Chapter three

CHAPTER 3

Just as Berlin made his way out of the apartment and stood by the sidewalk, a car stopped right before him and honked loudly.

Then the window slid down to reveal his father-in-law’s secretary, a man in his late twenties who acted like he owned the world and was better than everyone else just because he was the secretary to the third most successful automobile company owner in the world.

“What do you want?” Berlin snapped at him as he was still angry and the secretary looked him over from head to toe with distaste in his eyes.

“Get in the car 'cause you're coming with me. Mr. Rhodes wants to see you”

“I'm not coming with you so you can leave” Berlin retorted still angry and the secretary huffed in annoyance before he honked at Berlin who was now walking away.

Then he drove to meet up with Berlin who was still walking hastily and he honked even louder when he wouldn't stop walking. That gained Berlin’s attention and he stopped walking to glare at the secretary who smiled at him.

“I would advise that you follow me, Berlin. You have no idea what he wants to tell you and who knows? It might be beneficial to you so get in the damn car and let me take you to Mr. Rhodes this instant”

He told him and Berlin stood there in silence for a good fifteen seconds as he pondered on whether to listen to the insufferable secretary before him or not.

He finally gave in and made his way to the passenger seat and the secretary sped off, heading toward his father-in-law's house right after his daughter had just divorced him and cut all ties with him like he didn't spend seven years of his life in jail for her.

They finally arrived at the house and Berlin got out of the car just as the secretary did the same. Then the secretary led him into the house where Mr. Rhodes Walton waited to tell him only the lord knew what.

They walked into the mansion and the first thing Berlin noticed was the change of furniture and interior. The new look gave off a vintage vibe and slow music played in the background of the house from a turntable in a corner of the living room.

Berlin almost began to forget all the horrible turns of his life, he almost began to forget that he was now an ex-convict who just got divorced by the woman he loved due to the soothing music that played but the voice of his father-in-law soon snapped him back to reality.

“I see you were immersed in the music playing. I guess I made a good choice then” his father-in-law said as he walked briskly down the spiral stairs that led to the second floor above and Berlin didn't say a word as he watched him make his way to the living room where he sat and lit a cigarette for himself.

“Come over and take a seat, Berlin. You must be so tired after being in jail for seven years” his father-in-law said saucily before he dragged a puff from the cigarette he held and Berlin who was trying to keep his temper in check, folded and unfolded his fists many times before he made his way to the living room and took a seat.

He sat before Mr. Rhodes and gave him a blank stare as the old man watched him deeply and after a moment of uncomfortable silence, the secretary walked in with a tray of drinks and he placed it on the table before taking a step back to stand in the corner.

“I was told you want to see me. What for? If I may ask” Berlin went straight to the point as he wasn't in the mood to beat around the bush and he watched as his former father-in-law looked surprised.

He didn't know where he got the confidence from. Maybe it was the years he spent in jail that had made him more fearless or maybe it was because he wasn't his father-in-law anymore since Genevieve had divorced him and cut their ties as family.

He didn't know exactly what it was but he wasn't scared to look into the old man’s eyes and demand for answers. He didn't give a single care because life suddenly felt meaningless after losing everything that was dear to him in just a few minutes.

“Ah! You're curious, aren't you? I think jail has given you guts, Berlin. You never led a conversation before but then seven years is a long time. You’ve changed just as I have too” he replied and Berlin hung his head while sighing in exasperation. He desperately wanted the conversation to end already.

“I'm sure you already know what happened with Genevieve. I'm not your family any longer so I have no reason to be here which is why I would like you to tell me what you want so I can leave already” Berlin still stood his stance as he straightened his back and stared at Mr. Rhodes defiantly.

The old man laughed when Berlin was done talking and he took his time to turn off the cigarette before he leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and glared at Berlin who was waiting for him to speak.

“Yes, I'm aware that Genevieve divorced you, Berlin. I was aware of it before you were even released because I told her to do it and she agreed happily since she also wanted you out of the picture. Also, you were never family, Berlin. You were just someone indispensable that we would need to use at a point and you proved to be useful when you took the blame for my daughter’s assault case”

“Go straight to the point already” Berlin growled angrily as his anger got the best of him and Mr. Rhodes cocked his head to the side while amusement danced in his eyes.

“I'm getting to that, Berlin, you should learn to be patient” the older man retorted playfully even though his demeanor spelled danger but Berlin didn't care. He was too angry from the betrayal to think rationally.