Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Vanessa’s POV

After Richard dropped me off at my apartment and drove off with Rachel to the amusement park, a part of me detected that something was wrong.

I had locked the door before leaving this morning and now the door was slightly open, I looked around to see if anything appeared strange or suspicious and when I couldn’t see any, I proceeded into the house.

Immediately I turned on the light, my eyes almost left his socket as a result of the shock that ran through my cold blood when I saw the state of my house, everywhere were turned upside down, it was as if a world war just broke out in my apartment.

I was about bringing my phone out of my clutch purse when I saw a movement just few minutes away from me, the shadow was reflecting from my kitchen. At that moment, I knew I had made a grave mistake by entering into the apartment.

I quickly turned to walk out of the apartment, I was almost by the door when a hand roughly pulled me back and slammed me against the opposite wall.

I struggled to run away from the big guy when I felt his hand around my neck, squeezing the life out of me as I was still held against the wall. I kicked and kicked with the little strength left in him, hoping he’ll let go but the bastard didn’t budge.

I felt my strength being drained, my eyes closing and the last thing I saw before I got surrounded with darkness was a familiar young lady standing close to the big guy and smirking evilly.

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The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes, was cold water running down my body, I was about cursing out when I felt a hand on my cheek.

I cried out and a hard hit landed on my stomach, I coughed out vigorously and opened my eyes to see the same guy inflicting pain on my body and this time, it was Dae and an unknown man that was standing behind her. My hands were tied behind my back and so were my legs tied together.

“Dae” I coughed out

“Awwn, sweet Vanessa, I never intended to get you involved in this mess darling but we can only get through to Richard by using you. You’re his weakness and the plan were to kidnap both you and the child. It’s such a pity we have only you”

“Trust me, Richard will kill you if you touch his child”

“You think he won’t care if we kill you right now, he’ll go mad, Essa” I coughed out blood as I was punched once more but this time, it was Dae that punched me.

“I’ll kill you if I ever get my hands on you, Dae. I promise I’ll kill you and feed your flesh to your betraying mouth”

“That’s if you get out of this alive.

“All we need from you is to instruct Richard to transfer all his asset, money and the company to my name and that’s all.” The man who had remained silent finally uttered the most stupid thing in the world.

I laughed

I laughed so hard I started to cough out blood.

He ignored my attitude and took out a phone from his pocket, dialed Richard’s number and waited for me to say something.

I didn’t because I couldn’t do what they wanted.

I did what seemed right to me, I remained silent.

RICHARD'S POV

After waiting for Vanessa's call all afternoon for me to bring Rachel to her, I finally picked the last option which is to take Rachel home.

I tried calling her phone for like the umpteenth time but she's still not picking up and I'm worried already. I’ve even sent someone to her house and they couldn’t find her there.

“Where's mummy, daddy?” Rachel asked

“She's fine. She'll soon be here, okay” she smiled and nodded.

We entered my living room and I gently placed her on the couch before going into the kitchen to fix up something for the two of us.

If Essa won't call in the next thirty minutes, then I don't have a choice than to get the police involved.

I'm trying to keep my cool right now and it's not easy I swear. I'm so worried right now. Essa please, be fine.

My phone ringing in my pocket pulled me out of my thoughts and I picked up the call.

“Hello” there was no response from the other line. I removed the phone from my ear to end it when I kept on saying hello for like forever without response, then I heard Essa's voice.

“Richard, don't listen to them okay! You can't do what they're about to tell you. Just don't do anything stupid. Please Richard” she was crying and screaming.

“You bitch, what did I tell you about this? You can't be a snitch and still be forgiven. You'll regret this” A man's voice said and the next thing that followed was Vanessa's scream.

“Hello, who are you?” I screamed into the phone.

“You want to know who I am? That's a good one though. I'm your nemesis Richard. I told you I'll be back and I'm here but this time, I'm back with a whole lot of goodies, old friend”

Andy! It's him and I know it's really him. I've been expecting his comeback but I never knew it'll be this soon. That bastard, I know he's working with Dae.

“You know the reason why I'm here more than anything”

“If you touch her, I swear I'll kill you Andy. You can't touch Essa. This is between you and me, leave my woman out of this” I screamed.

“I won't touch her but only on one condition”

“What condition?” I asked

“You'll resign as the CEO of your company and give the position to me. You know better that I deserve that position more than anyone. You took that position from me illegally Richard”

“It was partnership Andy before you brought Dae into the business. I was never in support of the way you guys were running the business, you kept on using Dae to get business from our clients and you even used her against me, Andy. You're not as innocent as you claim” I replied

“Stop the preaching, priest. Just do as I say or else, I'll send your woman mutilated body back to you for early Christmas present” he threatened

“You know me far better than to do that Andy. You know I'll chase you down and send yours to your family members if you try that”

“To avoid that, do the needful. Resign from the position and give it to me. Deal or no deal”

“Deal” I replied.

“You can't do that Richard, that's everything you've worked for. They just can't take it away from you like that” Vanessa screamed

“Anything for you baby, anything” I replied biting my tongue to stop myself from swearing.

Since Tiffany was in town for Michael's wedding, I quickly dropped Rachel off at her place, and warned her not to take her anywhere. Even though she asked me what happened, I didn't say anything. It's too dangerous for her health.

Years back, after graduating college, me and Andy founded the company that I'm running now together. Even though things didn't start on a good ground, we still kept on pushing till we were able to get potential clients.

He had introduced Dae to me as his friend, just friends he had said. Through one of the few workers we had back then, I realized that he had been using Dae to get clients to do business with us.

They have s*x with her and in return, they accept our deal with them.

It went on for a while till I couldn't take it any longer.

The next thing I know, Dae told me she was in love with me and also tired of such a life, until I got to know that a meeting has been held behind my back to remove me from my own company.

Using Tiffany and my dad, I got rid of Andy from the company and left Dae. Keep your friends close but your enemy closer, they say. Ever since Dae found out about my biological mother, she has been using that as a threat.

“This is Richard Amaan, I need your help”