Kevin had dolled up himself and got prepared to visit the Brooklyn orphanage. After checking himself out so many times before the mirror, he loved what he saw.
Playing with his car keys, he descended the steps with vigour.
His hands brushed past the door handle when the father's voice rang out, "Are you planning to play games with people's money and investment? Are you serious and ready for that position right now?"
"Dad, I'm very busy at the moment. I have an appointment with someone important in the next one hour".
"You dare not step a foot out of this place. What do you take the stock market prices for? Do you think you are playing a game here? All the investment, the shares, the publicity and even ignoring Lucas in a bid to take you to the top has been wasted?"
"Darn it!" He cursed in a low voice as he checked how wristwatch for the umpteenth time.
"Dad I have no time for this. Company or no company, I've got to live my life and I will survive with or without the company", he turned on his heels as he took quick steps out of Arnold's sight.
Arnold staggered and took some shaky steps backwards.
"Seize the keys and ground him. I'm freezing your account henceforth. Do what you are supposed to do and stop wasting my resources", he turned around and went into the house.
The guards seized his keys and he was locked in his room. He was too angry for words. Hitting the door didn't work, he shouted tool he lost his voice he lucky the rooms were soundproof.
Lucas got the feedback he expected because he had his men everywhere.
Knotting his tie, the subordinate kept his head lowered as he reported what happened.
A perfect smirk played out on his face as he was overly satisfied with his reflection.
" Make sure he is grounded till I return to New York". Snorting, do you dare to covet my woman?
"Yes boss", he waited for more instructions but the next instruction threw him off balance.
"I need photos, flawless snapshots", the subordinate trembled.
Boss, please spare me, I am not a professional photographer.
With careful and perfect angles, his assistant took some photos. He was satisfied after viewing them.
Sending them to a certain goddess in New York, he put his phone away and stepped into the car prepared for him. The worldwide conference for the biogas project would be held that morning. All the live channels, reputable magazines and reporters had already gathered at the entrance of the largest hotel in Dubai. Of course, nothing had to go wrong during this great event and Lucas had to use his property to ensure safety and no disruption.
On his way to the conference, ten bulletproof cars trailed behind and in front of him. He kept flipping through the documents and programmes for the day. No mistakes from his subordinates would be accepted.
The venue was filled to the brim with professionals from all works of life. Top government officials, presidents and foreigners all walked on the red carpet.
The reporters had come gathered at the entrance to the hotel three hours before the event.
Lucas's entourage arrived and everyone was on their heels. Clicks of the camera and live feed began. Their endless snapshots took place till the cars rolled to a stop at the entrance to the conference room.
Lucas had his special face mask on, his assistant opened the door for him and everyone held their breath...
His long sturdy legs came into view before his muscular thighs followed.
The female celebrities who had gotten to the event ground through knowing a relative or two gushed and wowed by the man's gorgeous profile. Their faces were red although they couldn't see his face they were sure that he would make heads roll.
This powerful man stepped out of the car and straightened his three-piece navy blue tuxedo.
His men flanked him by the sides, front and rear.
His tall and straight figure moved with focus as he aimed for the conference room. Everyone showed respect for this young man by standing up. He waved his hands as he told them to sit. Some of the people were nervous and scared of this powerful man hence they moved around less than before.
Back in New York City, all the live feed channels and websites were dominated by the ongoing event.
He took his seat at the designated position. Facing the crowd of tens of thousands, he was not fazed at all but maintained an expressionless face as he sat there.
His muscle flexed as he turned slightly to acknowledge the formal greetings around him.
All the cameras were turned towards him when he ascended the podium. His eloquent yet deep voice which could impregnate the ears sounded in the large auditorium. His one-hour speech as the president of Clayton's group of industries and the core researcher of the biogas project which had nations clamouring for mass production ended and he received a standing ovation.
After the entire event, the period of socializing drew near. His most trusted aid was beside him and the wine he drank had not been tampered with.
