RESTORED HEIR

Chapter 9

Francis turned to enter the kitchen when Clara's voice rang out.

“Get ready, you'll take me to my friend’s wedding anniversary in the next ten minutes. Make sure the car is properly washed!”

Francis bowed slightly and left.

After washing the dishes and the car, Francis got dressed and waited for Clara outside.

Clara approached looking classy and elegant. She got into the car and ordered.

“Drive.”

Her proud character irritated him but he had to give her respect by obeying her orders.

When they arrived at their destination, Francis went out first and opened the door for Clara.

The event was held in an open space beautified by different kinds of flowers.

He looked around and saw so many people dressed in luxurious outfits.

“Congratulations dear.”

“You don't look your age at all, indeed your marriage is beautiful. Best wishes.”

“You deserve all the happiness and I wish you and your husband many more years ahead.”

Francis could hear people speaking sweetly.

Clara looked at Francis and said. “Wait in the car.”

For how long would he wait in the car? The event seemed to have just started.

Clara was about to say something when a couple approached her.

“Hi, Clara. You also came.” The lady smiled.

“Hey Lilian. Good to see you.” Clara said and went on to add. “This must be your husband.”

Lilian gave a nod. “Yeah, his name is Drake.”

“Lovely,” Clara said.

Clara waved at Drake and he answered with a bright smile.

Lilian was Clara's college mate. She hardly related with anyone who wasn't rich like her. Showing off was her hobby.

Clara knew she would still say something so she attempted to walk away.

“Hold on, Clara. Where is your husband?” Lilian asked.

Clara wished the ground before her would sink.

“H–He is busy and couldn't make it.” Clara replied.

“Busy?” Lilian looked at Drake and giggled. “Your husband doesn't have a job to the best of my knowledge. You are the pillar of the home and not him. What is he busy with?”

Clara was shocked to hear those words.

Lilian had more to say, “This must be your miserable live-in-son-in-law. How could you have allowed your daughter to marry someone like him? Haven't you learnt the hard way from the kind of man you got married to?

Lilian couldn’t stay out of other people's affairs. Clara was angry and Francis presence made it increase. After looking at Francis from head to toe, Clara said.

“You've said a lot,” Clara faked a smile. “As for him, my daughter will divorce him soon.”

“Take a look at his shirt, who wears that rag to an event like this?” Drake mocked Francis.

After Lilian gave an outburst of laughter, Drake held her hand and they went in to exchange pleasantries.

“Mom,” Francis uttered.

Without sparing him a glance, Clara walked away.

Swinging her hand in annoyances, she hit a lady's phone. The phone landed on the floor and it was completely destroyed.

“What have you done?” The lady screamed. “You did this intentionally.”

The lady was Lilian.

“No, believe me it was a mistake.” Clara said, feeling tense.

“I can't believe you. You destroyed my phone, you will pay.

“Hey dear, what's going on?” Drake asked as he came closer.

“My phone,” she pointed to the ground.

Drake picked the phone and glared at Clara.

“This is a customized phone with the ability to act as a CCTV worth two hundred million. You have to pay.”

“What?!” Clara widened her eyes.

‘I should have just stayed at home.’ Clara regretted inwardly.

Seeing people gathering at a spot, Francis decided to go over to know what's happening.

Lo, he found his mother-in-law pleading and apologizing.

“Mom, what happened?”

Clara managed to narrate everything to him.

“How do we fix this now?” Francis asked.

“Shut up, if you were useful, you will know how to fix this.” Clara yelled.

Clara pleaded with Lilian to pay for the phone in installment but she refused.

Sweat beads and worry were on her face. Thinking of how to fix this mess, she remembered Fred Santex who was one of Jacelyn's suitor. Clara knew if Fred intervened everything would be settled.

At a fast pace, she pulled her phone from her purse and called Fred.

Almost immediately, Fred answered the call.

“Hello, Mom. To what do I owe this important call.” Fred uttered politely.

He was determined to do anything to please Clara. Having her on his side means he would have Jacelyn at the end.

“I need your help. By mistake, I destroyed someone’s phone at an event. I have to pay for the phone and it’s very expensive. You are the only one who can save me now.”

“Just a phone?” Fred giggled. “Send me your address. I’ll be there in a jiffy.”

