Charles was surprised to receive the call from Jefferson. He didn’t think Jefferson would ever call him talk more of asking to discuss business with him. “What kind of business issue do you want to talk about?” He asked. “It’s about my company. I know you’re skeptical to see but I wouldn’t call if I wasn’t desperate.” “Ok. I’ll text you my home address shortly.” “Thank you.” About an hour later, Jefferson arrived at Charles mansion. When Charles had texted him the address, he didn’t believe that he was living in Diamond Home Estate. But when he arrived and Charles welcomed him, he realized that Charles was bigger than he imagined. In fact, he believed that he was only faking his poverty back then because nobody could become rich overnight. “So, what do you want to discuss with me?” Charles asked, handing him a glass of wine. “To begin with, I’m very sorry for what happened with Angela. I shouldn’t have embarrassed you back in the hotel or abused you in front of her family. I’m deeply sorry for that.” Jefferson sighed. “I’m on the verge of bankruptcy and I need some financial assistance. I want to request for a loan and I promise to pay back when I have revived my company.” “Hmmmm..” Charles ran his fingers through his hair. “I can lend you the money and you’ll not need to pay back. But on one condition.” “Anything. I’ll do anything.” “We will sign a contract, transferring 50% of your shares to me forever. In simple words, I’ll own half of the ownership rights of your company.” Jefferson was speechless. Charles terms were completely unreasonable to him. Giving him half of his ownership rights might save his company but in the long run, he will continue to send half of his shares to Charles. “Charles, reconsider your—” “That’s all I can offer.” Charles answered. “If you don’t think it’s worth it, then you can go to the bank for a loan.” Jefferson lowered his head to think and after some minutes, he nodded. “Ok. I’ll hand over half of my company’s ownership rights. But you’ll need to give me $100 million dollars to fund my company.” “That’s is not a problem. Once my lawyer prepares the contract and you sign, you’ll receive the money.” Charles responded. Jefferson rose to his feet. “Thank you very much. I’ll be on my way now.” Just as he was about to leave, Charles called him back. “Wait! What happened to Angela and her family? Shouldn’t you get some financial support from them considering you’ve spent so much on them?” Jefferson chuckled and shook his head. “Angela called me useless and kicked me out. She was only using me for my money. You’re very lucky you got out before they sucked you dry.” “I warned you. Have a great day.” Jefferson exited his mansion and as he drove away, he pondered over Charles offer. Even though he wasn’t happy about it, there was nothing he could do. ********************* Charles decided to go to his lawyer’s office to draft the contract between him and Jefferson. “Hello Vera, I’ll need your assistance today.” He called her to go with him. “I’m sorry, Charles. But I’m down with fever.” “Get well soon.” Without Vera, he headed to his lawyer’s office with his driver, and two bodyguards. On their way, Charles noticed a car was trailing them. The car has been following them for twenty minutes and Charles became highly suspicious. “Take the other road.” He told his driver. “I think this car is following us.” His driver took off toward the other road, hoping to shake off the car that was following them. But the car continued to trail them. “Get out of the car!” Suddenly, another car pulled up in front of them, and Charles realized it was an ambush. “Get out or we will shoot you.” Three thugs jumped out of the car with guns and rushed toward Charles car. His bodyguards quickly locked the car, preventing the thugs from harming anyone. The thugs began to fire bullets all over the car but the car was bullet proof. “Call the police immediately.” Charles ordered his guards who obeyed him instantly. “I wonder who is trying to kill me.” As Charles remained in the car, filled with fear, he immediately suspected Jefferson. He was the only person who knew he was going out that day. “Jefferson will suffer greatly if he is responsible for this.” Charles swore to himself. Just then, one of the thugs successfully smashed the front window and injured the driver. With access to the car, they pointed a gun to Charles. “Slowly get out of the car or we will shoot.” One of the thugs ordered. Charles asked his bodyguards to unlock the door and immediately, the thugs rounded them up and dragged him out of the car. “You think you are strong?!” One of the thugs yelled, hitting Charles on the head. “Your car can’t save you. Next time, when we ask you to get out, you get out!” “Take him to the van and tie him up.” The leader of the thugs ordered and Charles was dragged away to their van.