MY PERFECT BODY GUARD CHAPTER SIXTEEN :THE ULTIMATUM

Samuel was driving home from work one evening when he noticed an eerie silence enveloping his compound. As he approached, the gate stood wide open, and his usual gatekeeper, Patrick, was nowhere to be seen.

"Patrick!" Samuel called out from his car, but the only response was the echo of his own voice. Growing increasingly concerned, he retrieved a baton from his car's trunk and cautiously ventured inside.

Upon entering, Samuel couldn't help but notice that Patrick's house, usually bustling with activity, now stood wide open and empty. An unsettling feeling settled in his chest as he inched closer to his own house, the stillness of the evening amplifying the sense of foreboding in the air.

As Samuel cautiously stepped into his own sitting room, he couldn't believe his eyes. His wife and children, as well as Patrick, were all bound and lying helplessly on the floor. Behind them stood menacing masked men, armed and ready.

The tension in the room was palpable, and one of the masked men spoke with a chilling calmness, "One step or any foolish move, and you'll meet your end."

Samuel, his heart pounding in his chest, obeyed, sinking into a nearby chair, unable to tear his gaze away from his terrified family. Fear gripped him, and he knew the safety of his loved ones depended on his compliance.

"What do you want from me?" Samuel's voice trembled as he finally gathered the courage to speak, his eyes pleading for answers. He couldn't bear to see his children so scared and vulnerable.

The masked man remained stoic for a moment, then finally replied, "You'll find out soon enough. For now, just remember, any attempt to alert the authorities or resist us will lead to dire consequences."

Samuel nodded, his mind racing as he tried to fathom the reasons behind this terrifying intrusion. All he could do was hope for a chance to protect his family and uncover the motives of these mysterious intruders.

"What do you want, Samuel?" Samuel asked again. Then, a voice coming out of a room interjected, "Well, well, well, Samuel. It's been a long time," she said.

As Samuel looked, he couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. It was Gloria, Sir Jim's stepmother, and her son, Robert.

"Samuel, the most royal and trusted friend of Jim," she said. "It's an honor to meet you. I heard you're Jim's trusted friend, which means you have what it takes to get to him. Hope I'm right.

"What do you want from me, Samuel?" Samuel asked again.

Gloria walked to a chair and sat down, crossing her legs. She spoke confidently, "You and I know how weak Jim is, and he's no match to carry on improving this company. I'm pretty sure you know that," she asked.

Samuel responded firmly, "What are you talking about? Jim is a great leader, and he's the best man to take this company to a higher level. How dare you try to speak ill about him? He's a good man, and out of mercy, he gave you a sizeable share in the company. Now you think he's not fit for the job?"

"Samuel, for once in your life, can you just listen, or will your ego destroy your family?" she stood and started pacing around the sitting room.

She continued, "Jim doesn't have a son. He has a daughter, a girl who doesn't know anything about business. Do you honestly believe that little brat can take this company to another level? Hey, Sam, all I'm asking you is to join me and take this company."

Her voice carried a tone of persuasion, "I have a son who's capable, and if you help us remove Jim, we will give you a better rank, better than an advisor. You'll even own a sizeable share in this company. All you have to do is swear your loyalty to me."

"You don't know anything about Stella, and she's a great girl—very intelligent and selfless. She might be a girl, but I believe she's the best fit for the company. Besides, Jim and I have been friends for years. What makes you think I would betray him?"

Samuel defended Stella and his loyalty to Jim. But Gloria remained stern, saying, "Your family is in danger, and you're whining about your ego. Let me make it clear to you: I'm going to give you two weeks to process what I asked you."

Her tone was ominous as she continued, "And if you dare tell Jim what happened today, believe me, you will be a childless and a widower. Don't test my patience, and I want to let you know I'm watching you."

She stood up and walked away, followed by the masked men. Jim rushed to his family immediately to ensure they were okay.