Chapter 75

75 Arrogant But Flamboyant Boss

Leon’s eyes turned bloodshot. His breath was heavy and his stares were deadly. Every humor and cheerfulness vanished from his eyes. His fists were clenched and his jaw tightened. He felt like punching something as he scowled at Maggie.

Ella quickly stood up and hugged Leon’s stiffened body. She wanted to say something nasty to her mother but remembered Nana Esther’s warning.

“How could a mother be so cruel to her daughter?” Ella queried her subconscious. “Me! Shameless! What other hateful word did Maggie plan on using.”

Ella cupped Leon’s face and forced him to look into her eyes. “My love, I’m sorry. Please forgive my mum. She is not worth your precious time.”

Then she turned to Maggie and said, “I am the current lady and wife shamelessly gracing his bed. I will continue to do so until my dying breath.” Her frosty glares were filled with determination. “Everyone has a skeleton in their cupboard, mother. Do not judge the book by its cover. Everyone makes mistakes. Didn’t you recommend a r*pist to me for a husband?”

“How dare you talk to me in that manner?” Maggie flared up. Her grip tightened around the cutlery she was holding. She was tempted to throw it in Ella’s direction but she feared the consequences.

“Maggie, the only reason I’m according to you this respect so far is because of my precious wife. You’re in our home because she allowed it. My wife has a golden heart that you can never fathom. It makes me wonder if you’re really her mother.” Leon’s voice was deep and haunted. “Don’t push your luck! Refrain from calling my wife names. Otherwise...” He turned his attention to Ella.

“My love, you don’t have to apologize. You are not and will never be shameless. You are the most precious gem any sane man could ever ask for.” His gaze was filled with so much tenderness and desire. “I should be the one saying sorry for allowing your mum to talk ill of you in my presence.” He kissed her lips softly.

“Thanks, dear.” Ella beamed satisfactorily. “You need to leave now, otherwise you would run late for work.” She gently shoved Leon towards the door.

.....

“How about you? I thought we were leaving the house together?” Leon questioned softly.

“I need to speak briefly with my mum before leaving. Don’t worry about me,” Ella quickly added when she noticed Leon’s slightly piqued expression. “It will only take ten minutes. I’ll be fine.”

“Ten minutes, nothing more! I’ll wait for you outside.” Leon kissed her on her forehead and strolled out of the dining room.

“So Ella, it has come to this?” Maggie’s voice gained momentum in Leon’s absence. “You have grown wings that you can now talk back at me, right? You stood there and watch that good for nothing...”

“Enough, mother!” Ella yelled angrily. “I will not banter words with you! If you planned to put a stumbling block between me and my husband, then consider that a failed mission.” Ella said between gritted teeth. “You wanted to come to my house and now you’re here. Enjoy the house!” She stormed out of the dining room.

Maggie watched Ella walk out. She still couldn’t believe her ears or eyes. Her daughter had really changed for the worse. She couldn’t recognize the woman Ella had become.

Maggie tapped her fingers gently on the table, deep in thought. One thing was certain, Leon would never raise a finger at her. She smiled to herself and said, “oh Ella, I came prepared!” I will cause so much havoc in your foolish marriage. Your promiscuous husband will be forced to throw both of us out of his house when I’m done with you. Let’s see how much your fake love can withstand.

She quickly finished up her meal and went back to her room.

———-

Ella had a very busy morning schedule at work when she resumed. After attending several meetings, she went around the different departments on inspection. She was highly impressed at the level of commitment and results each department had to offer. On so many occasions, her voice was heard with the same repetitive words; “good job guys, I’m impressed.”

Denise didn’t give room for any department to slack on their activities. She was on top of all the department heads, ensuring that they gave one hundred percent of their daily quota.

During Ella’s all round inspection, she came across a newly employed beautiful and talented designer, in the creative department. She admired the zealousness and charm of this particular designer, as it reminded her of herself.

After a brief commendation, Ella left the creative department after taking note of this particular designer.

During lunch break, Ella invited Denise over to her office for some snacks and chats. She was so excited as she shared some of her experiences back at Islafub. She told a mesmerized Denise about Nana Esther and how sweet she was to her.

“Oh Ella, I’m so happy for you.” Denise beamed with happiness. “You deserve all the love and support of Leon’s Nana. Don’t you worry, with time, Leon’s mother would love you the way his grandma does?”

“Hmm... Talking of mothers, guess who is currently at my house.” Ella’s brow furrowed at the thought of her mum.

