章節 32: A Daredevil

Chloe had always been the oppressor in every fight from a tender age. She took so much joy in bullying others due to her parent's status in society. None of her rivals ever had the guts to fight back or even raise a finger at her. Anyone who did was severely damaged.

Once, back in Chloe's middle school year, the proprietor of the school's daughter, a senior, had a misunderstanding with Chloe. The conflict lead to a scuffle between them, because, Chloe had slapped her. In the process of the commotion, the proprietor's daughter pushed Chloe down causing her to bruise her elbow.

The following day, not only did the proprietor renounce his claim over the school, but damaging criminal charges were leveled up against him, which lead to his imprisonment. While his daughter was framed for the possession and use of hard drugs. Hence, she was sent to juvenile detention.

Chloe, staring at Ariella's walk out of the restaurants with some scary-looking bodyguards, was stunned at her boldness.

Earlier, when Marissa had called her, asking her to come over to the dove restaurant, Chloe had been so thrilled. She never imagined bumping into Ariella in the same place.

When Chloe cited Ariella walking towards the entrance of the restaurant, she had planned on working up to Ariella, to lacerate Ariella's face with her nails. She hadn't expected Ariella to be so quick with the wine incident. Right now, all she could do was play the victim and earn sympathy from Marissa; which was working well.

Marissa led Chloe to the ladies to help clean her up. With the assistance of a waitress at the restaurant, Marissa got in touch with her driver and quietly escorted Chloe out of the restaurant using the back door to avoid further attention and embarrassment.

All along, Chloe held on to Marissa, faking crying and excessive hurt. She was excited that Ariella had thrown the first punch in the presence of Marissa. Now, she didn't need to push so much to prove to Marissa that Ariella was a street urchin trying to leech off Leon.

After Marissa was done sympathizing with Chloe, she instructed her to quickly go home and change.

"Meet me at the airport in two hours," Marissa said with a devious smile. "Also, do not let your parents know of what went down at the restaurant today," she warned Chloe strictly.

"Okay," Chloe said in her most charming voice before leaving.

...

Leon was busy, getting ready for a very important meeting with some huge private investors when he got a call from his mother.

"Hello mum, can I call you back later? I'm very busy right now," Leon grudgingly said.

"Send John to come to pick me up at the airport, I'm in Amzone city as we speak," Marissa spoke calmly with precision.

"What! How come you never informed me that you were coming around?" Leon's brow snapped as anger coiled in his stomach. "Moreover, I am out of town. So your visit isn't necessary."

"Just the same way you brought that little minx to my garden without my consent" his mother snapped back in fury. "I thought you said you were busy, don't waste your time and mine. Just send John over. I can take care of myself in your absence." Marissa hung up the phone.

Leon sat back in his seat perplexed for a minute. His muscles were tense and rage seared through him. He had an idea of what his mother intended to do and was even more furious that he wouldn't be there to protect and defend his wife.

He placed a call across to Ariella, after a few minutes of deliberation and calls.

"Hey babe, hope you're doing great. What are you up to?" He tried to ease the tension in his voice.

"I'm fine. I'm already at the lounge working with the engineers. Hope you have a smooth flight?" Ariella also pretended to sound calm and peaceful, which was in contrast to her piqued expression.

"Yeah, my flight was good. My mum just called that she's in town. She would be coming over to the villa and I don't want you interacting with her on any account. I've instructed a friend named Tom, to take you to my other apartment, pending when I return."

Ella was puzzled, as Marissa had earlier warned her not to inform Leon of her presence. She thought for a while before disclosing her visit to Marissa.

"Leon, I'm sorry you are getting to know this, but I had already seen your mum today." Ella was wary of a possible setup and decided to spill the beans first.

"What!.. How!... Why!.." Leon roared over the receiver, causing Ella to distance her ear from the phone for fear of her eardrum exploding.

When Leon's breath seemed to have stabilized, Ella apologized to him. She summarised Marissa's persuasive call and the reason she had gone to see her.

Ella knew that if Marissa succeeded in splitting her and Leon apart, then the battle would be lost even to Chloe. So, she took the initiative to settle with Leon first and have him on her side.

