(Neero)

"Mr. Jabal, you consider me as your brother?" Devon clasped the man's hand. He felt something was wrong with the man's tone earlier but his face didn't falter.

"Why not? We're going to work side by side, aren't we? Like family." Neero smiled widely at the Yushkova's.

Victoria's face was paled as sheet and averted her eyes from the man. She never thought that the impure son of hers would be bold enough to show his face at their company. She balled her fists and tried to act normal.

Euro also sensed that something was weird but shake it off as the man seemed to be all business. The young man also came from a distinguished family from the middle east continent. He wouldn't do anything that will bring disgrace to his parents for sure. By this reasoning, peace prevailed in his heart.

"Of course. That would be an honor." Devon ended his gesture of agreement and prepared for the documentary shoot.

Everybody was civil and the meeting ended on a great note.

--------------

As weeks passed by, the Yushkova Tradings gradually recovered. Though several investors are still skeptical about the business continuity, having Neero Jabal as one of the main shareholders, some of them were convinced somehow and conservatively put in their money, too.

Devon accepted the fact that because of Neero, their company slowly gained its position in the industry once more. But he was bothered by something.

Conventionally, some shareholders do not participate in the everyday management of a company, but Neero is intimately involved in the inner workings of their business. Every move and every decision must be acknowledged by the man and if not, Devon's recommendations will be put in vain as the other stockholders only listen to the words of Neero.

The young master of Yushkova felt that he's just a pawn that was under controlled by the new man. He's only putting up with Neero as the situation needs it then planned to arise as the true leader of Yushkova Tradings when the time comes.

"What?!" Devon blurted out with the news brought by his assistant. Neero had done another move that shocked him to his core.

Shareholders do have a right to elect the board of directors. Typically, each has a vote weighted by the percentage of his or her share.

As per the report, Neero and the other stockholders are currently voting for a new set of board of directors that will, in turn, appoint new managers.

Devon balled his fists at the turned of the events. It's like the company will be tipped over and become Neero's empire.

'That scheming man.'

#######

"Babe, what's the story behind this?" Natalia is currently at the Gates' ancestral mansion that weekend to review her checklists for the upcoming dinner party which was scheduled on the last month of the year. Alexander accompanied her and both are now resting inside Alexander's old room.

Alexander glanced at his wife and saw his wife holding a pressed white rose. He marched towards Natalia and stared at the supposed-to-be-hidden treasure inside an old book titled, "The First".

Alexander's expression became soft and turned his gaze to Natalia who's waiting for his response. He told her a story from years ago that involves the old flower. Natalia was overwhelmed and embraced her husband.

"Touched?" The husband asked his wife who was tearing up. The woman simply nodded. He then scooped up Natalia and kissed her with desire.

Both of them were panting after several minutes and Alexander laid his wife over the king-sized bed. "If someone was impressed and grateful, one should reward the other person."

Natalia just smiled but before her husband landed his lips on her again, she stopped him. "We have to be careful from now on."

Alexander creased his eyebrows but continued exploring his wife's alluring body. He almost tore Natalia's clothes and gazed at her with so much passion. He noticed that her body developed into a curvaceous one and her chest became more plump which he definitely loves.

"Xander..are you even listening?" Natalia scolded him but at the same time beamed at her husband.

Alexander saw her contrasting expressions and halted for a while. Nevertheless, he caged his wife with his arms and started sucking her lower lip in a romantic manner.

"Mmm.." He shortly replied and didn't wait if she has something to say before he entered her in a swift.

Natalia gasped and hold his shoulders tightly. "Xander...the little bun." She blurted out in surprise.

"What bun?" Alexander halted this time and was confused with her words.

He processed for a while then his eyes became wide. "Our son?"

Natalia nodded happily and added, "or daughter."

Her husband grinned like a Cheshire cat and he kissed her lovingly.

The moment became heated again and Alexander changed their angles.

"Xander, didn't I say---"

"Don't worry, this position is safe."

Natalia, "Shameless!"

--------------

That evening, the Gates family was having dinner together. Natalia and Alexander were glancing at one another like teenagers.

"So, you already married this rascal? Why did you hid it? Did he coax you on marrying him?" Flint scolded the two.

Alexander, "...."

"Master Flint---"

"Grandpa." Flint corrected her even though he's a little disappointed. Natalia beamed at the old man because she knows he won't be angry for too long.

"G...Grandpa, he didn't wheedled me around. We both agreed to it. Please forgive us." The young woman explained gently and maintained her smile.