Denise raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “Who is at your house? Leon’s mum?” Her eyes widened in horror at the thought of Marissa rekindling another crisis.

“I wish! At least, the animosity would have been understandable, and bearable. It’s my mum.” Ella spoke between Clenched jaws.

Ella quickly gave Denise a rundown of all her mum had done since she arrived.

“You don’t say! Are you for real? Oh, my poor Ella!” Denise couldn’t stop exclaiming in astonishment. She was riled up by Maggie’s abusive behavior towards Ella. She even suggested that she would follow Ella home and talk some sense into Maggie.

“They’ll be no need for that, fairy godmother,” Ella smiled at Denise’s piqued and determined expression. “Leon and I would handle the situation. We have already initiated the first phase of giving her a silent treatment.” Ella smiled as she gave Denise a rundown of their plan.

“Wow, Ella! That’s amazing!” Denise gave Ella two thumbs up. “Maggie will have no choice but to leave your house in frustration. I trust what Leon is capable of.”

Ella chuckled out loud. “You needed to see his face this morning. If not for my presence in that dining room, my mum would have received a resounding slap from Leon.”

“Sorry to say this, Ella, but your mum deserves more than a slap. I don’t just get her.” Denise’s irritation was evident. “How can a mother refer to her child as a shameless bed warmer? It’s just appalling! You are such a good daughter and I hope your mother realizes it soon before it’s too late.”

“I hope so too,” Ella sighed as she remembered all the hurt her mother had made her pass through, – since the day she refused to go to law school and broke up with Richard.

“Do you know one funny thing Leon said this morning,” Ella’s eyes were clouded with tears?

“Oh, Ella, please don’t cry!” Denise moved over to her and wiped the tears that were threatening to fall.

“Thanks, Denise.” Ella blinked severally to stifle her tears. “Leon said he wondered if Maggie was truly my mother.” Her voice conveyed hurt and bitterness. “Do you know what’s funnier? I even agreed with him.”

“You know what? I guess it’s time you conducted a maternal test on your mum because I totally agree with you and Leon,” Denise said dramatically. “From all I can conclude right now, you were adopted while Olivia is her actual child.”

“Oh, Denise,” Ella started crying and laughing at the same time. “You’re one hilarious creature! Where ever did I find you? Thanks for trying to cheer me up. Maggie is my biological mother and Olivia is my biological sister. It just happens that my mum loves Olivia more than she loves me. This is common in some families.”

“Yeah! I totally agree!” Denise breathed out forced air and returned to her seat. Nevertheless don’t forget you’ve got me. I am not just a friend but a big sister and even your Amzone godmother. If Maggie crosses her boundary again, then tell her to get ready for a mother’s brawl.”

Ella couldn’t hold back the laughter that roared out of her mouth. “Yes, mama bear!” She wiped the happy tears from her eyes.

“By the way, you said something about Leon registering you in a firearm institute today,” Denise said as she tore open a sandwich pack and started eating.

“Yes!” Ella quickly checked the time on her wristwatch. “He’ll be here in a few minutes. Let’s hurry up with our lunch before he does.”

——

It had been a busy day at the F&K fashion home. Every department was buzzing with different activities as they were all financially motivated by their new arrogant but flamboyant boss.

Chloe had given each department a target to come out with the best output. She also fired up the fashion creative department to come up with rare and unique designs that would outshine the ARILPORTER BOSS brand. As a way of motivating the workers, she declared a huge monetary reward for the designer with the best idea for the winter collection.

Everyone was on his or her toes as they all wanted a taste of the reward. It didn’t take long before amazing ideas came flooding in from the fashion creative department. As a reward for a job well done every employee of the department was credited with a salary bonus.

Over the past weekend, a huge amount of money was pumped into the F&K fashion home by Albert Robinson. The money was used for renovations and refurbishing the brand. Albert even bought over a nearby establishment which was demolished to be used as a parking lot. By doing so, the F&K fashion brand had no business negotiating for a parking lot space with Ella’s company.

After a busy day of strategizing and re-strategizing on ways to dominate the fashion and retail world, Frost got a call he had been expecting for days. He quickly went out of Kyle’s office to a secured place to receive the call. When he hung up the call, he excitedly returned to Kyle’s office smiling like someone who had just won a billion-dollar contract.

“Kyle,” Frost’s face glimmered with mischief. “The battle with Ariella Porter has just gotten juicier. This time, her precious company is going to bleed.”

“How do you mean?” Kyle questioned impatiently.