75 Arrogant But mboyant Boss


    Leon’s eyes turned bloodshot. His breath was heavy and his stares were deadly. Every humor and cheerfulness vanished from his eyes. His fists were clenched and his jaw tightened. He felt like punching something as he scowled at Maggie.


    E quickly stood up and hugged Leon’s stiffened body. She wanted to say something nasty to her mother but remembered Nana Esther’s warning.


    “How could a mother be so cruel to her daughter?” E queried her subconscious. “Me! Shameless! What other hateful word did Maggie n on using.”


    E cupped Leon’s face and forced him to look into her eyes. “My love, I’m sorry. Please forgive my mum. She is not worth your precious time.”


    Then she turned to Maggie and said, “I am the currentdy and wife shamelessly gracing his bed. I will continue to do so until my dying breath.” Her frosty res were filled with determination. “Everyone has a skeleton in their cupboard, mother. Do not judge the book by its cover. Everyone makes mistakes. Didn’t you rmend a r*pist to me for a husband?”


    “How dare you talk to me in that manner?” Maggie red up. Her grip tightened around the cutlery she was holding. She was tempted to throw it in E’s direction but she feared the consequences.


    “Maggie, the only reason I’m ording to you this respect so far is because of my precious wife. You’re in our home because she allowed it. My wife has a golden heart that you can never fathom. It makes me wonder if you’re really her mother.” Leon’s voice was deep and haunted. “Don’t push your luck! Refrain from calling my wife names. Otherwise...” He turned his attention to E.


    “My love, you don’t have to apologize. You are not and will never be shameless. You are the most precious gem any sane man could ever ask for.” His gaze was filled with so much tenderness and desire. “I should be the one saying sorry for allowing your mum to talk ill of you in my presence.” He kissed her lips softly.


    “Thanks, dear.” E beamed satisfactorily. “You need to leave now, otherwise you would runte for work.” She gently shoved Leon towards the door.


    .....


    “How about you? I thought we were leaving the house together?” Leon questioned softly.


    “I need to speak briefly with my mum before leaving. Don’t worry about me,” E quickly added when she noticed Leon’s slightly piqued expression. “It will only take ten minutes. I’ll be fine.”


    “Ten minutes, nothing more! I’ll wait for you outside.” Leon kissed her on her forehead and strolled out of the dining room.


    “So E, it hase to this?” Maggie’s voice gained momentum in Leon’s absence. “You have grown wings that you can now talk back at me, right? You stood there and watch that good for nothing...”


    “Enough, mother!” E yelled angrily. “I will not banter words with you! If you nned to put a stumbling block between me and my husband, then consider that a failed mission.” E said between gritted teeth. “You wanted toe to my house and now you’re here. Enjoy the house!” She stormed out of the dining room.


    Maggie watched E walk out. She still couldn’t believe her ears or eyes. Her daughter had really changed for the worse. She couldn’t recognize the woman E had be.


    Maggie tapped her fingers gently on the table, deep in thought. One thing was certain, Leon would never raise a finger at her. She smiled to herself and said, “oh E, I came prepared!” I will cause so much havoc in your foolish marriage. Your promiscuous husband will be forced to throw both of us out of his house when I’m done with you. Let’s see how much your fake love can withstand.


    She quickly finished up her meal and went back to her room.


    ———-


    E had a very busy morning schedule at work when she resumed. After attending several meetings, she went around the different departments on inspection. She was highly impressed at the level ofmitment and results each department had to offer. On so many asions, her voice was heard with the same repetitive words; “good job guys, I’m impressed.”


    Denise didn’t give room for any department to ck on their activities. She was on top of all the department heads, ensuring that they gave one hundred percent of their daily quota.


    During E’s all round inspection, she came across a newly employed beautiful and talented designer, in the creative department. She admired the zealousness and charm of this particr designer, as it reminded her of herself.


    After a briefmendation, E left the creative department after taking note of this particr designer.


    During lunch break, E invited Denise over to her office for some snacks and chats. She was so excited as she shared some of her experiences back at Ifub. She told a mesmerized Denise about Nana Esther and how sweet she was to her.


    “Oh E, I’m so happy for you.” Denise beamed with happiness. “You deserve all the love and support of Leon’s Nana. Don’t you worry, with time, Leon’s mother would love you the way his grandma does?”


    “Hmm... Talking of mothers, guess who is currently at my house.” E’s brow furrowed at the thought of her mum.


