April and Martin both walked to his study and disappeared inside, as they did Rachel’s eyes hadn’t left them. She wanted to know what was happening but she had no reason to follow them. She felt her control over the household slip and she clenched her fists tight in resentment.

Just then Lucy came down the stairs and ran to her mother and sitting beside her, “Mother, what am I to do now I need that money for my clothes, shoes and handbags. One card isn’t enough, what will people think if I have to watch how much money I spend when I am shopping. It will be humiliating.”

As Lucy cried her mother’s shoulder, her mother stroked her back reassuringly, “Not to worry leave it to your mother. Don’t I always think of something? She may have had the upper hand today but she still has nothing.”

Lucy leaned away from her mother and wiped her tears, “That b*tch what is she up to? I watched her wearing a different set of expensive branded clothes the other day, she then got out of an Audi A7 Sportback and even walked into Cerulean Condominium. Has she a backer we aren’t aware of? If she has it’s bad news for us.”

Lucy informed her mother of every little detail of what she had noticed that day. Though she left out why she was there and who she was with.

Her mother wouldn’t agree with her using her body to get ahead in life. But she had no choice but to use those old men for now until she could get closer to someone with influence and money who was worthy of her.

“We need to find out what she is saying to Martin upstairs. Leave that to me I still have him in my grasp.” She soothed Lucy.

Rachel sat back and processed the information Lucy had mentioned. She then stood up and walked to the front door at a leisurely pace. She then opened the front door and saw the black Audi A7 Sportback. She gritted her teeth in frustration. This b*tch was just like her mother, she must have gotten ahead by using some man.

**Flashback**

Twenty years ago Racheal and Kathleen became close friends. Kathleen was loved by many, she was so kind and sweet. In school, Kathleen was great at studying and won awards plus passed all her exams with honours.

As they got older Kathleen’s paintings and designer dresses went for millions. Then later she married a CEO and had a baby.

Kathleen had had it all in life, she was gifted and nothing seemed to come hard for her. Whereas it was different for Rachel.

Rachel had grown up poor just like Kathleen. But her grades were abysmal, she liked to hang out with friends rather than study. She thought studying was a waste of time and tried building connections early.

When it came to working she was given a job by Kathleen to run her Boutique while Kathleen did the designs. She started to resent her friend, who was beautiful and everything seemed to come easy to her, she had it all.

When Kathleen had announced that she was marrying CEO Martin Green. Rachel could only give her friend a fake smile in return. Her resentment grew into loathing at this stage.

Rachel tried to land a businessman of her own by going out to unsavoury bars and clubs. In the end, she could only get a Director of finance for a company. So she settled for him, he had money and a house along with expensive cars. She could be proud to show him off and live a comfortable life.

But the Director wanted her only for a couple of nights and then he had moved on to another young prettier girl. Rachel was outraged and so she managed to sleep with him one last time and her plan worked she got pregnant.

But when she told the director he was anything but happy. He accused her of trapping him. Which she did but she would never admit to it. He ordered her to abort the baby and she refused thinking that he would come around.

It was at that time Kathleen got pregnant too. But she had a supportive, loving husband by her side. This became a constant thorn in Rachels side and made her bitter.

It was after that she had decided to take every last thing from Kathleen for herself. After all, Kathleen had had a good life and now it was her turn.

**Flashback ended**

Coming back from her memories Rachel turned and walked back to the sofa where her young daughter sat sniffling. She gazed at her daughter thoughtfully, Lucy was the younger version of herself and she didnt want April to get ahead of what should be Lucy’s.

“Leave it to me, she mat have her bank card back but who is to say that Martin will put money on it. I will speak to him later, your job is to clean yourself up and remain the good daughter out of the two of you. Your grades may not be the best but you are beautiful and could easily land a CEO. Martin will I am sure agree to the benefits.” Rachel comforted her daughter further, they had no time to cry.

“Okay, I will do my best. Mum… I want Dean Davis. He is handsome, powerful and rich. He is perfect for me, how can I meet him?” Lucy fixed her dress while asking.

Rachel was taken back yes she wanted the best for her daughter and CEO Dean Davis was the best but he was unreachable and didnt allow women near him. It would be hard to fulfil her daughter’s request.

But to make Lucy happy she smiled back and nodded in agreement, “I will get Martin to take us both to the next banquet or ball and hopefully you can meet him there.”

Lucy beamed up at her mother cheerfully, “Okay ill go fix myself up for dinner.” She then rushed upstairs leaving Rachel alone in the living room.