Nine months too late: After divorce

Armed men came out from three of the cars and opened the doors of the Maserati. Kage stepped out first.

The camera crew were nearly pushing each other to take pictures.

Lage was wearing a Brioni - one of the most expensive suits in the world. And his attitude complimented just how dark the

akit was

-

Someone stepped out from the second seat, causing a gut feeling to crawl up Sylvie's throat. It was Lana, of course,

The previous year, when Sylvie was still married to Kage, he had attended the party alone. Bur now they were divorced, he was loing so with Lana "Well, she didn't even care.

Cage didn't mind the press as he walked away from the car, Lana beside him. She gave all the warm smiles the cameramen

seeded.

Setting to the red carpet, a lot of the people present tried getting his attention. He stopped to shake hands with few of them. Then his p gaze fell on Sylvie. For a moment, time seemed to still. Sylvie couldn't breath as she returned his intense stare.

Gradually, his eyes drifted from her face to her waist. Only then did Sylvie realize Westley had his hand around her waist, Jops. She'd been so distracted by Kage's arrival, she didn't even notice. Lana put a hand around him and whispered something into his ear. He looked away and went into the hall with her.

Are you alright?" Westley whispered.

She exhaled a shaky breath. I sure am."

The interior of the hall was magnificent. It looked like magic, Sylvie had never seen anything like it.

With Westley holding her hand, he took her around to greet acquaintances, while others even came to him.

Non-alcoholics wines were shared, which was better for Sylvie. She figured it was because they didn't want people getting drunk before the meeting.

You're really gorgeous, dear."

"Quite the beaut

She didn't stop getting compliments.

Kage was far off in the hall and out of sight for Sylvie, providing her with some sort of relief. She didn't mind not seeing his arrogant face.

Along the line, her eyes ran into someone she wished had not been present. Lancelot,

He was far from her but made the eye contact. He was taking a glass of wine to his lips and winked at her when she met his gaze. She helplessly shivered.

What in God's name was he doing there? He definitely wasn't a member of the One Trillion Group. Unless...he used the family's benefit to get in,

She looked away, deciding she wasn't going to let anyone ruin her night.

An hour later, Kage climbed up to the stage to address the members, being the President of the group. He was very eloquent, and from time to time, he made eye contact with her. Chapter 19

The arrogant jerk. He must be pained she got to attend the party without his help.

If only he'd agreed to help back then, her father would've been a member of the One Trillion Group,

His rejection stung as she recalled it.

And even if I chose to help, you're in no position to make demands. In two weeks, we'll be divorced. So, you can quit trying to reap off the benefits of this marriage!

She closed her eyes, willing the memory to go away.

It hurt each time she remembered how unfeeling he had been during their marriage. It was a good thing they were finally separated. The only downside was, her kids might never know who their father is. Perhaps, if only the fool hadn't forced himself on her that night.. "The meeting will be happening in thirty minutes on the second floor. Enjoy the rest of the party," he said in conclusion. The members applauded as he climbed down the stage.

The party was enjoyable. A while later, Sylvie was pressed and needed to use the restroom.

She found her way, relieved herself and was washing her hands when she heard someone come in. Thinking it'd be a female, she didn't bother looking up. "Enjoying the party?"

Her eyes flew open as she looked in the mirror before her. She gasped and turned to Lancelot.

What the hell?

"Are you insane? Or you can't just read anymore? This is the lady's restroom," her brows were pinched together.

His hands tucked into his pockets, leaning against a wall, Lancelot chuckled.

"You're fucking beautiful when you're pissed, Sylvie. Kage ever told you that? 'Cause I'm damn sure he got you pissed all the time."

Sylvie didn't like the look of things. They were the only ones in the restroom.

Before she could make a move, Lancelot got off the wall and pushed her into one of the toilets. She tried to scream, but he clamped a hand over her mouth. "I wouldn't, he warned.

Sylvie's eyes were widened in horror. Good lord!

When he was sure she wouldn't try to scream again, he withdrew his hand from her lips.

""What

do you think you're doing?" She asked in deep breaths.

He smiled, as if enjoying how terrified she looked.

"Well, what do you think, Sylvie?" He touched her neck, sending a gentle caress. I'm simply admiring you."

