June sat in front of the president and other dignitaries of South City as she signed the new resort project contract.
Lucy and JL Architectures’ official lawyer accompanied her as she signed the dotted lines, binding them to the contract.
“Congratulations!” Lucy whispered while the press took coverage of the event.
The president was overjoyed with the signing and hosted them to lunch, alongside other key decision-makers.
“Thank you for giving us another chance.” One of the president’s aides said. “We have full faith in your ability to deliver.”
June received their kind remarks with an appreciative smile. She was happy to gain the respect and approval of South City and looked forward to the resort project but that was not the foremost in her mind.
“Thank you for your trust in JL Architectures. We will not disappoint you.” June responded and the rest of the lunch was spent with a light atmosphere.
After lunch, the president excused June to the living area for a private discussion. “Have you thought about our earlier discussion?” The president asked
Truth be told, June had thought carefully about the matter and knew exactly what she wanted. Just earlier today, she received the damning news from Carson.
Mrs Beatrice experienced a serious heart attack that almost led to her demise not to mention the fact that Sharon had refused to see her unless she came up with a solution for her misfortune.
Coupled with Rafael barely making headway, June had a lot of requests and hopes but refused to take advantage of the president’s kindness.
The last thing she wanted was to guilt trip the president into doing anything for her. She was satisfied with his respect and regard for her company.
“I am glad that you deemed me fit to receive such kindness but I maintain my stance,” June said politely. “I am happy with the opportunity and will only need your continued support.”
The president stared at her with wonder in his eyes. Many people would die to have such an opportunity and she refuses it? What planet did this woman come from?
“I don’t know how to feel.” The president said and June bowed her head. “Do you think there is something I cannot do or you are hesitant to receive gifts from me?”
“None of the above,” June said. “My decision is personal and has nothing to do with you. Please understand.”
The president gauged her for a moment and said. “I am also a man of my word, Miss June. If you will not make a request, I will have to think of something myself.”
Before June could utter a word, the president continued. “I look forward to more news about the project moving forward. As regards my gift. You will receive them in due time.”
His tone carried an air of finality. Soon enough, they joined the others. A few minutes later, June was ready to leave.
The president ordered his chauffeur to take them home with his escort and handed over a card to June in case she changed her mind and thought of something.
Meanwhile, Lydia was beaten like a thief and tied in the basement of the Cordel family mansion. After getting caught, Leo sent her to the prison where Andre’s men tortured and beat her until she passed out.
It’s been three days since then and she was subjected to inhumane treatments. It was a miracle that she was still alive.
Lydia lay on the cold floor, hopeless and in pain when April stepped into the dungeon. She raised her head slowly, expecting another round of torture until she met eyes with April – dressed in female attires.
“Oh don’t look so surprised,” April said when she saw her widened eyes. “You of all people know my real identity. I can’t get that reaction from the boys and then get the same from you too.”
Lydia blinked profusely, unable to believe it. How was she still alive? Why was she dressed in female attire and looking like she walked out of a fashion magazine?
“I understand that you are confused so I will make things clear.” April began. “I saw a chance like you and I took it.”
“What?”
“When I helped you set yourself free from that monster husband of yours, I realised something damning.”
“While you would be free from his abusive hands, I would be trapped in yours.” April tutted. “I couldn’t continue living my life under your shadow, Lydia. I had to do something.”
“You…. you sold me out,” Lydia spat out blood. “You betrayed me..”
“Betrayal is a strong word, Lydia,” April said. “In this dog-eat-dog world, one must always look out for themselves.”
“I couldn’t continue being your sex slave and when I saw an opportunity, I took it. Just like you did when you killed your husband.”
Lydia shook from the amount of anger that coursed through her veins. “I saved your life. I took you out of that prison and gave you a second chance… Is this how you repay me?”
“Let’s not go there now, darling.” April tutted. “You were repaying a debt you owed. Don’t forget how I saved your life in prison.”
“It’s only logical that you do the same. Besides, I never agreed to be your sex slave, you abused me for your intrusive desires and I took it like a champ.”
“So don’t make it seem like I am the bad one here. We used each other. The only difference is that I managed to turn around my life and you… not so much.”
“You will regret betraying me April.” Lydia seethed, trying and failing to sit up. “Do you think Leo will let you be?” A wry laugh. “He’s probably planning how to get rid of you as we speak.”
“Worry about yourself, Lydia.” April tutted. “Unlike you, I perfectly know how to handle my business.”
April was confident in her deal with Leo. In the next few days, there will be a meeting with the Cordel gang heads in the mansion.
In that meeting, Leo would take over Andre’s position as the new Don, only after he had proven his loyalty to the late Don.
With Andre’s sudden death came a lot of questions and suspicions. It was not unheard of for a second in command to betray his master to take over the position.
Especially when the said master had yet to father a child who should take over the business in cases like this. Leo would have to prove his innocence in the coming days.
Which was why he needed April. She was to pretend to be a prisoner and convince the international heads of Lydia’s treachery.
As soon as Leo became head, she would receive a generous sum for her assistance and choose her path moving forward.
“You will regret this, April,” Lydia said. “I hope you die a miserable death.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” April said. “It’s not so long before you get killed now. I thought to say my goodbyes.”
Lydia chuckled. “This is not goodbye, April Rivera.” She said with bloodshot eyes. “It’s just a matter of time before I see you in hell.”
April smirked. She had no business with losers. “Trust me, you’ll be waiting for a pretty long time .”
April stepped out of the prison and a few minutes later, some men entered Lydia’s cage. After a terrible session of torture, Lydia fell unconscious and was smuggled out in a body bag to be dismembered and sold.