The media room was dimly lit, the buzz of anticipation hanging in the air. Cameras flashed, reporters whispered among themselves, and the usual hum of the press conference felt heavier today. Jack Fross stood at the podium, his dark suit perfectly tailored, his face a mask of calculated calm. His cold gaze swept over the room as he adjusted the microphone, the weight of his presence silencing the chatter.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jack’s voice echoed, smooth and unyielding. “Today, we are pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Petrova Industries, a leading name in the oil and gas sector. Under my leadership, Buzz will be expanding its influence and capabilities, creating more opportunities for our people, while ensuring continued innovation in energy. This deal was not only beneficial to us but was made in good faith with Mr. Igor Petrov, who made this decision willingly, knowing it’s what’s best for the future. We look forward to the continued growth of this new partnership.”
The reporters scrambled to take notes, some of them raising their hands to ask questions. But Jack was already turning away from the podium, his face emotionless. This wasn’t the time for controversy. He didn’t need to raise any unnecessary suspicions. Keeping it clean. Keeping it professional.
As he walked out of the media room and into the elevator, Jack’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw the name flash on the screen: Emily.
“Jack,” his sister’s voice was warm and familiar, “Mum said she needs you to get some Holy Anointing oil from Pastor Kofi. You know how important this is to her.”
Jack sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned against the wall. “Emily, I’m busy.”
“But she asked, Jack. She said it’s for her health—she’s been praying for it. You know how she is.”
“I’m not getting anointing oil from Pastor Kofi. I’m not even religious.” His tone was dismissive, yet there was a hint of reluctance.
Emily’s voice softened. “Come on, Jack. Please? You know Mum... She really wants it. She says it’ll help her get better. Just do it for her, okay?”
Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose. He didn’t have time for this. He wasn’t the type to cater to these requests. But his mother—she had a way of making him feel guilty.
“Fine,” he finally relented, though his voice remained tight. “Tell her I’m going. I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Thanks, Jack. Love you,” Emily said, her voice full of gratitude.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jack muttered before hanging up.
He looked at his driver, who was waiting outside in the car. “Take me to St. Gabriel’s Church.”
Meanwhile, Sandra was pacing around Lila’s apartment, her mind racing. She had the job interview with Buzz soon, and everything seemed to be spiraling. What if she messed it up? She hadn’t been able to get it out of her head that she needed to pray for a little guidance.
Sighing, she grabbed her jacket and keys, locking up the door behind her. She’d heard of St. Gabriel’s before—Lila used to go there with her family. It wasn’t far, and the GPS on her phone gave her directions. She didn’t really expect anything miraculous, but a little peace wouldn’t hurt.
Lila’s scooter was parked outside, and without hesitation, Sandra hopped on it. The ride wasn’t too bad—until she realized she hadn’t ridden in ages. But there was something about the wind in her hair that made her feel alive again.
By the time she arrived at the church, she felt calmer. She parked the scooter and walked inside, the cool, peaceful atmosphere instantly settling her nerves. It was quiet, only a few people inside, and she slid into a pew, closing her eyes and beginning to pray.
"God," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "please help me. Help me get this job. Please."
Outside, Jack Fross’s sleek black Mercedes-Benz pulled up to the curb. He stepped out of the car, adjusting his black shades as the church doors opened before him. He had a mission to complete, and he wasn’t about to let anything distract him.
As he entered, his eyes scanned the interior. He wasn’t here for anything but a quick in-and-out. But as he crossed the floor to the front, he noticed a young woman in a pew, her hands clasped, her eyes closed in prayer. Sandra.
He hadn’t seen her before, but something about her felt familiar. Not that he cared. He was here for business.
Five minutes later, Sandra finished her prayer and stood up, feeling a bit more centered. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she quickly checked it.
Buzz had liked her resume. The words almost didn’t register at first. And then the email notification clicked in. She read it again. And again.
They were offering her the secretary position.
Her heart skipped. She couldn’t believe it. She was going to work at Buzz. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d felt this excited.
She stepped outside the church, still buzzing with excitement, and barely noticed the sleek black car parked nearby. But as she turned the corner, disaster struck.
Her foot slipped on the scooter’s throttle, and before she could react, she bumped straight into Jack Fross’s car, the front fender scraping against the polished bumper.
She froze. “Oh no, no, no!” she cursed under her breath.
The sound of the car door slamming shut made her jump. Jack Fross emerged from the vehicle, his expression dark, eyes narrow, and the aura of someone who had just been wronged.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he snapped, his voice thick with anger.
“I’m so sorry!” Sandra stammered, her eyes wide. “I didn’t mean to—”
Jack’s eyes narrowed even further. “Of course you didn’t. Because people like you never mean to cause problems. They just do.”
Sandra’s temper flared. “Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?”
Jack took a step closer, towering over her. “It means you messed up. And now you need to own it.”
“I own nothing!” Sandra shot back, her voice rising. “It was an accident. And you're being a complete—”
Before she could finish, Jack grabbed a nearby bucket and dumped its contents—what looked like dirty water—right onto her head. The water splashed against her hair and shoulders, leaving her standing there, shocked and furious.
Sandra wiped her eyes and glared at him, dripping wet. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“You want to talk? Fine,” Jack said coldly. “You're dirty. You’re low-class. Just like this whole situation.”
The words stung more than she’d expected, but she wasn’t going to back down.
She stormed to the side of the road, grabbed a handful of cow dung from the middle of the street, and marched right over to his black car. Without hesitation, she poured the mess all over the hood.
Jack’s jaw tightened. “What is your problem?!”
The crowd around them had begun to gather, murmurs spreading like wildfire. Jack stood frozen for a moment, his expression twisted in rage. He peeled off his black shades and stepped out of the car, stalking toward Sandra.
“You don’t know who you’re messing with,” Jack growled, his voice low, threatening. He took another step toward her, and Sandra’s stomach dropped. There was something in the way he moved, in the way he glared at her, that made her blood run cold.
She stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest.
Just as Jack raised his hand as if to take another step toward her, he stopped. People were staring, phones were out, and the last thing Jack needed was to stir up controversy.
He glared at Sandra one final time, his expression a perfect storm of fury and control. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and marched back to his car, sliding into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life, and with a screech of tires, Jack sped off, leaving Sandra standing in the street, soaked, covered in dung, and somehow, even more defiant than before.
****
Published Date: 11/02/2025
Chapter 7 and 8 Date: 12/02/2025
Vote,Like And Comment
