Casper was asleep when he felt spiders and cobwebs crawling all over his body. Despicable. It seemed like a bad dream so he opened his eyes yet the strange things were still crawling all over his body.
The room was pitch black so he couldn't see anything but felt a strange presence. He could still feel the cobwebs all over his body and decided to deal with them before the intruders.Telling from the scent, he knew there were at least four women. He turned on the light but rather dimly, grabbing a hand caressing his body and holding it firmly in his big palms as he glanced at the woman who was all smiles and half-naked. There were three more and he instantly knew what was happening, letting out an irritated grunt. "How can your palms feel like cobwebs? Get out!" He said calmly."But your grandpa…" the lady wanted to explain but Casper wouldn't let her. He already knew and felt even more irritated, though there was no sign of it on his face."Do you want me to help you out?" His deep but calm tone made her quiver with terror. They had been well informed about their client for the night and couldn't risk it."No, no, no," the girl said in a panic-stricken voice, urging her counterparts to put on their clothes and run out of the room. Instantly, Cathan and Caleb run-in with confused expressions."They've been here for barely five minutes. Did you finish already?" Caleb suspiciously asked. This was the pleasure part they looked forward to so much and Casper ruined it just like that. Also, those girls were hot."Did you ever think I was going to play his game?" Casper asked humorlessly. He had everything planned except one thing. That woman who saved his life. She was the only one he wanted to see at this moment. Cathan and Caleb were stunned. "What are you implying?" Cathan asked. They never guessed that Casper would play tricks with the pleasure part. It was something he had looked forward to since he turned eighteen."Just wait and see," Casper stood from the bed and draped a robe over his half-naked body. He was used to sleeping either naked or in his boxers. Tonight, he was lucky to not be naked. When the girls hadn't arrived by 9 pm, he thought grandpa had changed his mind and fell asleep. Now, the sleep had cleared from his eyes. Before he could pour himself a drink, his phone rang and he answered the call. As expected, it was grandpa. He gazed in the direction of Cathan and Caleb and then tapped on the speaker button."Casper, if your sexuality isn't confirmed, the handover isn't happening," grandpa said sternly. Casper was calm and gulped down a glass of martini while Cathan and Caleb exchanged worried looks. Casper seemed to be defying the old man since he woke up, which was unlike him."I told you to send pretty girls but what did you do? Those girls are too ugly, their hands feel like cobwebs. Sorry, they couldn't turn me on. You can do better grandpa, I have high taste in women so I'll be waiting," he said and ended the call.Cathan and Caleb, who had been trained just like Casper to not smile, burst into a storm of laughter. They laughed till tears formed in the corner of their eyes. Casper needn't explain. They saw how hot those girls were so if Casper said they were ugly, then it was only because he didn't want to do it."Your style of handling grandpa is really funny," Caleb said amidst laughter but Casper still had on his emotionless face. Something was eating him up."I know but you have to help me find the footage. It's my only chance to find her."Cathan and Caleb exchanged suspicious glares but neither of them spoke a word, only nodding in acknowledgement.Two weeks passed and Grandpa had sent at least two women each night, hoping to meet Caspers' taste. As smart as Casper was, he would reject them on the spot if they were less than four. If four of them came, he would call them ugly. Since his reasons for the rejection seemed reasonable to Grandpa, he couldn't force him. He rather got tired of searching for virgins and said, "Find just one woman who meets your description of beauty and I'll allow you to take the test with her but in the meantime, you have to take up the position of the CEO and also handle the conflicts with the mafias." Grandpa was old and the challenge with the mafias had kept him from the company. New conflicts arose all the time and he was exhausted by it all.Casper felt a new form of serenity but was also disturbed. He hadn't been able to get anything substantial about the footage. All his search including the people Caleb had paid to get it turned fruitless. Whoever cleared it must be very experienced. Casper only hoped that the person doesn't use it against him or his saviour in the future. All he had was the knowledge that a girl saved him without an image accompanying it. It was very saddening.******"Worker bee, let me take you out for lunch," a male voice rang at the entrance of Jenna's office. It was Maxwell, the chief operations officer. He had a strong liking for Jenna the moment he saw her but Jenna finds him suspicious."I'm not hungry Max, but thanks anyway," Jenna politely declined his offer with her head buried in work. She has tried her best to look intimidating and not to attract any guys. Since she began working at the Blade Towers, her light brown hair was always held in a bun, her shoes less than two inches, her dress below her knee and nerd glasses to make her less attractive but no. Maxwell was still bothering her.Maxwell seemed to be losing his patience now. For two weeks, he had constantly asked her out every day but she refused him. When he bought her lunch, she would leave it untouched or give it to the janitor. Maxwell was losing his patience because he wasn't getting the closeness he needed."There is a limit to rejection Jenna, you are making me a laughing stock. Please don't get me angry," he said with irritation.Jenna paused with her work, his words sinking into her subconscious mind. She had shown him all the signs that she wasn't interested and thereby felt offended by his statement. She decides on who she wants to be friends with and would not be forced. "Or