THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 12

*****

There was a pause on the call.

The Kessington family, they'd think it was Luck, or maybe it was their own efforts skyrocketing their businesses. But they never knew it was carl, who they thought was rotting away in hellhole, backing their business, financing them with offshore accounts, moving powerful investors, every call they picked, every document they stamped, Carl was indirectly involved.

But the Same family had literally lashed his ass, his wife discarded him like shit, called him criminal while she was the real criminal.

Carl stood, the phone still pressed on his ear. He walked around the room, his steps calculated and slow like a predator lurking for prey.

Seraphina cleared his throat. “The $50 million Naira contract you asked me to sign for the Kessingtons under Lexicorp Firm, should I go ahead with it, Boss?” He asked, voice sharp and avid.

Carl stopped before the wooden window, back leaning against the janky wall in such a way his half Shadow bounced on the floor. His eyes were cold like something inside of him, long frozen had just snapped.

“It won't be necessary anymore, Seraphina. Cancel all current deals with Kessingtons. All of it. No shell accounts, no secret investors and close down the offshore accounts!” He said smoothly.

He could imagine Seraphina's surprise at the other end. The phone went silent for some seconds. Seraphina sensed it. The shift. This wasn't his boss...Hell! itwas him but this side of him, she'd seen it before. It is bad. Really bad. It was the kind of tones he uses when he's about to snap some springs.

“Boss,” Seraphina's voice was low, nearest to whispers. “The UPS, the power distribution equipment worth $200 million dollars is already on sail by freight as we talk now. Are you asking me to...”

Carl sighed as though he was tired Seraphina was asking much instead of doing exactly what he said but he understood, she knew how much he'd wired, his connections, every moves he'd taken just to push the Kessington to the Apex of power. Why was he pulling out all of a sudden?!

“Just do as a say, Seraphina. I'm no longer involved with the Kessingtons.” He straightened, stepping away from the wall.

Seraphina was shocked at the other end. Despite being his business assistant, Seraphina sometimes was his confidant with affairs beyond the business life. Concern laced in her voice. "Boss..what's the matter? Is there anything I need to know? I thought you were going to reveal to them that you're the “Nameless King” who'd been supporting their business from the shadow?” Confusion and concern etched in her voice.

Carl chuckled, a bitter laugh. Not hurt. Like he'd seen a forest invader stepped on the tail of a Black mamba— poisonous.

“They don't need me anymore, Phina.” Carl paused, scoffing, his voice low but burning. Not with hurt but something darker. “They called me criminal. Slapped me in the face right in front of everyone and Elira, she chose another man over me. There was no child, no pregnancy. She lied! Everything was schemed to have me tanked behind bars. They thought I was a nobody.”

There was a long pause on the line as Seraphina battled with shock.

Then, Seraphina blurted, her voice cracking anger with mix of disbelief. “They did all of that?! After everything you've done for them? Are they so heartless, welcoming you like that like you're a bad news?!” Seraphina's anger skyrocketed. Maybe it was because what she heard was inhumane or she was bittered that after everything Carl had done for them, they paid him back in such a cruel ways.

“Boss.” Seraphina voice was low but it was dangerous, like a snake hissing venom. “Whatever you do, they deserve it. 200 fold, they deserve it too. They betrayed you, called you a criminal!”

She continued, her voice darker. “Should I have your lawyer reinstate the murder case? Have Elira's ass pounded in prison with her family's. And all the funds, the contracts, the secret deals and the protection you've given to that family, should I have everything pulled away before nightfall?!”

A heavy silence followed. Dead!

Carl smirked, one hand jammed in his pocket, stride slow and deliberate like a judge measuring a criminal sentence. “Phina,” He called, voice a low growl. “I'll handle this.” His eyes burns with anger. He snapped. “Have a divorce paper prepared. I'm cutting the last thing binding me with the Kessingtons. I want it ready tomorrow morning. I'll deliver it myself!” He said and turned away from the window.

“Immediately, Boss." Seraphina responded Sharply, voice softer now but razor sharp.

Carl paused, eyes glinting with curiosity. “What about the picture I sent you? Juliana. What who is she? What did you find about her?"