Slowly, his hand moved from her neck to her chest. She tried pushing him off, but it was useless.

"Let go of me!"

"Haven't you wondered why I haven't spilled your secret to Kage yet?" He whispered into her ear. "If I were you, Sylvie, I'd try it be on my good side."

Sylvie's eyes glistened with tears, the reality of his words dawning on her. She closed her eyes and breathed shakily f her body not to react as he touched her Chyner is

Taking his hand even lower, he found a way through the slit of her dress, accessing her bare skin.

"Imm," he moaned, enjoying how smooth she felt.

"Tell me, love, did you and Kage ever... you know, hit the clock?"

He touched her panties but thankfully, didn't open it. Sylvie felt nothing but disgust.

"Or was the hatred that extreme?" He gave her ear a small bite. "Well, Kage has always been a man of pride. I wouldn't be surprised if he let such a good meal go untouched over some little quarrel," he chuckled.

His hand found her tummy, and her eyes flew open when he touched it.

For fuck sake! Now, she wanted to throw up.

"Let me go, Lancelot!" She tried pushing him off her, but he only laughed, keeping his hand on her stomach.

He didn't know it, but she hated that a monster like him was touching a place where her babies were.

Satisfied with how frustrated she was, he withdrew his hand and stepped away from her.

"I'll be taking up a position at Fluxpoint on Monday. So, I guess we'll be seeing more of each other," he said with a smile.

No, no, no. Sylvie couldn't imagine it.

"Take care of you, gorgeous, he pinched her jaw before leaving.

Sylvie returned to the party, feeling and looking offended. She had enough problems in her life to add Lancelot to the list. "Did something happen?" Westley asked, noticing her mood.

Tm fine, she grumbled.

Not long after, he had to leave for the meeting.

The meeting, which was being held in a conference room, was attended by the thirty-five members of the One Trillion Croup.

After the initial address by one of the members of the group, Kage was called upon to head the purpose for the meeting.

"As we all know, it's been a tradition of this group that every six years, a new project is carried out. The last project, which was headed by my grandfather was the development of a Sustainable Energy Park. Till today, it is one of the largest projects that's ever been done in scale renewable energy facility that combines solar, wind and hydroelectric power generation. The profit was massive and till date, is still being enjoyed by the members of this group..

"And today, we'll be moving on to a new project."

He got hold of the projector remote.

"What we have upon us today, is like nothing this group has ever thought of. It's going to be a world breaking project, and even. when we're gone, our generations will continue to reap off the profits"

There was slight whisperings in the room.

Clicking on a button, a 3D image was displayed on the large wall.

*Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the new project of the One Trillion Group- the world's highest skyscraper

There were whispers, then hobbing of heads, followed by applauds.

The ovation lasted for a minute. Kage continued when the room was calm.

"This is a 3D representation of what it'll look like. Currently, the World's highest skyscraper stands at a height of eight hundred

and twenty eight meters, with one hundred and sixty-three floors. We'll be looking at nine hundred meters, and one hundred and seventy-five floors.

"This will be our biggest project so far, and of course, I do not need to tell you how beneficial it'll be when we're done. This building will be used for various purposes like office spaces, residential apartments, observation decks and lot more. It'll be a center for tourist attracti "We'll be getting the necessary approvals by next week, the costs will be calculated and shared amongst each of us. Then, we'll commence the building as soon as s possible." He concluded.

"Wow. I must say this is a brilliant idea, Mr. Hawkins. None of us would've dared to imagine something so challenging. Yes, it'll require a looot of money, but the result will definitely be worth it, one of the members commended.

The others took turns in expressing their satisfaction.

"Do we have a land for this project already?" Someone asked.

"We do slipping a a hand into his pocket, Kage clicked on the remote and brought up and image on the screen.

It was a vast area, in the heart of the city

The members gasped.

"No way! How did you get that!?"

Twas told that land was untouchable.

"My father had offered a lot of money back then ri get that land, but it wasn't up for bargain."

They spoke over each other, their eyes beaming.

The only person that had been silent was Westley. His eyes glinted with anger as he watched the screen.

That was the land Kage had stolen from him. It belonged to him and his family!