Flint sighed and turned to Alexander.

"You. You quickly snatched my student just like that and didn't gave her a proper wedding ceremony which she deserves."

"Grandpa, I will. Don't worry. But just as we're already married, the dinner party will make it up for it. We will still have an extravagant celebration." Alexander countered.

Flint just snorted but was really happy that Natalia finally became his granddaughter.

"Don't sulk. You're making my wife sad, too. It will affect your great grandchild." Alexander uttered casually.

All of them were stunned with what they've heard.

"A what?" Timothy Gates asked slowly holding his breath.

The newly wed couple just stared at them with joyful eyes.

"Oh! I'm going to be a grandmother!" Priscilla uttered happily as she stood up and embraced Natalia.

Flint laughed with much joy in his heart. He already forget about his sentiment and just stared at the young couple in satisfaction. Truly, he didn't make a mistake on choosing his student for his grandson. She immediately conceived an heir for the family!

The Gates ancestral mansion become exuberant that night. The family, together with their staffs, celebrated the wonderful blessing that has come upon the household.

#######

As the Gates' year end party approaches, many socialites were getting ready and were busy monitoring their gowns and suits that were being sewed by different tailors and dressmakers.

The women, like Victoria, were in awe with the surprise gift from the outstanding family. To spent such a huge amount to jewelries and give them away is surely a showcase of how wealthy the clan is.

The Gates household also arranged private planes to escort the families who cannot travel to the exclusive mountain where the ancestral mansion was situated.

Everyone was amazed how luxurious one elite family can be. Every single woman make it to appoint that they will look their best hoping to catch the attention of the great Alexander Gates who is still available on the market.

Ladies of all ages are prepping except for the old madam of Yushkova family. Dark circles were evident under her eyes. Lately, she hasn't been sleeping well. Each day, Victoria gets paranoid about the secret she's been hiding all this time. If her husband would find out, he will surely disown her.

On the other hand, the Yushkova patriarch was very puzzled at her recent temperament. There were moments when his wife would be easily frightened by a sudden noise and would look horrified or somewhat guilty. It's like something is bothering her and she can't keep her cool anymore.

"What's eating you?" Euro finally asked one time.

"W...what?" Victoria replied with a question which made Euro frowned. She's also not paying attention and has been daydreaming a lot.

"I said----"

"Old master, old madam. You have a guest waiting on the main hall." The butler informed them.

Euro wasn't expecting any visitors that day. He nonchalantly walked towards the receiving area but stopped and turned to Victoria. "Aren't you coming?"

"Oh. Let's go." Victoria shortly replied and followed behind Euro.

The old couple arrived at the main hall where they saw a tall man whose back was facing them. Devon and the duchess followed and joined them too.

"Excuse me? Who are you?" Victoria uttered.

The man smirked and turned around.

"Hello, Mrs. Yushkova." Neero greeted the old woman and emphasized his words.

Euro's face darkened instantly and took a glimpse on his wife who looked like she had seen a ghost.

"What're you doing here Mr. Jabal?" The old man tried to be compose and ignored the weird feeling that has gotten into him.

Recently, he wasn't happy with the man's course of action with their company. It starts to get into his nerves then he comes here and tried to intimidate his wife at his own territory?

"Mr. Yushkova, I will be direct. I need her shares." Neero stated lazily pointing his finger at Victoria.

All of them were confounded at the man's boldness. If Victoria would sell her shares to Neero, the man will be the major shareholder of Yushkova Tradings and will be unstoppable in controlling the company.

"Who are you to come here and force your demands upon us?" Devon gritted his teeth and didn't mind about pleasantries anymore.

"I have every right to meddle with the company even if I didn't have enough shares, right mother?" The royalty replied coldly.

Victoria improvised quickly and acted liked she's hyperventilating. Old maid Zuzu appeared and came to her rescue and didn't see Neero standing behind her.

"Zuzu, nice to see you here. This is a wonderful reunion, isn't it?" Neero uttered mockingly.

Old maid Zuzu turned her head and became pallid in an instant seeing him.

"How did you know her?" Euro slowly asked as he already guessed the next phrase that will bring disarray inside the house.

"Simple. She's the one who took care of me during my childhood days. And the one who hid my birth mother's bastard son." Neero looked at Victoria complacently, who was now breathing at an abnormal rate caused by the confrontation.

And with that, the noble man marched towards the exit but halted before saying, "I expect your decision early tomorrow if you still want to preserve what remains to your precious reputations."