RESTORED HEIR

Chapter 8

For hours, Jacelyn remained in her room. Her eyes were swollen, an evidence that she had been crying.

Francis went to the door, placed his head on it and said. “Jace, you’ve been in there for a long time. I understand how you feel but let me in. Other great opportunities will come again, your family do not worth your tears and worries.”

Soon the door knob turned and Jacelyn allowed him in.

“Francis, I feel terrible. Great opportunities? What opportunities can be greater than this one that I have lost with Celestial Brand and now, I am also jobless. My Mom will make life unbearable for me.”

“I have heard enough, I’ll bring your food now or you have to divorce and marry one of the men your Mom wants for you.” Francis laughed.

“Do I blame you? Of course not!” Jacelyn smiled and watched him leave the room.

In a jiffy Francis was back with the tray containing her food. Slowly, she ate.

Francis watched her closely. Inwardly he said. ‘For your tears and swollen eyes, your family will not go unpunished.’

On the other hand, Keren and Thompson were angry and their feet felt heavy as they made their way to Paul’s apartment.

“Grandpa need to understand us. Are we really going to beg Jacelyn? Will he fulfill all the promises he made to her? Despite hearing her love bond with Silas secured her the contract, he still wants her back.” Keren voiced her concerns.

Thompson interrupted, “The deal is important to us, it will change our life for good. We have to beg her.”

“I hate Jacelyn,” Keren said painfully.

Soon they arrived at Paul’s apartment.

“Bang!!!

A loud knock came from the entrance door.

“Who could be at the door?” Queried Jacelyn.

“I have no idea,” Jacelyn replied and also shook her head.

After eating, she fell flat on the bed, looking clueless.

“Don’t you think we should get our apartment? To protect your feelings and emotions, I think we should consider getting one.” Francis spoke.

He was tired of living with the Carls and the way they treated his wife always got on his nerves.

Jacelyn cleared her throat. “I understand you but that won’t be as easy as it sounds. My earnings won’t be enough to get an apartment, settle the bills and you know how Mom wants a huge amount of money by month end all because she claims to carry me in her womb.”

“Everything will be fine. If my family members see me as the black sheep of the family then I will live with that till the love they had for me before returns.”

“And if the love doesn’t return?” Francis asked with an arched brow.

“Then I will accept my fate.”

Jacelyn uttered with a shaky voice.

“Where is Jacelyn?”

A loud and feminine voice rang out.

“That’s Keren speaking. Why is she here again?” Jacelyn uttered, fear and pain evident in her voice.

Quickly, with Jacelyn leading the way, they went to the sitting room.

“Why did you come here again? Haven’t Jacelyn given you all the documents you need? Get out.” Clara flared up.

Her act angered Thompson and Keren but they remained calm. If they refuse to carry out grandpa’s task, then they will be good as dead.

“Jacelyn, we are here for you. Here are all the documents you gave us earlier. You should continue the process.” Thompson uttered.

Jacelyn was confused.

“Is that all you have to say?” Francis asked. “Tell us the reason for this act, you are not nice and we all know it.”

“Don’t speak ill of my husband!” Keren warned.

However, Francis ignored her.

Jacelyn added, “There must be a reason for this and if you can’t say it, take the document and leave.”

Keren was shocked by Jacelyn’s confidence.

“Celestial Brand made it clear that the deal has been terminated because they will work with only you. You alone can fix this,” said Thompson.

“Really?!” Jacelyn’s lips parted slightly.

“I knew it.” Francis laughed, the mockery in his tone was audible. “Didn’t I tell you they will regret their actions and ask you for forgiveness? They need you more than you need them.”

“Please, speak to Silas and the new boss so we can retain the deal.” Thompson pleaded.

“Not so fast! Can’t you see her swollen eyes? It is because of the emotional trauma you made her go through. How do we fix this?” Francis crossed his hand over his chest.

Jacelyn and all those present couldn’t help but stare at Francis concurrently. They wondered what he was driving at.

Thompson frowned, “What do you mean? Grandpa has sent us here. Disrespecting us invariably means you are disrespecting grandpa.”

“I never knew.” Francis laughed. “You are here because of what you stand to gain from the deal with Celestial Brand. I just saw the videos of how you were both thrown out of the company. My wife won’t get the deal back without any compensation.”

“Francis…” Jacelyn said with glints of confusion evident in her eyes.

“This thing can’t be dictating to us, Jacelyn. If grandpa hears of this, he will be mad at you. Get the work done now.” Keren announced.

Francis looked at Jacelyn. “Have you forgotten how you cried profusely because of what they did to you?”

“Hmm,” Jacelyn expressed.

“How do you want to pay them back? They have no choice than to do as you say because they can’t afford to lose the deal with Celestial Brand.”

Keren stood akimbo, “Can’t you mind your business? Stay out of our family’s affairs. You pauper.”

“You are in our house, I won’t have you speak to my husband in this manner. Give me some days to think about it.” Jacelyn uttered and turned to leave.”

“Delay is dangerous.” Thompson uttered fearfully.

“To continue this discussion, then kneel before her to show your remorse.” Francis said calmly.

Quickly, Jacelyn added coldly. “Francis deserves an apology too so kneel.”

“How dare you?” Keren yelled.

“Wonders shall never end,” Clara whispered as she looked at them.

Paul who had just woke from sleep came to the sitting room, he was surprised to see them all.

The presence of her father made her remember how he was treated like a stranger in his family all because they tagged him worthless and useless. No one respected him, including her mother. This was the time to put a smile on his face.

“I know you are very stubborn and cunny. All the promises made to me concerning this deal must be fulfilled in the next one hour and in addition, henceforth, my father must be one of the board of directors of Carlton with twenty percent shares allocated to him.” Jacelyn said authoritatively.

“Huh!” Thompson was dumbfounded.

He blamed Keren for the point they were, he assumed that if she had kneel earlier, the situation wouldn't be so complicated.

“That’s final. Your wife has to kneel,” uttered Jacelyn.

“I will never do that.” Keren screamed and turned to leave.

Yank!

“Ahh,” Keren winced in pain.

Thompson pulled her hair and pushed her towards Jacelyn.

“What are you doing?” Keren looked at Thompson coldly.

Thompson pointed, “Do you want to forgo your monthly allowances. Kneel and apologize to her.”

Keren wouldn’t survive if she stops receiving her monthly allowances. Quickly, she fell on her knees.

“Jacelyn, I am sorry for speaking to you and your husband in that manner. Please forgive me! In fact, forgive all of us. I am sorry, please get the deal for us.”

Jacelyn didn't give a reply.

Francis cleared his throat, “Go! What are you waiting for? You heard all she said about the promises made to her and the issue about her father’s share. When you are ready to give it to them, you can come back but for now you have overstayed your welcome. Leave.”

Rage boiled within Keren but there was nothing she could do. Then she stood up.

Francis pointed to the door, Keren and Thompson left.

Clara looked at Francis. “It will be so foolish of you to have thought that grandpa would agree to those conditions but I must commend the way you humiliated Keren and Thompson.”

Francis remained indifferent.

“Thank you, Jacelyn.” Came Paul’s calm voice.

“Francis deserves the thank you, not me. He made me know my worth.” Jacelyn smiled.

“He deserves nothing. All this won’t be happening if he was useful and wealthy.” Clara heaved and fixed her gaze on the television. "The thank you should go to Silas Anthony. Sorry I mean the New Boss.”

“The new boss?” Jacelyn whispered.

She has never met him. How can he be the reason for all this?