    Denise raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “Who is at your house? Leon’s mum?” Her eyes widened in horror at the thought of Marissa rekindling another crisis.


    “I wish! At least, the animosity would have been understandable, and bearable. It’s my mum.” E spoke between Clenched jaws.


    E quickly gave Denise a rundown of all her mum had done since she arrived.


    “You don’t say! Are you for real? Oh, my poor E!” Denise couldn’t stop eximing in astonishment. She was riled up by Maggie’s abusive behavior towards E. She even suggested that she would follow E home and talk some sense into Maggie.


    “They’ll be no need for that, fairy godmother,” E smiled at Denise’s piqued and determined expression. “Leon and I would handle the situation. We have already initiated the first phase of giving her a silent treatment.” E smiled as she gave Denise a rundown of their n.


    “Wow, E! That’s amazing!” Denise gave E two thumbs up. “Maggie will have no choice but to leave your house in frustration. I trust what Leon is capable of.”


    E chuckled out loud. “You needed to see his face this morning. If not for my presence in that dining room, my mum would have received a resounding p from Leon.”


    “Sorry to say this, E, but your mum deserves more than a p. I don’t just get her.” Denise’s irritation was evident. “How can a mother refer to her child as a shameless bed warmer? It’s just appalling! You are such a good daughter and I hope your mother realizes it soon before it’s toote.”


    “I hope so too,” E sighed as she remembered all the hurt her mother had made her pass through, – since the day she refused to go tow school and broke up with Richard.


    “Do you know one funny thing Leon said this morning,” E’s eyes were clouded with tears?


    “Oh, E, please don’t cry!” Denise moved over to her and wiped the tears that were threatening to fall.


    “Thanks, Denise.” E blinked severally to stifle her tears. “Leon said he wondered if Maggie was truly my mother.” Her voice conveyed hurt and bitterness. “Do you know what’s funnier? I even agreed with him.”


    “You know what? I guess it’s time you conducted a maternal test on your mum because I totally agree with you and Leon,” Denise said dramatically. “From all I can conclude right now, you were adopted while Olivia is her actual child.”


    “Oh, Denise,” E started crying andughing at the same time. “You’re one hrious creature! Where ever did I find you? Thanks for trying to cheer me up. Maggie is my biological mother and Olivia is my biological sister. It just happens that my mum loves Olivia more than she loves me. This ismon in some families.”


    “Yeah! I totally agree!” Denise breathed out forced air and returned to her seat. Nevertheless don’t forget you’ve got me. I am not just a friend but a big sister and even your Amzone godmother. If Maggie crosses her boundary again, then tell her to get ready for a mother’s brawl.”


    E couldn’t hold back theughter that roared out of her mouth. “Yes, mama bear!” She wiped the happy tears from her eyes.


    “By the way, you said something about Leon registering you in a firearm institute today,” Denise said as she tore open a sandwich pack and started eating.


    “Yes!” E quickly checked the time on her wristwatch. “He’ll be here in a few minutes. Let’s hurry up with our lunch before he does.”


    ——


    It had been a busy day at the F&K fashion home. Every department was buzzing with different activities as they were all financially motivated by their new arrogant but mboyant boss.


    Chloe had given each department a target toe out with the best output. She also fired up the fashion creative department toe up with rare and unique designs that would outshine the ARILPORTER BOSS brand. As a way of motivating the workers, she dered a huge mary reward for the designer with the best idea for the winter collection.


    Everyone was on his or her toes as they all wanted a taste of the reward. It didn’t take long before amazing ideas came flooding in from the fashion creative department. As a reward for a job well done every employee of the department was credited with a sry bonus.


    Over the past weekend, a huge amount of money was pumped into the F&K fashion home by Albert Robinson. The money was used for renovations and refurbishing the brand. Albert even bought over a nearby establishment which was demolished to be used as a parking lot. By doing so, the F&K fashion brand had no business negotiating for a parking lot space with E’spany.


    After a busy day of strategizing and re-strategizing on ways to dominate the fashion and retail world, Frost got a call he had been expecting for days. He quickly went out of Kyle’s office to a secured ce to receive the call. When he hung up the call, he excitedly returned to Kyle’s office smiling like someone who had just won a billion-dor contract.


    “Kyle,” Frost’s face glimmered with mischief. “The battle with Arie Porter has just gotten juicier. This time, her preciouspany is going to bleed.”


    “How do you mean?” Kyle questioned impatiently.