Clara sighed in relief and said. “I will send it to you after the call.”

The call ended and she sent the address to him. Next, she looked at Francis and shook her head.

“You are of no use to me.” I curse the day you came into our lives. You are not worth a penny, talk more of two hundred million.”

Was it a crime for Clara to also work and have her own money? If only she knew that two hundred million was nothing compared to Francis’ net worth. Francis remained indifferent.

Fred wasn’t different from other rich kids who flaunted their parent’s wealth.

“I will like to see him pay up the money.”

One call was all it takes to fix this but Francis remained calm to see how it will be sorted out.

Clara, who was worried and fearful, suddenly pointed at Lilian. “I believe you set a trap for me and I fell into it. Don’t worry, your phone will be replaced in a few minutes.”

Lilian pouted. “Since you are well connected, why don’t you consider using your power to fix the financial shambles of your nuclear family?”

Just then a young man in a black suit came over.

“Look, Fred Santex is here!”

Some people exclaimed.

“Mom. Hope I didn’t arrive late.” Fred approached Clara with a smile.

“Of course not. Better late than never.” She replied.

Clara explained further, “She claims the phone is two hundred million. She threatens to send me to jail if I don’t pay.

Fred widened his eyes. “Two hundred million? That must be a customized phone with sophisticated abilities.”

“Yes, you are right.” Clara replied.

“Holy shit.”

Fred cursed.

Fred knew anyone who used that kind of phone must be very wealthy. He gazed at Clara before racing his eyes through those present.

“Mom, I have to reach out to my father for help. I don’t have much in my bank account now. And I will help out if you promise that Jacelyn will marry me.” Fred uttered.

“Consider Jacelyn as yours.” Clara said confidently.

Fred looked at Lillian and said, “Ma'am, let's visit the store where you bought the phone, I will sort it out.”

Fred had sent his father a message but was yet to get a reply. Just to have Jacelyn as his, he didn’t mind paying the bills in installment.

“Let’s go then.” Lillian uttered.

“Do I have to come along?” Clara asked.

“That won’t be necessary.” Fred smiled. “Let Francis come along so I can show him how real men settle things.”

“Good!” Clara said.

“Don’t try to act funny, young man.” Drake warned as he and Lilian got into their car while Francis got into Fred’s own and they headed to the store.

Everything was back to normal at the event but the gazes fixed on Clara made her uncomfortable so she got into the car and drove back home.

Francis received a call from Jacelyn to ask when they will return so he can prepare the meals but he narrated everything that happened to her.

Fred didn’t spare him a glance and Francis remained cold.

When they arrived at the store, Drake led the way.

Francis sat at the reception and watched as the trio approached the cashier.

“Hello, I will like to have this kind of phone.” Lillian showed her broken phone.

“Fine but you have to make payment first because such phones are in our VVIP section.” The cashier replied.

“Miss, isn’t there an installment plan for the phone?”

The cashier laughed and said, “No sir!”

“Do you think we are here to joke?” Drake asked coldly.

Within the twinkle of an eye, Drake placed a call and some furious looking goons appeared before him. Making eye contact, they bounced on Fred and beat him up.

“Please…” Fred pleaded as wounds were all over his body with blood gushing out.”

Watching everything unfold, Francis placed a call to Williams. After the call, Francis received a mobile contact.

Francis dialed the number.

“Hello, who is on the line?”

“I am Francis Gad, the new boss. Andrew Claus, I am at your phone and gadgets store.”

“What?!” The voice on the other end exclaimed.

“Don’t keep me waiting. I don’t have the whole time.” Francis uttered and hung up.

“Boss”

A middle-aged man rushed out and yelled at the top of his voice. This act drew the attention of everyone present.

“Calm down!” Francis said with a deep tone.

Staring at him, he saw the young man’s resemblance with Pa Gad.

“Young boss, to what do I owe this visit.” Andrew bowed slightly.

“Young boss?” Francis arched his brow.

Understanding his expression, Andrew said. “What can I do for you, young man?”

“Go over there and settle the case, my mother-in-law broke a phone.” Francis said calmly.

Within some minutes, Andrew settled everything.

“You desire my wife, right? Francis stood before Fred who was wincing in pain.