The Unexpected Heir

Unexpected

Chapter Seven

Alice's voice trembled with surprise as she reacted to the unexpected turn of events. "This is too sudden. I wasn't expecting this. Things shouldn't be done like this," she exclaimed, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

On the other end of the call, the manager's voice was firm and decisive. "I'll like to end the call," the manager declared, creating a somber atmosphere. The businessmen locked eyes, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding, before simultaneously nodding their heads.

"We have to greet our other business partners," Mr. Martin suggested, breaking the tension in the room with a calm and diplomatic tone.

"Yeah, we will see you around, Ms. Alice," the crowd chorused, their voices filled with a mix of sympathy and uncertainty. As they dispersed, Alice found herself standing alone with Michael, her heart sinking as the bitter realization of her business's grave situation settled in. The weight of it all made her appear lost, her gaze wandering aimlessly.

Her voice filled with disbelief and frustration, Alice internalized her swirling thoughts into words. "How did that happen? Like, how can they pause the contract? I didn't do anything wrong," she muttered to herself, the lingering confusion evident in her tone.

Charlie stood before her, a triumphant smirk on his face. He had played her like a fool, and now her company was on the brink of ruin.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," he said, his tone mocking. "I suppose you're wondering how I managed to pull this off. It was quite simple, really. I simply contacted the company and informed them of your little scheme. They were more than happy to put a stop to it, and now your company is in tatters. I have to say, it's been rather enjoyable to watch you squirm. I'm sure you never expected to be outsmarted by me, but it seems I'm not as foolish as you thought."

Alice could barely breathe, the shock of what had happened weighing heavily on her chest. She had worked so hard to build up her company, and now it was all falling apart. And it was all because of him. She wanted to scream, to rage at the injustice of it all. But instead, she merely stood there, feeling numb and defeated.

She turned to Michael, her expression offering a faint smile that seemed to mask her underlying worry. "You said you're familiar with the owner of the company, right?" In her voice, a plea for assistance was tinged with desperation. "Can you help me talk to him? Please, I really need your help here. My company is done if they decide to withdraw," Alice confided, her voice quivering with the threat of tears.

 Michael shifted uncomfortably, realizing that he had put himself in a difficult position. He had never actually met the CEO of the company, he had simply wanted to look important in front of Charlie and othera. But now, she was counting on him to make things right, and he was in over his head.

"Sure, I can help. Just a call will bring you back to your feet" Micheal replied.

Michael picked up the phone, his hands shaking slightly. He knew he was in over his head, and he didn't know how to get himself out of it. He hesitated for a moment, then dialed his father's number. The phone rang once, twice, three times, and then his father's voice came on the line.

"Hello?" the father said, sounding slightly annoyed.

"Hi, Dad," Michael said, his voice trembling. "I need your help."

The father sighed, clearly not thrilled to be getting a call from his son at this hour. "What is it this time?" he asked, his tone impatient.

Michael took a deep breath, gathering his resolve as he prepared to approach his father with a request. "A friend of mine needs your help, father. You know the owner of C&C, right?" he inquired, his tone conveying a mix of apprehension and hope.

His father's response was prompt, tinged with curiosity and a hint of warning. "Yes, what happened? Are you in trouble with them? You better not be," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of caution.

Michael breathe out, his voice laced with both concern and urgency. "They paused my friend's contract," he revealed, delivering the news with a sense of gravity.

His father's response was immediate, filled with a mix of surprise, frustration, and disbelief. "How is that my business? Did you think I can help? It's like you're out of your mind," he exclaimed, expressing his skepticism and concern. He continued, his voice tinged with accusation, "I know you made a fake promise to her. Did you think I can help, knowing fully well how mysterious his background is? Have you forgotten how everyone has been avoiding getting into trouble with them? You aren't in your right senses," his father concluded, ending the call abruptly.

"Alright, father. Thank you very much," Michael replied with a polite smile, fully aware that his father had already hung up the call.

"My father promised to help, don't worry about that. It's sorted out already," Michael reassured Alice, a gentle smile crossing her face as she reached out and took hold of his palm.

"Thank you very much, I am very grateful," Alice expressed with genuine happiness in her voice, appreciating Michael's effort and feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

After a brief pause, Michael responded with a forced smile, concealing the turmoil within. His dreams of marrying Alice had been shattered, as she had originally intended to divorce her husband and start a new life with him. Now, that possibility seemed impossible. Thoughts of being tied to a failed woman filled his mind, deepening his frustration. Not only was her personal life falling apart, but her business was also crumbling, serving as a reminder of her failure as a business partner. As these discouraging thoughts consumed him, a disturbing plan began to take shape in his mind. A sinister smile emerged as he left, driven by an unsettling determination. He vowed not to back down until he had a taste of her, even if it meant resorting to something as vile as rape.

"Mr. Michael," Alice says with a sense of urgency, catching his attention. "I'll be back in a jiffy, I need to visit the restroom." Michael nods his head in acknowledgement, a friendly smile forming on his lips. As Alice heads towards the restroom, Michael reaches into his pocket and retrieves his wallet. With a calculated glance around the room, he carefully pulls out a small vial containing a mysterious substance. His eyes dart back and forth, ensuring no one is watching his clandestine actions. Finally, he discreetly places the vial into Alice's untouched drink. Unknown to Michael, one of the observant waiters happens to notice his suspicious behavior. Aware of the potential danger, the waiter swiftly rushes towards the area where the Charlie butler, is stationed.

The waiter's voice seizes the attention of the observant butler. "Sir," he declares urgently, eyes filled with concern. "That man over there is attempting to drug hid partner." The butler's gaze swiftly follows the waiter's pointed finger, revealing Michael. Recognizing him as associates to Alice, the butler's face tighten with a mix of shock and worry.