what? Don't you have anything better to do than pestering me?" She sounded harsh and didn't have any regrets. "Jenna. Be careful with your words. I can make you lose your job with just a snap of the finger," Maxwell threatened her. He seemed frustrated, which only made Jenna suspicious so she decided to keep avoiding him. Whichever way, she couldn't accept being threatened, though he was a rank above her. Jenna was used to being the bossy one and she still hadn't gotten it out of her blood and raged,"Almighty Maxwell, controller of the universe. Get out of my office. As you can see, time isn't a good friend of mine." Maxwell was about to respond when a bulky man with a round belly walked in. "What are you doing here, Maxwell?" He didn't wait for an answer and turned to Jenna. "Jen, it's good you're still here. The old man has arrived and we're having a one on one. Make sure your reports are intact. A little tip. His grandson is taking over from next week and since today is Friday, you won't close till the old man is happy with your work.""Since Monday is the day of handing over, he doesn't want any surprises and you only have an hour to get ready," the deputy CEO rushed all out.Jenna felt her heart drop. There was no escaping the old man today. She nodded and turned back to her computer just as Maxwell rushed out of her office. He wore the same frustrated look."Is he alright?" The deputy CEO asked Jenna."I think you should ask him. I have just an hour to get ready, remember?" The bulky man understood and was about to walk out of her office when she asked, "His grandson. Do you know anything about him?""No. His identity will be revealed to us on Monday, and to the media afterwards. The Blades never reveal such things before time, the rumour being that the heir is always unknown because not everyone could pass their training."Jenna felt a cold frightful shiver. "What training?" She asked, taking off her nerd glasses. If Kate was around, she would have begged her to get information from Cathan.The bulky man bent to her sitting level and spoke in a whisper. "This is a mere rumour but I heard the old man gives them brutal assignments that could lead to their death. If this one is qualified, then he must be worse or just like him."Jenna swallowed tightly. If not because of Eve, she wouldn't be walking on eggshells today but she would make her pay. She still hoped that the grandson would be better than the old man so that she could work longer to make enough money. "Hopefully, he would be better than the old man right?"The man shook his head. "It seems you are not listening. I heard he's a replica of him. I have to go now. My meeting is in ten minutes," he said and rushed out. Jenna was sitting on pins and needles. The only way to survive was to ensure that there weren't any loopholes in her report. A few minutes later, Maxwell returned with a document in hand."This is urgent, Jenna. Sign it for me to submit right now."Jenna paused and stared at the document in his hand. Beads of sweat had begun forming on his forehead. "That document is at least ten pages and I have less than an hour. I will sign after I meet with the old man," Jenna said politely while putting her nerd glasses back on."Don't you understand the urgency? Must you read everything?" Maxwell looked like he wanted to strangle her. It was such a shame that she wasn't watching him. "Alright, let me sign it," she said after thinking shortly through it and lifting her head to meet his relieved gaze. Maxwell quickly opened the signature page before placing it in front of her. Jenna flicked back the pages but before she read anything, he snatched it from her."I told you not to read it," he sizzled. A fog of confusion covered Jenna as she said, "then I can't sign it."Maxwell was so agitated that his face turned red from anger. He only needed Jenna's help because she was in charge of quality control but she was making things difficult. "Don't tell me that I didn't warn you, Jenna. You will pay for this," he hissed and stormed out, demoralized.Jenna was slightly terrified but recalled her meeting with the old man, quickly disregarding what had just happened. Thank God his grandson was taking over. She still hoped that he would be less eerie than the old man."You are very meticulous in your work. Keep it up," The old man complimented Jenna after reviewing her report. Jenna smiled but couldn't keep calm. Even with a compliment, it sounded like a reprimand because there was no smile on his face and his bodyguards made things worse with their presence. The office was already complex but their presence made it heavy. "I try my best sir, thank you." She responded politely. She couldn't help but notice the man's pupil from the distance, which looked so dark that it reminded her of someone. The thought of that dying man gave her shivers. His eyes were so scary and seemed so similar to that of the old man. "You can take your leave," he finally said. Jenna was relieved and walked out of the office. It wasn't as bad as she thought. For as long as she did her job well, she was sure to not face any unforeseen challenges. It was good that she took Kate's advice. She hadn't called Cathan since then and felt the need to call and thank him. The deputy
"Jenna, are you alright?" Kelly was the first to reach her. She wasn't one to attract attention in any way therefore, it was a surprise for everyone, except those who didn't know her closely because they weren't from the same department. Max smiled deliciously. The genius Queen was embarrassing herself in front of both the old and new CEO. She wasn't special after all. Since Jenna had proved hard to get, his attraction towards her had turned to loathe. Jenna was tight-lipped, enduring the pain upon realization that the man didn't recognize her. Instead, she nodded her head in the affirmative, clenching her teeth stubbornly and refusing to access the level of the damage caused. From the sipping pain, she knew she was going to have blisters if she didn't immediately apply first aid but she didn't want any more attention."Get the janitor to clean this mess," the deputy CEO said to Kelly before turning to Jenna again."Do you need to go to the hospital?" Jenna glanced at her leg sharpl