"Ella," Leon was visibly irritated and furious, "you have broken one of the conditions of our contract. But, because we are not married yet, I'll let this one slide. If it happens again, the contract would be terminated and we would go our separate ways."

Ella's face reddened and she bit her lower lips in fury. "Noted," she said between clenched jaw.

Leon could feel her anger over the phone so he spoke more subtly. "Ella, don't forget we are a team now. My mum could be manipulative in some of her actions. So, don't give her that opportunity. I wouldn't want to take sides because she's still my mum and I care a lot about her."

"I'll try my best." For some unknown reason, Ella's eyes were shimmering with tears.

"Don't bother taking me to your second apartment. I'm done hiding." Her tone was audacious and plucky. "I can take care of myself. Since we are not married yet, I will be staying at my place."

Leon, seeing he wouldn't be able to convince her decided to operate behind the scene.

"Alright daredevil," his eyes glinted with burning desire, "whatever you wish. Just make sure you remain happy for me. I have to go now. I'll talk to you later."

...

Before Marissa left with John, she contracted a private investigator to dig up all information about Ariella Porter. Marissa wanted to know who Ariella Porter was, who her parents and siblings were, her place of origin and birth, and all her past and present history.

When Marissa stepped into her son's villa with Chloe; stunningly dressed by her side, she quickly called for a meeting with all the household staff members.

Unfortunately for Marissa, Leon had earlier instructed his house workers to treat Ariella as the only lady of the house. They were never to go against any of Ariella's instructions, except he said so.

Prior to Marissa's arrival, Leon sent another instruction, telling everyone to put up a show, to please his mum. They were never to act on any of her instructions that would affect Ariella in any negative way.

"I'm aware that my son brought in a strange woman to this house, parading her as his fiancee." Marissa glared at everyone suspiciously.

"Make no mistake you all," her glares were horrendous, "I will ruthlessly deal with anyone who ever communicates or relates with that loathsome lady again."

"This gorgeous lady,..." Marissa touched Chloe slightly on her hands, "...is the mistress of this house and must be treated accordingly."

After speaking, Marissa discharged everyone back to their duties except for Paul.

"What room did that woman occupy," Marissa asked in a stern voice.

"She slept in Mr. Leon's bedroom," Paul lied as instructed.

Marissa clenched her fist and breathed down heavily like a volcano about to erupt.

"Prepare a room for Chloe and me," Marissa barked out her orders.

Chloe smiled slyly, as she tried to comfort her self-acclaimed mother-in-law.

"I will be fine Chloe, don't worry about me. Get yourself acquainted with the house because this is your new home henceforth. When my son gets back, he'll have to face me."

"Thank you, mum," Chloe smiled and stood up. "I'll ask Paul to get you some lemon tea if that is ok with you."

"Go ahead dear, thank you."

Chloe moved around the house for a while, admiring the beautiful scenery before barking orders at Paul, who hurriedly left and did as he was instructed.

Paul proactively led Chloe to one of the exquisitely furnished bedroom in the mansion. This bedroom was purposely designed with no windows attached, hence it was beautifully and romantically lit.

After she had settled in her room, she quickly called her mum to inform her of the good news.

"Mum, guess where I am right now?" she screamed with excitement.

"Where honey? You know I'm terrible at guessing."

Chloe threw herself on the warm and cozy bed.

"I am at my husband's house with my mother-in-law," her eyes twinkled with excitement as she surveyed her room.

"That's good news, honey! I'm so happy for you! What about Leon? Is he around?"

"No, he's out of town. But when he comes back, he will meet me in this house, with his mum by my side."

"Just be careful with that young man, Chloe, I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Remember how he acted towards you the last time."

"Don't worry yourself, mum, he will do no such thing again. Don't forget, his mum is around and here to protect me. Moreover, I am ready to sacrifice anything to win his love, because I really do love him."

"It's ok darling, be safe."

Marissa and Chloe were both having dinner when she got a call from Leon.

"Mum, what have you just done?!" Leon boomed in a haunted icy cold voice.

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