Chapter 01

"Human greatest scars are not the physical ones, seen by all and sundry, before the

healing process, during the healing process and after the healing process, then we

believe all is well. No, the greatest scar is the emotional scar, goes beyond the physical,

it affects everything psychological. It runs deeper than a knife wound. It takes forever to

heal, even time is not a friend of an emotional scar. What is man without emotions???"

"Christian Judge. A fine ass young man, your typical classic man. The

kind of man girls refer to as "the better catch" at 30 he is the legal

owner of chains of hotels and suites, both home and abroad, owns a Logistics

company, the biggest modelling firm in the country, shopping malls scattered

everywhere. Just name it. He has is hands and legs deep into any and all kind of

businesses. Christian is very well single but doesn't seem to be seriously

searching for anything that's going to last for more than 10 minutes, if you get the

drill. He is seen in the tabloids with different shades, sizes and colors of women,

every night. He doesn't keep one long enough to pop the big question. Keeps the

public wondering, if he is yet to find that which his hearts desires, or if he is

merely playing the games popular among the rich and wealthy guys in the upper

east side.

Well, if you asked me, I would say CHRISTIAN JUDGE, is like every other

spoilt rich kids, woken up to old money, he doesn't have to strive for anything he

wants, he gets them at the snap of his fingers, hence, his playboy attitudes. The

kind of guy that thinks, money makes them bow and lick his feet. But since you

didn't ask I will keep my opinion to myself"

Christian's Best friend, dropped The Vogue Magazine with evident anger.

"Chris, what's your deal with this reporter? Did you steal her honey in its bee

hive?? She is always making good use of any opportunity she gets to throw your

name in the dirt, "George complained.

He sat down opposite his friend in the living room of his duplexed mansion.

The living room is painted dove gray combined with a polka dot wallpaper. The

living room, large enough to contain a whole house from the slums of Brooklyn is

fully and exquisitely furnished, with a 5 inches' chandelier right in the middle of

the room, a fur rug covers half the room and glassy tiles finished the rest. There

are different paintings in the room and sculptors, most definitely a prized souvenir

from his different journey across the globe.

Chris is sitted on the cushion chair, while his friend takes the Love seat, opposite

him. He doesn't seem quite bothered about the news George just read out to him.

"Why are you so unbothered about this news, Chris?" George asked with a furious look.

'you really don't have to concern yourself over spilled milk, she's only trying to

make her magazine stay long enough in the market, 'sides, she gives the people

what they want, who am I to stop her job?'

Chris stood up to the bar, a few distance from the room, at the right hand corner,

his mini bar is fully furnished with variety of drinks both spirit and brandy of different brand. He picked a wine glass and his 1948 scotch to pour himself a

drink.

'I did not request you to leave her jobless, just stop her from writing this stuffs

about you, it's not going to look well on business and my plan of getting you

settled down will be wasted."

'is there a lie in whatever she has written?? NO! leave her alone George, we have

better things to do than worry about a struggling reporter trying to make a name

for herself'.

'well, if you put it that way, I guess there's no point worrying too much'.

'I want you to cancel all this notion of ever getting me married, why don't you try

to keep a girlfriend down to yourself for six months before you find me a wife,

since you can't give what you don't have"

George chuckled at his friend's nonchalant delivery of insults at his unfortunate

situation. He has always known Chris to be saucy and rude, but still, he is yet to

be immune to Chris's not so nice words.

Man! You've got quite the bad mouth! No decent lady would wanna stay....idiot'

Christian smiled at his friend change of tone, it never ceases to amaze him, how

his friend can switch from his American accent to his Nigerian language.

'I paid you a visit even before the birds are up, and you can't even offer me a decent cup of Coffee, but you poured yourself a delightful old age Scotch! 'George glared at Christian 'it's not entirely your fault tho. I should have stayed put in my house and avoid all these undeserving insults'

He got up, walked to his friend from behind and spanked his head

"what was that for?" Chris whined 'while rubbing the affected area.

"For having no manners"

They both laughed out loud at George's attempt of a joke. George went a ahead to serve himself a glass from the scotch and returned to his seat. Chris! Sup? How's the deal?? What's Mr. Martins saying about the acquisition, is he selling it now or what??

Chris smiled evilly "Don't worry yourself too much, you should know me by now,

when I want something, I get it at all cost, no matter what it will cost me."

"you see, I don't like it when you smile that way, something bad always happen

to the other party"

"can you explain the plans to me. I hate been left in the dark"

"come, let's talk in the car,' he checked his Patek Philippe leather Wrist watch, 'I

might be running late for an interestingly important meeting I would hate to miss"

he revealed his signature smile.

He got up, George followed suits, picked up the car keys to his 2020 Black

Mercedes Benz C class sedan in the table tray. George dropped the

car keys to his 2020 Audi Q5, and they both left in Christian's car.

Christian drove out of the compound.

George couldn't sit still, he was hell bent on pestering Christian and wants to be

kept in the loops about what is really happening.

