Chapter 7

• Harold's expression stiffened, a hint of anger flashing across his face as he sat across a man who appeared to be in his fifties Alfred Austin, Harold's father. In a condescending tone, softly spoke.
• "Mr. Gilbert would have been a great asset to you and all of Roldsets," he said calmly, glancing at Harold, who, despite his disdain for his father, composed himself.
• "He is the rotten apple in all of Roldsets, and I can't stand by as he continues his ways," Harold said, his father flinching at his cold tone, knowing he had no right to challenge him. He had failed Harold, and Harold was only tolerating him due to his self-discipline.
• "I believe you know what you're doing, and I am proud of you," Alfred muttered, his eyes fixed on his balance rod. Despite wanting to ignore his father, Harold's heart ached instead. "I would bring some vodka," Harold said, walking towards the bar in his office suite. "I would prefer champagne. It's been years since we sat down together; let's celebrate it," his father said, and he nodded. After all, it hurt nobody to sit with their father.
• Melanie Hill, who had dropped the Austin name after her divorce from her ex-husband, walked coldly into her son's company. Her well-controlled steps showed where Harold had gotten his refined gait. Melanie ignored all greetings until she reached the top floor in an elevator.
• "Ma'am is here, sir," Harold's assistant informed him over the phone. Since his mother hadn't followed the company rules to wait for the office receptionist to inform him, just a few seconds after he received his assistant's call, his mother barged into the room. Her look was so threatening as she carefully moved in front of her ex-husband, whose eyes weren't angry but rather filled with unspoken warmth.
• "What is he doing here, Harold?" she asked, picking up the champagne bottle and tossing it beside the door. Harold moved closer, trying to appease her, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.
• "You pushed us away. How dare you come to him, Alfred?" she shouted. Harold pleaded with his father, helping him up and restraining his mother, who screamed and yelled until they watched him leave the room.
• Harold watched his mother calm down, her elegant hair disheveled and her makeup a mess. She sniffed back the remaining tears and moved closer to Harold, hugging him as he held her, thinking about the past pain.
• He was young but had felt the hurt to his soul, understanding that his mother had felt it even more. His father seemed to be a changed man, but he needed more time to make his mother see that.
• "Jay, come and get my mom home," Harold said over the phone to his PA. By the time Jay arrived at the suite, Melanie had fallen asleep. A woman with heartaches who survived through alcohol, Harold took her down to the parking lot and gently laid her in her white Mercedes. "Get her home safely and contact me when she wakes up," Harold instructed his PA, who nodded and pledged enthusiastically to look after her.
• With his wealth, how could some things not just work for him? Harold thought. From his parents and their failed marriage that had affected him more than he could acknowledge, to Annie's rejection.
• He felt a painful pang in his head and his ego bruised the moment Annie said to him, "I need time to be ready." He had reluctantly let her go. With his skills, he had never believed any girl could turn him down as Annie did. Right before fate brought them together, he could have a threesome with any girl of his choice, and heaven knows he hadn't been nice to them as he had been with Annie.
• He brought out his phone and swiped at the screen, texting a random verified lady's page on Instagram, 'Can you make it to Koltex Hotel in ten minutes?' he composed on his keyboard and clicked send. After a few seconds, his phone chimed. Opening the screen, he read the lady's message: "Oh yes, I'm on my way." He stood up abruptly, adjusting his dress, and walked out of the suite. He had never lacked pleasure, and soon he would have Annie. He would give her everything. It just seemed as though nobody could quench his thirst except Annie. He smacked his lips the moment Annie's full breast popped up in his mind, and her pinkish parts. His erection stood, reminding him of why he wanted her so much.
• It had been days since he last had any contact with any other girls. He had thought he would be quick to defile Annie, but she wasn't an easy one. She hadn't forgotten about their contract, right? He asked himself, entering his car. Instead of the left route that lead to the hotel, he followed the right that led to Annie's mansion.
• "How are you feeling now, ma'am?" Jay asked politely, helping Melanie Hill up from the bed. Her eyes felt heavy as she forced them open, lazily moving towards Jay. "Get me water," she uttered, dragging herself out of bed. Jay arrived with the water, placing it to her mouth as she gulped it down.
• "Where's Harold?" she asked, standing up and walking to the bathroom. She was consciously aware of the comfortable night wear, and she instantly sent a daring look at Jay, who stood up abruptly. "I was standing outside the door when the maid changed your clothes," he uttered, and Melanie's gaze softened.
• "Wait in the sitting room; I'll be out in minutes," Melanie said, entering the bathroom before Jay could respond.
• After an hour of waiting, Jay stood up from his seat, unable to get his curiosity out of his head. He stepped towards the sitting room, looking closely at the pictures hanging and positioned around the place. He laughed at Harold's childhood pictures, but a particular picture captured his attention more.
• Melanie Hill looked absolutely perfect in her high school uniform, her innocent face tugging at Jay's heart. The no-nonsense chairwoman had once been so sweet and happy. He wished he could hug her, whisper to her that she didn't deserve all the hardness in her life. He wanted to tell her too that she was so beautiful. With their age difference, he knew he would be damned to woo her, but the truth was he liked her. He had known behind that cold gaze was a heartwarming smile.
• "Can you take me out?" Melanie's voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked back at her fine figure, her perfect elegant dress. Sometimes he found it hard to believe this same woman birthed his boss, and that he was attracted to a 48 year old woman.