Chapter 3 Mr. Felix Wilson

It was a very painful experience for both girls. Since the death of their dad, Michelle has been their hope and role model. Their dream and wishes was to become great in the nearest future and to car for their mother who sacrificed almost all for their well being. Now, everything is in vain, vanity upon vanity.

Scar went back to school, even if it was just days after her mother's death. She didn't let it weigh her down, unlike other children her age. They would spend forty days at home before raising school. Always look for an excuse to skip classes and avoid their frustrating teachers... But not Scarlett Moore.

Even though she attended a a public elementary and now high school; Government Secondary School, Mississippi America. She was transferred from grade 7 to grade 8 because she was even doing better than the grade 9 students. And it was just the second term when this happened.

Scarlett is known for her brightness, respect, intelligence and selflessness within and outside her school compound. She was the kind of student that other students hope she falls sick just to miss classes and fail exams, but she always excelled. Every student were envious of her, even her teacher; but she disappointed them all. Always backing the 105 students in her class and even doing better than those empty-brain-prefects that were as well, jealous of her in every way. Scarlett represents the school already and during their last speech and price giving day, the Executive Chairman of Mississippi, Hon. Elijah Clark and the Minister of Education, Mr. Adams Davis promised to sponsor the best 5 students after their final examination into any university of their choice. And since last year, Scarlett has been working towards it.

***

168 Hours Later,

Valeria went back to Nicon Hotel, complaining she left a bag of one million dollars in the hotel room but she wasn't able to get in because she wasn't with the keys and she wasn't looking like someone that can ever own ten thousand of her own.

Nobody recognized her, definitely, there was more than a thousand and one guests that visit there on daily bases. Valeria felt terrified of losing the money just like that. Unable to face Mr Felix again, after what happened between them. She thought timelessly about what to do next… As it is, she should be in school next weekend, back to campus and she only have seven thousand nails in her safe.

How foolish she was! If only she could take back time. For the past few days, Scarlett had noticed the change in her sister's attitude. She's always moody and easily distracted. And anytime she brings up the topic about what happened in the hotel, or what was in her mind… She just keeps mute.

Valeria wouldn't want to disturb her right year old sister with this Borden. It was torturous already, and she hope to bury it inside of her as long as possible.

"What about the money? Didn't he give it to you?"

"Yes, he did… But I forgot it there, hearing the news about mum's death."

"How stupid! Why didn't you go back later that day? Have you even gone back to check at all?"

"Yes, but the guards throw me out. As in… I don't fit into that world but no one believes me. They thought I was lying, or begging…. I'm so confused, Scar!" Valeria, held her sister's hands in confusion.

"What? That's not fair! You should have taken me with you or perhaps, told me about this earlier. How long were you planning to hide this from me, sis? What if I didn't ask?…"She cried.

"I can't even think straight anymore. First, I lose mother, now the money…"

"You really made a mistake sis, If I were in your shoes, I would have never left such an amount of money. Never, ever. Even if the world was crumbling. Finally, we got free money and puff! It disappeared into the thin air!"

"I'll have to resume school next weekend and I have nothing on me…"

"Don't worry sis, I every problem has a solution."

Valeria's eyes immediately searched her sister's for answers.

"What is it? Please tell me…"

Scarlett sat down to think for a moment.

"I suggest you go back to Mr Felix. You can visit him in office since today's Monday. I think somehow, he should report back to them for the missing suitcase. It's one million dollars we're talking about here o, its not chicken change."

"Wow! I never thought of that! How could you be so intelligent?!" Valeria jokes and gave her sister a hug.

"Thanks a lot, Scar! I'll have to prepare and go to his office immediately! It never occurred to me, no one would ever reject Mr. Felix. Only if he accepts to come with me."

"He definitely would, sis. Since he wanted you to have the money…"

"Okay…" Valeria muttered and went into the bathroom to take her bath.

Facing him about the rape case was frustrating but she had no choice. One million dollars would literally pay her tuition fee till she graduates from college and improve their standard of living.

Only One. Million . Dollars.

It's just a common thing that the rich gets rich and the poor gets poorer... How unfortunate?

***

Getting to his office, Miss Lydia stopped Humaira.

She knows her but pretends to be very serious today.

"Yes, excuse me young lady? How can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Mr Felix, the executive director of this company. Good morning ma." She noticed she haven't greeted her yet.

"Do you have an appointment with him?"

