George’s POVI returned home from work feeling on top of the world when I found Susan watching the news about Patrick, looking sad and downcast. Don't get me wrong, I didn't enjoy seeing my wife upset, but I needed her to view Patrick as the villain in this situation so that I could regain my peaceful family back."Can you see now why I often argued with you about Patrick?" I began, hoping to plant doubts about him in Susan's mind."I had my suspicions about him for a while. It's one of the reasons I canceled the contract with his company when I discovered he became the new CEO. He's nothing but a criminal – a drug trafficker!"I lied to make Susan believe that Patrick was not a good person. She remained silent, looking a bit lost."I never trusted him when they announced him as the CEO of Royal Empire Estates. I did some digging and found out that his uncle, the former CEO of the company, helped him get out of prison, where he was serving jail time for drug trafficking and murdering
Patrick’s POVAt my office.“She hung up on me” I said sadly to Sebastian who was with me when I picked Susan’s call. Sebastian replied, “I am really sorry that things turned out this way, Patrick. Mr. Stephen is doing all he can to take the news down. I wish you had told Susan the truth when I asked you to."Sebastian said.Feeling defeated, I sighed and said, "She sounded so hurt and upset."Sebastian continued, "Our main concern now is the upcoming board meeting in three days. You can explain things to Susan afterward.""Alright. Let's just focus on the matter at hand."Sebastian, Trisha and I have been working tirelessly in the office, brainstorming our minds on how to retain my position as CEO.We had set up several meetings with each shareholder, trying to prove to them that I was innocent and would be needing their help once the need for a vote arises.But some of the shareholders kept canceling our meetings, refusing to see or hear from us. I guess Mr. Smith had reached out to
Stephen's POVI never expected things to go south this way. I was sure I had everything covered, but the way things turned out shocked me.With my team of experts, we were able to divert the media's attention from the matter by refuting the evidence and claims and took down everything relating to the incident from the net.Patrick called me late at night to inform me of their own findings. I smelled a conspiracy with this 'Alex Johnson' personality.I contacted old friends I knew who could help me trace or identify this new shareholder but all efforts proved abortive.What was I going to do? We had less than three days before the scheduled date."What are you doing outside the balcony, dear. It's really cold out there." Stella, my wife, called out from the bedroom."Go back to bed, my love. I will join you later." I urged her, feeling apologetic for making her come outside the balcony."Why don't I stay here with you so that you can share your problems with me? Remember a problem shar
Patrick's POVThe day was finally here. I tried to remain calm and confident as I was preparing for work but failed miserably."You can do this, Patrick." I tried to self motivate myself from heading out.I glanced at my phone, checking for any messages or notifications from Susan. I had called her several times and even dropped messages for her but she neither picked or replied to any of my messages.I missed her and Isabella so much. I haven't even had the time to visit them due to the situation at hand. I hope to get this done quickly so that I could go and see them and explain things to Susan.Immediately I arrived at the company and stepped into the office, all eyes were on me. Everyone kept quiet while I walked past them. I could see some of them staring at me with contempt.Trisha came and welcomed me immediately, "Good morning, Mr. Patrick.""Good morning, Trisha." I replied.I saw Sebastian also entering the office a few minutes after I did. We exchanged pleasantries and the
Patrick's POVEveryone was staring at the flash drive Mr. Smith was holding, their curiosity piqued.Mr. Smith handed it over to Mr. Berkeley who smirked at me before inserting the flash to a system connected to a projector.To my disbelief, I saw a video of me five years ago exchanging drugs for money discreetly in my neighborhood.The video captured the incident clearly and I became bewildered.Who took this video and kept it for five years! Why wasn't this revealed in the news too? Did Mr. Smith deliberately kept it to be used for today?Mr. Stephen had informed us earlier that he was able to find out that the news was leaked to the press from a mail linked to our company.It clearly meant that someone from the company, most likely Mr. Smith gave that video to the press. He really did save the best for the last."What do you have to say regarding this video? Would you also deny that you were not the one in the video? Or should we get a video editor to check the authenticity of this
Alexandria's POVIt felt good to be the center of attention. The anxiety and nervousness of these men were something I enjoyed.My decision could change the position of one man: Patrick Gale.I made a quick glance at him and noticed that he was also staring at me. If only he knew how much I had anticipated to be here to see him.I happily casted my vote on him retaining his position as the CEO of the company. I knew my 10% shares were the only hope he had. I felt like a wonder woman at that moment.After the system recalculated the result, I heard several groans and muttered curses being directed at me. I get that a lot, so I wasn't affected by them all.I couldn't help but smile when I saw the happiness in Patrick's face. He looked at me directly and mouthed a 'thank you' of which I smiled back.I did all these for you, Patrick and I wouldn't mind doing more. Purchasing 10% shares of a renowned company like Royal Empire Estate was no small feat. My actions cost me a huge chunk of my
Susan's POVFor a few days now, I have been experiencing mood swings. Patrick had been calling non stop, Isabella's tantrums had been getting on my nerves and George's....overly concerned attitude was becoming too much. He just couldn't do without informing me every second how horrible Patrick was.At a point, I had to block Patrick's number from my phone and one time, I snapped at Isabella over her incessant cries. It was becoming just too much.I have been following the news regarding Patrick and as usual, like what every other companies would do, his company claimed that it was nothing but a false rumor to tarnish Patrick's image.Of course they would say that, even though it was so clear and obvious with the evidence displayed.In no time, they had taken down the news and the media's attention was soon diverted into another gossip of a renowned celebrity whose wife found out he had been cheating on her with his secretary and they even had a child together.The people might have fo
Patrick's POVSusan was furious with me, and I completely understood her anger. I had done some terrible things during our marriage five years ago, and I never confided in her about them.I was doing my best to explain myself, but she wouldn't listen. Her anger reached a point where she called the police on me when I insisted I wouldn't leave until she gave me a chance to explain myself.I felt terrible, but I couldn't give up trying. I had to leave and come back again. I was determined to make her hear me out. Legally, I still had the right to see Isabella, our daughter, but I didn't want to force that right upon Susan. Instead, I wanted her forgiveness."Suzy, I won't leave until you give me a chance to explain," I declared loudly from her front door.Things at work were stable, thanks to Sebastian and Trisha, so I had the time to come and try to make amends with Susan."Daddy!" I heard Isabella crying from inside and calling out to me. It broke my heart that Susan was unwilling to