The next day when Jenna entered the elevator, disdainful gapes followed her. Her greetings and usual morning courtesies got no response. Even the deputy CEO and her team mates gave her the cold shoulder. She couldn't think of anything she must have done to deserve this till Kelly, the company gossip arrived. "Jenna, the new boss, was raging this morning. Why did you do it?" She asked in a worried tone. Jenna was even more perplexed. "Do what?" She asked with innocent eyes."Are you denying it?" Kelly asked, but politely. "Jenna, Mr Blade will see you in his office, don't keep him waiting," the deputy CEO said in a warning tone, interrupting their conversation. His usual warmth around her was all gone, which made her understand that something was wrong but Kelly wasn't ready to speak about it anymore. "You should go," Kelly urged her on. Jenna couldn't ask anymore, following the direction to Caspers' office with so much confusion. She still hasn't been able to ascertain what
Cathan was getting worried. Casper must be hallucinating about that girl he claims to save his life, taking her for Jenna. "Casper, have you asked her? You were unconscious when we brought you to the hospital. It's possible that your suspicions were inaccurate," he said carefully. They were cousins and best friends but he was still his bodyguard. "What are you implying?" There was agitation behind Casper's calm tone but Caleb has been busy with something on his ipad, paying them no attention."That you ask her before showing appreciation to the wrong girl," Cathan advised. He still felt that Casper was mistaken but his next words gave him assurance that he was well aware of his words and actions. "I'm not stupid Cathan, and I won't do anything till she admits it. Who knows, she might know about the surveillance too. Do you think that the old man will give up just like that?" "Ahhh, at least you are still in there. I was beginning to think that you lost your mind," Cathan said casua
Jenna woke with a startle. Checking the time, it was almost midday. She could feel her heartburn with fear. "I'm so sorry Cathan. I found it difficult to sleep before...." "Casper has limited patience, don't abuse it," Cathan spat before the call ended. Jenna was deflated. She didn't intend to oversleep. Next time, she would have to set her alarm. She had a quick shower and put on a simple office dress, rolled her hair up into a bun, securing it with a hair clip, slipped on her nerd glasses, then her less than two inches shoes. In less than ten minutes, she was panting in her office. She checked her handbag for the videotape to give Casper as proof when a knock was heard on the door. She jumped with both shock and fright when she saw Casper standing there with that emotionless mask. "Come with me, Miss Nova," the calmness in his voice scared her, recalling what Cathan had told her. The man was both attractive and dreadful. Somehow, she began to think of perfect revenge on Drak
Casper left Jenna in a state of confusion, as she walked back to her office. The two bodyguards at the door couldn't take their eyes off her, wondering what had happened in Casper's office. Jenna had entered as a nerd but came out looking like a superstar. They couldn't draw a link between their cold and aloof boss with this manager who had gotten into trouble just yesterday. She felt their curious gazes on her back but couldn't care less. She had faced the worst gaze ever and survived, thereby being grateful for the relocation of her office; if not, voices would have accompanied the gazes, as she felt different from her usual self. That frosty Casper had a knack for beautiful things which was unexpected. Jenna couldn't comprehend how she felt over what he had just done to her, having admitted that she was the least dressed in the company but her look now, only brought back memories of her past she wasn't pleased about. When she opened the door to her office, she was met with her te
Casper was testing her. All along, he watched how she fringed with fright, increasing the distance between them. Her behavior betrayed her. As expected, Jenna began to speak without thinking. "It was you?" Her brows were lifted in both shock and panic. All this while, she succeeded in convincing herself that Casper's resemblance to the dying man was a mere coincidence. Casper nodded his head in the affirmative, her heart rate erratic. "But how did you know? That man was unconscious. Even when he opened his eyes, the room was dimly lit. There's no way he will recall and there's no way he could be you," she ranted on, then stopped suddenly as if recalling something. "Wait, he said his men were going to send him to the hospital in the morning. Are those your bodyguards?" She asked but more of self-realization. Casper kept on nodding. "Well, I wasn't sure before but I am now," he maintained the usual calmness. Jenna felt like a fool. She should have denied it but went on blabbing. Wh
Confusion apprehended Jenna, her mind went blank. Casper knew all along that she saved his life so that explains all his kindness towards her but right now, she didn't know what to do. He was attractive but what next? They were both single anyway so did it make it right for him to get into her pants? What about Eve and even Drake? And oh, the hit and run driver who was never caught, her father's body which was also not found. "I..." "Before you speak, I have something else to tell you." Casper didn't want to leave any stone unturned. He was very honest. "What is it?" Jenna was getting more bizarre. What could be worse than what he just said? "We can't have anything to do with each other afterward. Grandpa has a woman arranged and I have to get married in six months. Therefore, I can't promise you a stable relationship but I promise to keep you safe and do anything you want, so what do you say?" Why did those calm words hurt her so much? She needed him to make Eve and Drake jealous