Geez! Can you calm down for a sec.' he eyed him Awkwardly; 'Sometimes, you

really don't act like a multi-millionaire, you forget all about your status and

behave like a kid, Chris shook his head concernedly; 'well, I seriously don't

blame you. When you still secretly watch nickelodeon'

He continued driving and stopped at the red sign of the traffic light.

"Oh! Because I'm all grown now?? Is there an age restriction to watching Nickelodeon? Some of us like to hold on to childhood memories while some of you might be a stuck up adult.

"Lol! You're an idiot, but I'm less concerned, will you calm down enough to listen

to me"

The light turned green and he continued driving.

"Alright! I'm calm" George seemed genuinely relaxed and willing to listen, all

trace of playfulness Absent from his face.

Chris took a glance at his friend and realized he was sincerely serious and ready

to listen.

"You know" Chris started; "as a chess player, you really need to learn how to

plan your moves few steps before your opponents. And never wear your

emotions on your sleeve" Chris warned.

"George! I have Mr. Martins exactly where I want him, he is wrapped around my little finger."

"what do you mean?"

"well! He is trying to play smart with me, he has forgotten that has a master

chess player, I know how to effectively use my pawn."

"Is it about the loan he took from you to save his company from bankruptcy?"

"Well, not exactly. . . he tried selling the company to my competitors after crying

to me for help, I was not even bothered, but then, he had the nerve to tell it to my

face that there is nothing I can do to him or his company' he smiled calmly;

"I will have so much fun with proving him wrong"

What exactly have you done Chris? In situations like this, when you smile calmly

like you just did, I sincerely fear the actions you might have taken' George was

evidently disturbed; 'What did you do then?"

"Nothing out of the book, dear friend; he held George's eyes with an intense look

and continued driving,

"presently, I am the biggest shareholder of Martins's sons & co. With a 75% share

of the company"

George gasped at the new information; "Are you for real? How did you go about

it?"

"I told you to learn chess, you're just so annoyingly stubborn, now you are asking

for my moves, I will give you a hint tho"

Chris continued; "the company I took over few months ago. My ownership of the

company is not yet revealed to the public. I used that same company to purchase

the major shares of his company. He had a meeting with the managing director I

had just appointed. I've had this all planned out since I decided to enter a

business deal with him. I have heard of his deviousness, so, I came prepared for

him. If he thinks he is the devil right hand man, I will let him know, I am the devil

himself. He has no idea what is about to hit him. I will give him an earth

shattering blow he will never recover from"

"wow! My respect for you in the business world just doubled over"

George seemed so amazed about this turn of event. Mr. Martins deserves

whatever treatment is friend has melted out to him. The man is sly, devious,

slimy and a real bastard. There's no blood of honesty in his body.

'I really can't wait to see the expression on the bastard's face when he gets the

news'

"That's not all of it" Chris stated.

"there is still more??" George shouted out totally awed

"most definitely" he grinned, "Damn! You're the boss man. What else is there? The full gist please."

"You remember The Vogue magazine from this morning?"

"Can't forget that easily! The same paper that seem to always find fault in every and anything

you do, What about it"

"Guess who the new Owner is?"

George looked astound at his friend. He seemed to be speaking a foreign language all of a sudden.

He bowed his head for a minute in deep thoughts and then it dawned on him.

"Are you shitting me right now??? Christian Judge??"

"Okay! Now you sound like that writer form the Magazine. . . Lol!" Christian

couldn't seem to hide the sincere laugh that escaped his lips at his friend's

expression

"How did you go about it" George couldn't help but ask

Christian had to park his car to really go into details.

"On my way back from Mr. Martins Office two weeks ago, I saw him hug a

lady at the office Garage. I actually thought it was one of his many mistresses. I

did need something sharp to cut of his devious claws. Well! I put a call through to

my P.I, with a picture of them both. I couldn't believe my ears and eyes with the

outcome of the news."

"Oh! The man likes them young also??"

Christian looked at his friend with an absurd look and eyed him in a funny

manner.

"Of course not, idiot! She is the man's daughter and he used Her Company the

Vogue Magazine to collect a loan from Me"

"Oh My God! That's so fucked. . . what kind of man is that?? So! Wait, both the

father and the daughter hate your guts?? That's crazy!"

He couldn't hold the wicked laughter that erupted deep from his belly

this is sure getting more interesting by the minute. Guy! No wonder you were so

nonchalant about the news report this morning. Imagine me, reporting your staff

to you. . . Lol! I finally agree, I'm stupid"

Christian laughed at his friend's declaration of acceptance of his Stupidness.

"You're really sick, Geez! It is only someone like you that will agree to been

stupid" Christian Laughed

"But the thing is, she is not aware that I'm the new owner yet. If she does know,

she would not have spoken so badly about her new boss" he smirked

"Guy! After series of insults and bad words by that reporter lady, not that I'm

bothered by the words of qualification she gave me. It's quite true."

