MR BILLIONAIRE, NOT YOUR WAY!

MY RULES!

Michael couldn’t believe what Jude had told him. The same Ava who had been on his neck even when he was in a fake marriage with Helena had suddenly moved on, just like that. It was a well-planned attack and everyone he knew and counted on was in on it. Nothing was working no matter how much he tried, everywhere was blocked.

Not even his grandfather was willing to help him out of the mess. He only sent a response that he knew he would take care of himself, and he didn't want to pick a side because both he and Steve were his grandsons. It was like being left naked in the cold winter, no one was willing to grab his hand. It was then he realized how lonely he had been in the world.

At the mention of his ex-wife, he turned it down immediately. He had cut her off brutally that night, and he wouldn’t have anything to do with her anymore. Also, with the way things happened between them, she would definitely not accept to help him out. He abandoned her coldly when he terminated their contract. Asking for her help right now means he’s the most shameless person to ever walk the surface of the earth.

His lawyer tried to bail him out, but the prosecution was adamant about the charges. The bail was refused flatly, thanks to pressure from the side of his opposition and there was no evidence to back up his claim of being innocent. Seeing how there was no way to go because the embezzlement charges were so perfect. All the transactions that were made pointed to him clearly and there was no way he could deny them because he did make the transactions, but not for the purpose of a paper company for embezzlement. The financial manager he worked with after firing his ex-wife was the weapon fashioned against him. He didn’t know he was playing into his enemies’ trap.

“We have searched for her everywhere, but there’s no trace of her. I think the other side took care of her cleanly. There’s also no record of her leaving the country or even making transactions, she’s hiding pretty well”. Jude informed him and the last hope in him crashed

He was so busy with the company that he never saw the hints and their moves to oust him from the company his father built with his blood, sweat and tears. His hands roamed his messy hair in frustration as he scanned his brain for more options, but nothing was coming forth.

“How about we hire a financial specialist who can prove that all these are lies?” he proposed.

“We have tried that already, nobody is willing to take your case. They don’t want to get on the bad side of the company”, his lawyer stated.

Realization dawned on him that he would either have to pick the option of his ex-wife or just rot away in jail over the crime he never committed.

“You don’t have a choice at this point, you have to grovel for her help if you have to”, Jude chipped in. He knew he was already considering the option, but his pride was getting in the way.

“I’ll think about it, but not to the point of groveling”, he finally surrendered, but Jude told him that he didn’t have to brood over it. They needed to move fast because the case was moving fast, and they had to do something before it got out of hand.

Jude took his silence as an approval and did everything within his power to schedule a meeting with Helena, who turned down the offer flatly instantly. She was vocal about her stance and how she never wanted to have anything to do with the Clintons, especially Michael. That night was still fresh in her heart, she still hadn’t forgiven him.

After several attempts and persuasion from Jude, his lawyer and finally Brian, who made her understand that she had to be professional because it was a job offer and nothing more.

“You can set your rules. It’s a game and you are the player. They are just the pieces on the chessboard. It is up to you to use them to your advantage.”

Brian’s words rang in her ear several times that very day as she thought about their offer. She would gain a lot in exposure and money, truly. She also had a project to fund and push for, so it was a good offer financially.

“Let’s go play some games” she concluded.

****

The door of the detention visitor room opened to show Helena in her purple suit and the sunglasses she had bought at the mall. Her aura and stepping were different from what Michael had in her head. She had changed so much in the span of a year.

“Hello Mr. Michael Clinton. Nice to meet you, I am Helena Mavis”. She extended her hand for a shake, and he slowly reached for her hand.

Taking her seat comfortably in front of shocked Michael, she pulled out her work contract and placed it in front of him.

“Here! It’s my rules. You either play or forget this conversation existed”, she spat out coldly as Michael picked up the paper.

His eyes bulged as he read through the terms and conditions of the work rules and when he looked up to see Helena, she only shrugged, an evil smirk followed.

"Welcome to the game board, Michael Clinton", she whistled.