A handsome man with an extremely lovely lady in tow came in his direction. By then the media's presence has been limited so he took off his mask. The sweet smile of the minister's daughter sent men shivering with excitement. This minister's daughter rarely comes out.
Right from the moment she saw him on stage, she was insanely attracted to this man.
Sipping his wine slowly, he ignored the heated gaze from the woman but the latter didn't give up.
"Liam, it's been such a long time. I'm glad this project wasn't done in any other country".
"Minister Rashid it's my pleasure to meet you here", he kept an expressionless face as he swirled his wine around his glass.
"Liam, don't stand on ceremony with me. Meet my only daughter Samira", he pushed her gently towards Lucas.
She had to maintain her dignity hence she was not too forward like before.
Samira tugged her hijab gently to the sides and a seductive smile graced her lips.
"It's my utmost pleasure to meet you, Mr Liam. My father talks about you so much and like I heard, you are the world's richest man and your beauty is not comparable", she bit her cherry soft lips and smiled at him.
Lucas pretended not to see her advances.
"Mine too Miss Rashid. I hope what you heard about me is positive?" He said nonchalantly.
"Of course Mr Liam", her sunny smile lit up the room.
The minister was used to his cold attitude but had a deep respect for him. Samira clenched her fist and tried to maintain an awkward smile on her face which turned ugly.
"Liam, I would like you to drop by for dinner at my house. A humble request from my wife".
Lucas couldn't reject him even if he had not mentioned the wife.
"I will drop by but I must say that I might not accompany you for a long time".
"As long as you grace us with your presence, it's all that matters", he smiled as he adjusted his tie.
The atmosphere was already stuffy enough so Lucas left the hotel but a certain woman in a hijab narrowed her eyes in vexation at his departing figure.
Brooklyn Orphanage.......
Natalie's slim and little body hid behind one of the cupboards in Miss Snow's office.
📳" There is a problem, a certain lady my name Miss Oliver from Clayton's group of companies came here and indicated extremely strong interest in the twins especially Natalie".
Natalie's tiny gasp was not heard but the director instinctively lowered her voice. Natalie's hearing ability was naturally more excellent than kids of her age range and even better than most adults.
📳" I believe she will come back very soon and we might be exposed. Quick, think of something".
📳"Ok, I will make sure to do just that".
She ended the call and heaved a sigh of relief. Miss Snow had gone to look for the twins but was told that Natalie was nowhere to be found.
She became frantic and ordered a search party to look for her. She must not get missing.
Natalie came out from her hiding place.
After an hour's search for her, they found her in her corner. The little girl had folded her legs and supported her chin with her palms.
All the teachers and supervisors even the director were panting in the small room allocated to fifty female children.
"Where did you run off to?" The director questioned Natalie who ignored her and kept looking at her toes.
"Natalie, I'm talking to you".
The little girl lifted her face, her cold eyes shocked the woman and she shifted backwards in fear. Natalie gave the other people an innocent smile and simply said that she went out to play by herself.
👤"Director, give Natalie out for adoption. She is the most troublesome kid here", one of the teachers said.
👤"It's not that the director wouldn't like to give her up for adoption but it's just that no one wants to adopt her.
She is a bag of trouble", one of the supervisors said viciously. She had always been fierce towards Natalie hence they were like cat and dog.
"Miss Moore, you made wash the plates everyone used just because I refused to let you cut off my hair. That's called bullying", Natalie said slyly.
The others gasped and marvelled at her boldness.
The more reason she must not be kept here any longer, Miss Moore thought viciously.
"Uhmm! It's alright. Natalie has been found, thank you for your cooperation. Let's retire to our different rooms".
Both the director and Miss Moore exchanged hidden glances which did not escape Natalie's sharp eyes.
She pretended to dwell so much on twirling her hair. The director took Natalie back to the office. Closing the door of the office.
"Natalie, someone will come to adopt you. tomorrow evening. Only you, not you and your brother", Miss Snow announced.