<b>Chapter </b><b>95 </b>


    Lydia


    I pulled over at the side of the road and broke down. cing my head on the steering wheel, my shoulder shook as tears rolled continuously down my eyes


    For the past five years, I have tried to be strong, not even a memory of the time in prison could break me, but hearing him talk about my time in prison and lying about how it made him feel made me more angry than sad.


    My anger wasn’t directed at him but at myself. For having a tiny bit of hope that he may be telling the truth. That he didn’t forget about me and that he had kept me in his heart.


    But he tried to kill me, and I was sure of that. The evidence was clear.


    After over thirty minutes, I pulled myself together and drove off.


    Larrivedte to the charity event. I touched up my makeup, which was ruined because of the tears.


    Mia met me at the parking lot. I saw her there immediately after I killed the engine. She has been here since morning.


    As part of the organisers, I had to be here to oversee how things were done, but I couldn’t make it because of the conference, so I


    sent Mia over.


    “Howte am1?” I inquired as I got to where she was standing


    Thick clouds drifted in the sky, casting their shadow over the earth, People surrounded the building. There were some reporters stationed at different points holding their microphones to the people in front of them. Cameras clicked.


    I had pulled over in the secret parking lot, a secluded area so as not to be seen.


    “Thirty minuteste.” She walked by my side. We <b>took </b>slow steps towards the door at the side.


    “There seems to be a little problem, I don’t know if you are aware, but <b>Mrs. </b>Woods is here.“I knew about that, “she has been trying to find her way back to the One Trillion Ladies Club, meeting the members of the club and giving them money.”


    She <b>walked </b>in front of me to open the door. “<b>She </b>also contributed to this event.” I stepped in, and she followed.


    Last night, before mom left, we had spoken about Victoria. Mom knew about her ns and had given me a heads up. Victoria was trying to remove me as the president of the club.


    We walked through the hallway, and she opened the door, I stepped into the hall, which had been decorated with balloons on one side and a ribbon. There were different writings on the <b>wall</b>.


    It wasn’t just a charity event for orphans. We weren’t just giving them funds, food and clothing, but also building for them and a shelter.


    ning a new


    There were some children on the stage singing. Mrs Adams walked towards me immediately she saw me. She had a big smile on her lips<b>. </b>


    She bowed slightly and said a greeting, “It’s nice to see you <b>again</b>,” She said.


    “It’s my pleasure,” I replied. We spoke in a whisper. Aside from the children at the stage, others were quiet. The audience was all


    paying attention to the children on stage.


    “I’ll take you to your seat.” I pulled my jacket as I walked behind her. We took the side as I requested. Walking through the middle of the hall would get so much attention.


    The smell of different perfumes walted through the air, followed by a cheer for the children who had just concluded.


    “Please wait here for a minute.” Mrs Adams said and walked in the direction of my designated chair.


    I followed her with my eyes. My seat was in the first row. It wasn’t just any seat but a seat in the middle. As the president of the club, my <b>seat </b>was always different.


    Someone was sitting in my seat. Mrs Adams leaned down to speak to thedy. But from what I observed thedy was reluctant to <b>leave </b>the <b>seat</b>.


    “This was the very reason I had refused to allow her a seat there.” Mia hissed behind me.


    “Who is she?” I questioned.


    “It’s Julia.”


    “Julia?” I squinted, looking in the direction, but still unable to make out her face. Why was she here?


    <b>“</b>Yes. She came with <b>Victoria</b>.” Mia said.


    “I see.” I twisted my lips to the side. It <b>was </b>just a chair. If she didn’t want to leave, then she could have <b>it </b>and everything that came with it.


    “Let’s sit somewhere else,” I told Mia.


    The host was on stage, giving a speech about how the idea for a shelter was conceived


    “I’m so sorry, I didn’t think this would be the result, no one was to sit there, I just”


    “It’s fine.” I cut the distressed Mrs. Adams off. She kept looking over her shoulder and ring at Julia, “She’s not even a member of the club.”


    “I’ll sit somewhere else<b>.</b>”


    “This isn’t right, you are the president.” She paused and drew in air.


    “I’m sorry, ma’am.” She apologised again. I nodded.


    “But I do need one request.” My eyes found Victoria, who was seated in the third row behind Julia, her eyes pinned on the stage.


    “Whatever you want.”


    “Since she is seated there, I want her to handle everything thates with the seat.” I paused and allowed my words to sink in, “You know what I mean.” Mrs. Adams‘ eyes lit up with mischief.


    “Of course.”


    <b>She </b>showed me to another seat. It wasn’t in the front row, but from where I sat, I could see everything clearly


    Bring the sident came with a lot of pros and cons


    Or maybe cons is not the right word. More like expenses.


    At an event like this, it was expected that the president would grant all the wishes of the orphans. There were over fy orphanage centres, and the children were invited


    Something their request amounts to billions of dors.


    Today was no different. When it was time for the requests to be made, Mrs Adams went to the stage and whispered a few things to the host, who paused and looked around afterwards


    “The requests would be made to the seat of the president as always.”


    Muttering cut through the crowd, “The president is here?”


    “I didn’t see her.”


    “Oh my goodness, I’m so excited, I can’t believe I get to see Alissa Brooks,” another said excitedly.


    They all looked to the front row. Some stood holding their phones, ready to take a video or a picture of me.


    It wasn’t easy


    sy to see me from where I sat. A girl who seemed to be in herte twenties looked at my side, and her eyes widened. She was about to speak, but I quickly ced one finger over my lips.


    “Shhh I shook my head so she wouldn’t say anything


    She nodded slowly.


    The first request amounts to ten million dors<b>. </b>When Julia was asked to pay, she had a smile on her face.


    The host exined that the president was present but wasn’t at her designated seat, “but that doesn’t change the fact that whoever is seated at the seat of the president would have to answer to the demand.”


    Julia had no problem with that. In fact, she had a look of triumph on her face. She just thought this would put her at an edge over me. But that was wrong.


    So wrong, cause at the fifth request, the money had amounted to


    o over thirty–five billion dors.


    Julia was the executive manager in her father’spany. She had no business of her own but looked forward to inheriting her parents‘ corporation someday.


    Hence, there was only so much she was allowed to spend.


    The smile on her face began to shake and she looked restless, signs that she had exceeded the amount.


    “The look on her face is priceless. I have to take a video of it.” Mia pulled out her phone and began recording.


    By the end of the request session, the total was two hundred billion dors. Even Victoria shifted ufortably in her seat.


    Since she wanted to be in my seat, she should pay the cost.


    After the event, I took some photos with the children and gave them the gifts Mia had prepared.


    11:08 Sat, 2 Aug G


    I was drained after thest interview, and as I made my way to my car, I couldn’t help but slightly massage my shoulder.


    “Lydia.” Theard my name from a familiar voice. I stopped on my track and turned.


    She was a few feet away.


    “Hey, Julia.” I couldn’t hold back my smile…


    “I knew you would not allow me to have the seat without an ulterior motive.” She said, walking towards me


    “I’ll wait in the car,” Mia said, and left us.


    “Do you have something you want to say?” I questioned.


    “Of course. With you, there’s always so much I have to say.” She had a smile on her face when twodies walked past us. They stopped for a second and requested a photo with me.


    After they left, Julia continued, “I thought I made myself clear the other day at the restroom.” She began.


    She had cornered me in the restroom during her engagement party, requesting that I leave Mason alone


    “What are you getting at?”