CHAPTER ONE

The venue was decorated elegantly with dark, glowing colors that complemented the flashy dresses worn by the guests. Keith Thompson graced the hall with his demeaning presence. He stood out perfectly amongst the guests, dressed impeccably in a black fitted three-piece suit that clung to his muscular build. His short black hair was slicked back, and his black piercing eyes watched the woman at the other side whose blonde hair bounced up and down her shoulders as she moved gracefully through the room. That woman was Sheila Hockings, Keith's new wife. She tagged behind her mother greeting the guests. 

The wedding was exactly how Sheila dreamed it to be, and Keith made sure to make it to her pleasing. Now the weight on his fingers where the ring lay served as a reminder of the success of this day. 

Keith had many things to be grateful for, like his skyrocketed business. He was now a man with a net worth of a hundred and ten million dollars, all his years of striving with businesses, taking risks with his investment, it finally paid off. One moment he was cashing out, and then getting the woman of his dreams.

Sheila Hockings was a beautiful woman whose presence radiated everywhere. With a bright smile and unmistakably elegance. She was graced with a body to match her look. 

"I thought you said Sheila wasn't going to marry Keith?" 

"That's what I heard too. But like they say, money could change anyone's mind."

Sheila's head snapped up as the words reached her ears. She straightened up, turning slowly to face the two brunettes with a fixed smile, her eyes narrowed on them. "Did you say something, ladies?" 

The two brunettes squirmed in their seats, looking anywhere but at Sheila as they mumbled their disagreement.

Sheila's smile grew, with her nose scrunched up. "I thought so too. Enjoy the party ladies." She took to her heels moving to meet her mother.

Mrs. Hockings took her attention from the waiter to her daughter with an unwavering smile she asked, "What got you down your high horse, dear?" 

Sheila growled under her breath, reaching for a glass of wine and drowning it in one go. "These low lives just doesn't know their places"

Her mother chuckled, "You better put that smile back on, you've got eyes on you."

Sheila looked over her shoulder to meet the gaze of her so-called husband watching her carefully as he spoke to some guest. He raised a brow at her in question and she knew he saw her drinking so she rolled her eyes in response, sending a bright smile his way and instantly Keith's shoulders relaxed and returned her smile.

Sheila moved her gaze back to her mother, "It's taking forever." She whined.

"Don't worry. It's just a matter of minutes." Her mother said but Sheila doubted that.

Keith kept his smile on as he walked past the guests heading towards his wife who stood at the end of the hall, gossiping with her mother.

"He's such a hunk. I'd kill to have a man this rich as mine."

He heard someone whisper, causing him to roll his eyes. But before he could walk away another  whisper echoed into his ears.

"What did you think of this marriage just right after he became rich?" 

He frowned, stunned with what the person said. But he didn't have time to react as he got preoccupied by a loud banging sound and rowdy noise.

Keith's brows drew together and his eyes darted quickly across the room to find Sheila and his panic eased a bit when his eyes found her. 

"Having a party without inviting me is rude."

Keith was certain he had never heard that voice before.

"What are you doing here, Frank?" The voice belonged to Mr. Hockings, half the guests were already on their feet watching the commotion.

"It's a friendly visit, right boys?" The moment the man Frank said this, the crowd of men he brought along scattered all over the place and began making a mess. The sound of shattering glass and shrieks filled his ear and he moved closer to the commotion.

"Stop," Keith ordered, his voice booming across the hall. "Leave before I call the cops." He threatened with a frown.

The man that stood before Keith was about six-foot-one and probably in his late thirties. He stood unshaken by Keith's threat, instead, he began laughing. "Watch your tone, I might get offended." Frank said, "And why should I leave when I only just arrived?" Frank smirked.

Keith growled with anger, "I won't say this again Mr. Frank, leave."

Frank took a step closer to him. "Or what? You'll call the cops?" laughter echoed through the hall. "I want my money back and I mean all of it now" Frank demanded, with finality.

Keith frowned. Money, what money? He peeped cluelessly over at the Hockings who were simply watching from the corner.  "How about we discuss somewhere private?" He offered hopefully.

Frank smirked, then said, "Nah, I'm sure my boys wouldn't want to miss out on the party," an echo of screams and chaos followed. 

How much could the Hockings owe this person for them to remain this quiet? 

"But you could always consider my offer and let me hold onto your assets for you and maybe that beautiful daughter of yours too." Frank continued, with a sly grin. 

Before Keith could speak, Mr. Hockings appeared and grabbed Keith then said, "Give us a minute, Frank," Mr. Hockings pulled Keith into the corner the Hockings were hiding.

"Keith." Sheila sobbed, "You have to do something. They are going to take me away." 

He patted Sheila's back, then turned to face her parents. "How much are we talking about?" 

Mr. Hockings' gaze hardened, "One hundred and fifty million"

His eyes grew wide. That much? Why on earth would they borrow such an amount and what for?

"I...I..." he couldn't find the right words to say.

"Please, Keith. You don't have to pay it all at once." Sheila spoke up, looking up.

"You have a hundred and ten million right, I'm sure we should be able to use that to buy time." Mrs. Hockings said suggestively.

He frowned, stunned. They were asking him to use up all his money. He couldn't do something that crazy…

Mr. Hockings interrupted his thoughts, "Are you suggesting they take my daughter away? What happened to your undying love?" 

"Of course not." Keith defended immediately, "But isn't this too risky?"

Mr. Hockings glared at him, "You should be ready to take that risk for your wife" "Keith…" Sheila whined.

Keith gulped down nothing then nodded his head in agreement, "Okay."

…

Keith trailed behind Mr. Hockings as they approached Frank, with his hand around Sheila's, offering comfort. 

"We'll pay a hundred and ten million now," Mr. Hockings told Frank.

Frank frowned, "That's not all the money."

"Just give us more time." Keith spoke up, wanting this to come to an end.

Frank shook his head. "No. I don't trust you Hockings and..."

"Then you should trust me, Mr. Frank. I'll take responsibility for paying you the rest." Keith smacked himself inwardly, but the words were already out.

Frank stayed quiet and after a moment, "Fine, but I'll be back." Frank glared at them then called his boys over and exited  the hall. 

Sheila visibly relaxed beside him and began crying. "Thank you, Keith." 

"You are a good kid." Mrs. Hockings said, wiping her eyes.

He glanced at Mr. Hockings who simply offered him a small nod. With Sheila's arms around him mumbling thanks into his ears and showering his face with kisses, his heart pounded with worry, and couldn't bring himself to relax as he thought about what he just got himself involved with.