"Yeah! You said that much before' George replied;

"But uhm. . . ! from what have heard of

that girl ehn! She is rude and pompous. She has this deep hatred for the male

gender, he added with deep conviction"

He signified for his friend to move closer, like he is about to reveal a secret

"Rumor has it that" he looked left and right and whispered "She is a Lesbian"

He dropped the news looked all serious expectantly at his friend.

Christian hit is head immediately with force

"Guy! Why now?" What did I do again?"

"Now, I truly believe you're stupid" he seems exasperated; "I could careless if she

is a sex worker or a stripper, how is even that any of my business"

"Oh daddy, I apologize? My deepest apologies sir! I've fucked up, again. I should have kept my lips sealed. He

bowed his head in mock apology "His royal Highness Christian, My deepest and sincere apologies, I will learn to keep my lips sealed"

Chris chuckled; "Swears, you're a clown. . . "

Chris started the engine of the car again to get back on the move

"we are running late already. Let's get going"

#

"Daddy, 'Nessa Groaned', what in God's name have you done this time?? Why would you let that man fool you?? How could you have been so blind to his plans from the onset?? I thought you were smarter than all this?" She wailed badly

"that is no way to talk to your father, young woman! I deserve some respect"

"You lost those respects, the day you decided to use my company has a collateral without my consents" she fumed. "How could you??" she demanded "how could you stoop so low as to throw me under the train for your benefits?? You" she pointed fingers at him "don't have any right to do so. I strived and worked to get my company to this level, without your help" she moved from her position while pacing back and forth.

"I will not sit back and watch you ruin me, dad. . . Never!'

Mr. Martins bowed his head in mock pity. It seemed obvious he looked sincerely pained for his actions but his daughter knew better. He has always been the kind of man to do things for self-gain not thinking of whoever is caught in the cross fire.

VANESSA MOANA MARTINS, Mr. Martins only surviving child. A beautiful melanin dripping lady. At the age of 28, single, self-established and no daddy's girl. She is mostly referred to as 'the ice queen' with her no-nonsense attitude.

"Mo, we can still save your company."

"'how father?? You know Christian takes over every establishment he gets his slimy fingers on"

"Calm down dear, I sold some of the company shares to settle some previous debts. I will pay him half of the loan with the remaining balance, then you can have your company back. . . see, so easy"

"it is not easy dad!" she shouted "do you think Christian is that stupid? He obviously has this all planned out. If anything should happen to my company, I swear on mother's grave I will NEVER forgive you" she declared.

Mo. Stormed out of her father's office with a volcanic emotion.

'How could he be so wicked and heartless?? What rights does he have to use my baby, my company has a collateral for a loan?? The company I started from scratch with my time and sweats?? Oh, God! I can't deal with all this right now. It's just not now, not when I . . . 'She collided with someone "Are you blind?? Can't you watch where you are headed?? She hissed and moved past the person.

The man pulled her back with her arm "Have you no manners at all?? Or probably, mama taught you but you refused to learn" he smiled

Mo. Stepped back and had a glaring contest with him, then it dawned on her, who the fellow was.

"Well, well, well! Look who the cat dragged in." Not breaking eye contact with him. "If it's not the infamous president of the playboy association"

"Such accolades" he smiled dangerously "I can't believe I would see the day something good will flow out of your lips" he stared at her lips for few seconds and held her eyes again. "I thought you made a living from soiling my reputation".

She seemed uncomfortable with the action "what are you doing here?? What business do you have with my father?"

"haven't you heard yet??"

"I'm no mood to have a chit chat with you, just head straight to the point, if there's any."

"for once, you seem to have real sense. I have no business with you. . . yet"

That got her attention. 'What does he mean by yet?? Hope it's not what I'm thinking?? I swear on my life; he would regret ever crossing path with me if he toys with my baby'

'why is her face turning all shades of red?? Is that anger or hatred?? Who really cares?? Definitely not me. Why am I staring at her eyes?? Why is her pupil so grey?? Oh! Get a grip Chris.

"The cat got your tongue or what?? Anyways, I have no business with you. I've come to meet your father for an important meeting"

He made an attempt to move "Why do you always have to feel like the next most important thing after Sliced bread??" he glanced back at her words and moved closer to her, leaned down a bit and whispered into her ears "Three days to this time, you would come back to me, go down on your knees and beg for mercy, I do hope you keep the same energy like you do now" he felt her stiffened at his words and relaxed immediately.

She pushed him back and stormed out in anger.

'how dare the bastard? What rights does he have to lecture me? Me? VANESSA MARTINS, beg for mercy from him, I would rather die than live to see it happen. He won't see the end of this'.

She moved down outside the car park, got into a black Mercedes Benz and drove off in anger.

"phew! This lady is one heck of a trouble" George thought

"I need to head up. . . Chris might be waiting and besides, I'm so giddy with joy with just imagining that man's face when he drops the bomb, he won't know what hit him" he laughed out loud.