CHAPTER 23

<p>Writer's POV<br/><br/> "I'm afraid you won't be able to go further in your exploit" The voice exposed.<br/><br/> "Why can't I?" He asked with a frown.<br/><br/> "He has a shield and you know we don't go after those with it" The voice countered.<br/><br/> "What shield or does he belong to a secret society?" He enquired with shock.<br/><br/> "He is as innocent as he appears. You would have succeeded two months earlier." The voice quoted.<br/><br/> "So why not now?" He asked frankly annoyed.<br/><br/> "Fate decided to favor him with a light in the form of a lady. If you must get him, the lady goes first if not, he won't be at your reach and your daughter will end up having an incompetent father." The voice resounded.<br/><br/> "What society does she belong to?" He asked desperately.<br/><br/> "From my view, she belongs to the highest authority which no one dares challenge. If you must get her, make her derail from her steadfastness and commitment because only then will you have the chance" The voice informed.<br/><br/> Charlotte's POV<br/><br/> "Who appeared lately in Damien's life?" My dad interrogated out of nowhere.<br/><br/> "I don't get you, Dad," I replied surprised.<br/> <br/> "Which lady works for him at close range?" He repeated.<br/><br/> "Oh! I think I get you now. Well, her name is Crystal Jones, a native of the countryside. She recently got employed in the company as his PA. Her mother and sister reside in their native town." I narrated briefly.<br/><br/> "Okay. I see" He replied, staring into space.<br/><br/> "Dad, is there a problem?" I asked, suddenly awed by his reaction.<br/><br/> "No, not at all" He intercepted with a hideous smile.<br/><br/><br/> Damien's POV<br/><br/> "I will be leaving for Africa in two days' time Crystal" I informed.<br/><br/> "Did you and Jenny plan on leaving together?" She spilled.<br/><br/> "Not really. We both have different destinations. I have a business to handle over there in Nigeria precisely" I relayed.<br/><br/> "When will you be back?" <br/><br/> "In a week."<br/><br/> "I won't be coming with you?"<br/><br/> "Yes. I want you to stay back and oversee the company on my behalf. I know you are extremely capable." I replied, throwing her a sincere smile.<br/><br/> "Okay, boss. I promise to do my best." She affirmed.<br/><br/> <br/> Writer's POV<br/><br/> In a mystical atmosphere somewhere in Nigeria, a native of the land, dressed in red regalia, dances around a weird-calved rock stained with blood that reeked of an unpleasant odor.<br/><br/> Surrounded by tall palm trees, he kept on chanting and paying obeisance to the rock.<br/><br/> "He will be coming to Africa in two days. I want you to carry out the necessary sacrifice because it is time to retrieve the life I gave to him" A voice thundered as the surroundings shook.<br/><br/> "I promise to oblige" The man returned with an unfathomable grin.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> Elizabeth's POV<br/><br/> "I don't want to part ways with you even for a second" I commented, placing my hand on his cheeks.<br/><br/> "Mum, why being so selfish all of a sudden?" He asked.<br/><br/> "That place seems surreal to me. I don't think going to Nigeria is a better idea." I revealed.<br/><br/> "You are just being superstitious. I will be away for a week so make sure you take good care of yourself. I will also instruct Mr. Todd and other workers to take proper care of you." He replied, placing a slight kiss on my forehead as he made for the door.<br/><br/> Susan's POV<br/><br/> "It's been four days since the boss' departure. I must commend your commitment and punctuality Miss Crystal" I complimented with a smile, handing over some documents to her.<br/><br/> "Thanks, Susan but you are the main brain behind the scene" She returned.<br/><br/> "I was a little bit upset with that contractor from earlier you know" I hissed, noticing the change in her demeanor.<br/><br/> "Why?" She inquired.<br/><br/> "You mean you were careless as to notice the way he was staring at you?" I questioned out of shock.<br/><br/> "Susan, I went for business"<br/><br/> "And I went for?"<br/><br/> "I don't know" She replied, bursting into laughter.<br/><br/> "You know what?" <br/><br/> "What?"<br/><br/> "You are meant for our boss and no one else"<br/><br/> "Are you for real?" She asked with wide eyes.<br/><br/> "Sorry to interrupt the fun" Rachel interrupted rudely, walking majestically into the office.<br/><br/> "Where are your manners miss?" I spewed, annoyed at her guts while Crystal just stared.<br/> <br/><br/> "I owe you no explanation besides the person who deserves the manners isn't present or wait a minute, where you both expecting a knock from me?" She mocked, throwing a fit.<br/><br/> "What brings you here Rachel?" Crystal spilled.<br/><br/> "And who are you to question me?" <br/><br/> "I'm in no position to question you. I'm just curious as to what brought you here?" <br/><br/> "Well, these are the reports from my end" she informed, spilling them on the floor like trash.<br/><br/> "Have you lost it?" I flew into a rage in an instant but was withheld by Crystal's firm hands <br/><br/> "Oh, you wanted to beat me to a pup?" She provoked further.<br/><br/> "You may leave now Rachel and thanks for the report" Crystal sneezed out, ordering her dismissal.<br/><br/> "She's so mean" I replied, staring at her retreating figure <br/><br/> "People like that need a calm hand Susan so try harder to be always calm around her." She released the words with a cool smile.</p>