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Chapter 103: The Verdict
The thirty-minute recess felt like forever. Inside the courtroom, whispers filled the air, the journalists at the back already drafting headlines even before the judgment was delivered. The sound of shuffling papers, murmuring lawyers, and tense breaths blended into one restless hum.When the court clerk finally called everyone to order, all eyes turned toward the entrance. The judge, Justice Okon, re-entered the room, his face unreadable.“Court is now back in session,” he announced, taking his seat.Bohemia sat in the dock, flanked by two police officers. His once-pristine appearance was now marked by exhaustion; his neatly combed hair was ruffled, and dark circles sat beneath his eyes. Yet, even now, he tried to wear arrogance like armor.Across the room, Michael Ainsley sat beside his lawyer, Barrister Nathan, his expression calm but firm. He knew this was the day that would end years of betrayal, lies, and manipulation.Justice Okon looked at both sides. “Counsels, we shall pro
Chapter 102: The Fall of a Giant
PresLead Holdings was dying.The once-mighty conglomerate that controlled half the city’s energy and real estate sector now lay in shambles — its stock value down by over seventy percent, its investors pulling out one after another. The grand glass building at the city centre that used to glitter with wealth and pride now stood half-empty, its lobby quiet, its logo stripped from the marble wall.With Bohemia Mason, the CEO, behind bars, there was no one to steer the sinking ship. The man he had appointed to act as interim head, a certain Lewis Cramer, had already resigned after two disastrous weeks, citing “unbearable pressure and hostile investors.”The government financial board declared PresLead Holdings officially bankrupt and placed it on sale.But while the world saw a fallen empire, Michael Ainsley saw something else — an opportunity to close the final chapter of a rivalry that had consumed too much of his life.He didn’t need the company. His own group, Ainsley Group, had mo
Chapter 101: Breaking the Silence
The press conference room at Donovan Industries Headquarters was packed to the brim. Cameras flashed endlessly, journalists murmured among themselves, and microphones lined up like soldiers on the long table. At the centre of it all sat Michael Ainsley, his posture straight, his face calm — composed as ever.Behind him stood three of his top senior executives, including Mrs. Janet Oduah, the company secretary, and two board members who had served for over a decade.The rumours had spiraled out of control since Clarissa’s promotion. It was time to put an end to them.Michael leaned forward slightly, adjusting the microphone. The noise in the room died instantly.“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone measured but firm. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.”He paused briefly, allowing his gaze to sweep across the eager faces in front of him.“I called for this conference because of the stories currently circulating in the media,” he continued. “Stories su
Chapter 100: The Media Outburst
By morning, the whole city was talking.The news of Clarissa McCann’s unexpected promotion had spread like wildfire — from business blogs to radio shows, and now to national TV. Every headline carried her name beside Michael’s.“AINSLEY GROUP MAKES HISTORY: CEO ROLE HANDED TO FORMER PERSONAL ASSISTANT.”“IS LOVE IN THE AIR? MICHAEL AINSLEY’S BOLD MOVE RAISES QUESTIONS.”Some praised the decision, calling it a victory for merit over pedigree. Others mocked it, saying Michael had lost focus, blinded by affection.At the Ainsley Group headquarters, the atmosphere buzzed with tension. Some employees were genuinely happy, calling Clarissa’s story inspirational. But others whispered behind closed doors, claiming she didn’t deserve it.“She’s lucky, that’s all,” one accountant muttered in the hallway.“Lucky?” another replied. “She’s worked here ten years, without scandal, without drama. If anyone deserves it, it’s her.”“Oh, please,” the first scoffed, “let’s not pretend. You think the b
Chapter 99: Old Feelings
The drive home was quiet. Sophia didn’t say a single word. She sat stiffly at the back seat, eyes fixed on the dark road ahead, her mind spinning faster than the car’s tyres. Victoria kept glancing at her, trying to read her face.When they finally got to the house, Sophia pushed the door open sharply and walked straight in.Victoria followed behind. “Sophia,” she called. “What was that back there?”No answer.Sophia tossed her purse on the couch, kicked off her heels, and walked straight to the bar cabinet. She pulled out a bottle of red wine, poured it into a glass and took a long sip, breathing heavily through her nose.Victoria folded her arms. “You better start talking. Why did we have to leave in the middle of the event?”Still silence.Sophia turned and walked toward the window, staring out blankly. The night sky looked heavy with clouds, but her mind was heavier.Victoria groaned. “Sophia! Are you even listening to me?”When her sister still didn’t respond, Victoria moved c
Chapter 98: The Birthday of Comcern
It was finally the moment — the night of celebration for Clarissa.She stood by the corner of the hall, laughing softly with two of her close friends, glasses of wine in their hands. The light shimmered gently across her face; she looked simple, elegant, fulfilled.The hall was already half full and still filling. It was one of those grand halls at the city centre, decorated with gold drapes and bright chandeliers. Every single thing here — the food, the music, the lighting, the gifts, was sponsored by the Ainsley Group, all in her honour.It was a night she never imagined would come.But not everyone in the room saw it as pure celebration. Whispers floated around in quiet corners.“Three days off, now a whole party again?” one voice murmured.“I swear, if Mr. Ainsley isn’t interested in that woman, then why go this far?”Another voice replied almost immediately, “He’s been single for over a year since the divorce. Maybe he’s finally seeing someone.”Clarissa didn’t hear any of that
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