enough. The evidence could be seen from the bags under his eyes.

The running of water from the tap above the kitchen sink echoed all over. He was rinsing one of Matriarch Walter's expensive glassware which was used to serve important guests at the birthday yesterday then it happened– Disaster.

He had once heard the woman talking about how significant the crystal plate is to her when one of her rich friends came visiting. He also heard her saying it cost $10,000.

A single plate costs that much? Blake had wondered in his thoughts.

Blake was careful with the plate or maybe he wasn't really careful or maybe he was still feeling fatigued from yesterday's stress or it was the sleep.

As he turned to keep the crystal plate in the china cabinet, it slipped from his hand like a banana peel and hit the sink with a sharp clink.

A gasp escaped his mouth, raw and dry. His hand shot forward to grab the plate but it was too late.

The crystal plate, the fine ware that Matriarch Walter takes so important like a relic, the single plate that cost $10000, it crashed to the ground and shattered with a sickening clang. The shards spilled all over the marble floor.

Blake gasped. His lips parted as his jaw fell. His eyes widened. First, it flashed with shock because he wasn't expecting the ruin and then the thought of what Matriarch Walter would do when she finds out. His heart raced with fear.

The water about the sink was still running, splashing against the silvery surface but the sound totally faded from Blake's ear. The wall seems to be closing in on him and his vision narrowed, only to the mess on the floor.

Oh God!

The door of the kitchen swung open.

Blake raised his head sharply and there she stood. It was Matriarch Walter.

She looks cold as ever, eyes sharp like hawk's and her face contorted with anger. The woman had never smiled at him. Not even once.

“What noise was –” She was asking when her gaze fell to her floor, to the ruin.

A deep frown strained her face. She raised her head and when Blake saw the look in her eyes, he knew he was dead!

Matriarch Walter's eyes were burning with rage. She clenched her fists at her side and her teeth gritted.

“You broke my precious plate!!?" Her voice echoed like a vocal slap, filled with rage.

Blake's lips parted. But no words came from his mouth. Her lips were rather trembling.

“I'm so–”

“You are sorry?! Are you mad!!?" She barked, anger dripping from her voice.

Before Blake could say another word, Matriarch Walter's hand swung in the air and a thunderous slap connected to his jaw.

Parrr!!

Blake stumbled backwards but he braced himself just in time.

“Are you crazy!!”

Her voice was very loud, sharp and harsh. It echoed all over and attracted other members of Walter's family to the kitchen. Jemina inclusive.

Mason stood at the door. His eyes widened when he saw the shards on the floor.

“What!! Mama's favourite plate?!!” He looked at Blake. “You careless idiots!! You broke Granny's precious plate!! You're going to pay for this!?"

Mason's words seem to anger the women the more. Truly, the plate was her favorite.

Blake's cheek was burning red from the slap but he won't take it– for someone like Mason to talk to him carelessly. Mason is just 18. Blake is far older than him.

“Watch your mouth Mason. You don't talk to me like that!” Blake warned.

Matriarch Walter snapped. “What!? Are you going to beat him now?! Do it and see what happens?!!" Then she pointed to the floor. “This plate costs more than your useless life and it is more precious than your life!? ”

The woman turned and hissed at Jemina who had been watching the drama, her face dropped, looking embarrassed.

“You see what the riffraff you call a husband cause?! I told you to divorce him. He's a leech! A scumbag!! He'll only ruin your life to the root! We have rich, ambitious and powerful men with visions out there but you chose this thing!” Matriarch Walter waved at Blake like he's a piece of shit.

The words hit Jemina like a wave and snapped her nerve. The words hurt– the last more than the first.

They always rub it on her face everyday. How the reputable CEO of the Walter group married a leech, an ordinary and worthless man for a husband who couldn't help her career.

Jemina's voice came brokenly, under the hurtful and condescending words of her grandmother. “Granny–”

“Not today Jemmy!! She cut her voice, her voice slicing like a blade.

She hissed. “Look at him! A man who couldn't handle a common glass ware, how is he going to handle a marriage?!