"No, I just want to see him briefly. I wouldn't cause any havoc, I promise. Just help me this time ma." She knelt down, her eyes filled with tears.

"Hey! Get up miss… This is an office, please! I would have help you but the truth is, you can't see my boss right now. I mean, He's really busy. I suggest you leave and come back later if you can."

Miss Lydia begged because of her two months salaries that was deducted. She didn't get herself in any of their matter, ever again.

"He's in, right?" Valeria asked wiping away her tears. "I'll wait. I don't mind how long… I have time."

"If he meets you here, it would be double trouble on my head! Please, leave now." Miss Lydia ordered.

"My mum died and I have no money to go back to school with… Please ma, for the sake of anything you hold dear, try and understand me." Humaira begged once again.

Miss Lydia wanted to push her out or parharps call the security guards to throw her out but she felt her pain.

"Okay, you can wait for him if you insist." She finally agreed.

The guilt wouldn't leave her if she let an innocent teenage suffer like this. Even if her salary is at stake. She can't imagine what the poor girl might be going through. How unfortunate some people are…

***

Mr. Felix was about to go home when he switched Valeria. She was already sleeping in on a chair she sat on, in the residence and immediately, he felt like having a touch of her again, but faked annoyance.

"Lydia! What is this?! What is this filthy thing doing here? Haven't I told you not to allow Mr Moore's children in here?!!

"I'm so sorry sir but she insisted to wait for you. She said her mother died and…"

Just then, Valeria woke up and rushed to him.

"Good day sir, nice to meet you again." She greeted and faced him. "I've been trying your number since last week but you didn't pick, so I decided to come here today. I have something important to discuss with you sir."

"Okay! Okay!!" He cuts in, not wanting her to spit any of the secret between them.

"Follow me." He lead her into his office and locked the door.

"What is it you want Valeria? Why are you on my neck again? Haven't I settled you?"

"Sir… Just after you left that morning, the doctor called that my mother was dead. In the state of shock; I forgot to take the suitcase."

"What?" He faked innocence.

"I know you must have an idea about this somehow, since you booked the room yourself. Haven't anyone called you recently about the suitcase?"

"What? No one called me! I thought you took the money away with you and… I'm shocked about hearing about your mum's death. I thought everything was settled with you and your mum already had a Successful surgery! I mean…" He held her shoulders and offered her a seat. "Just sit down."

"What should we do now? I'm concerned."

"Come with me sure, let's file a complaint to the hotel management. I know they would definitely know about the money."

"Jeez!" He exclaimed taking a glance at this wristwatch. "It's already 7:00 p.m. I need to go home right now else? My wife would start suspecting."

"Okay, maybe tomorrow sir or before weekend. I'll accompany you sir, since I only have one week before resumption. Only you can help me out right now, Mr Felix." She begged.

"Okay, let's meet at Nicon Luxury within the week. Let's say…. Wednesday Evening, by 10:00 p.m and alone okay?

"Thank you so much, sir. But… Why don't we go during the day instead of going at night sir…"

"Wait…Are you questioning me now? What are you saying? That I didn't help you enough or what?" He blurted.

"Please, don't understand me sir. I mean… It would have been better if we visit the hotel during the day since the reason we're going there is just to collect the suitcase."

"Look here young lady!" He vexed. "I'm an active business man and a loyal family person at that. What do you expect? I have to squeeze my already tight schedules just to make time for you and you're saying it's better its better we go during the day… Who cares?!"

Valeria stared at him, speechless. She must have said something to annoy him.

"Who fucking care about what you think?! I'm just doing things to help you just because your mother died. You're an orphan now! Don't dare mistake my kindness for foolishness!!" He warned.

"I'm so sorry sir… I didn't mean to annoy you." She muttered, blowing her head in defeat.

He rolled his red eyes at her and hissed. Then he went to open the door.

As if his mouth felt bitter, he murmured.

"Nicon Hotel, Wednesday Evening and alone. Else? Consider the business between us over."

Valeria walked to where he was…

"Okay sir, I'll definitely come."

She muttered and walked out of his office.

Passing him again, his greedy be yes raked through her Angelic figure.

"Come back here!" He ordered, putting his hand inside his suit's pocket and handling her a new $100 note.

Then he wore his usual crooked smile. "Your transport back home. And extended my greetings to Scar." It was the first time Scar ever heard him speak nicely.

"Thank you sir." She collected it and left his office.