Chapter 7

chapter SEVEN: AT THE PETERSON'S APARTMENT

As they spoke, Mrs. Angelina's gaze shifted to a small, worn-out photo frame on a nearby table - a picture of Mr. Donald, the patriarch of their family. The memory of his unwavering principles and commitment to justice spurred them to action.

Just as they delved into plans for the future, Mrs. Angelina hesitated before sharing another piece of unsettling news. "Williams, I need to be honest with you. The money I used to bail you out wasn't ours. I had to borrow it from a friend."

Williams' brows furrowed in surprise. "Borrowed? From whom, Mom? We don't have much left."

Mrs. Angelina sighed, her eyes reflecting the weight of the confession. "It was from a dear friend, Clara. She understood the urgency, the injustice you faced. But we must find a way to repay her. I didn't want to burden you with this, but you deserve to know the truth."

The reality of their financial struggles added another layer to the challenges they faced. Williams, though grateful for his mother's efforts, felt a renewed sense of responsibility. "We'll find a way to repay Clara. And we'll find a way to rebuild, Mom. I won't let Kunle's greed destroy everything Dad worked for."

Mrs. Angelina placed a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder, a silent affirmation of their shared determination. "We're Donalds, Williams. No matter what, we'll rise again. Your father's spirit lives on in you, and we'll face this adversity together."

The hut, though modest, echoed with the resilience of a mother and son determined to reclaim their rightful place in the face of adversity.

As they made their way through the city, Williams couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that lingered in the air. The events of the past days, the loss of the family businesses, and the tumultuous relationship with the Petersons created a backdrop of uncertainty. Yet, a determination burned within him to confront the challenges head-on.

Williams glanced at his mother, who sat quietly beside him in the car. "Mom, I can't stand seeing you live in that hut. I want you to come with me to where I live. It may not be a mansion, but it's home, and you deserve better than that place."

Mrs. Angelina's eyes reflected a mixture of gratitude and reluctance. "Williams, I appreciate your concern, but I don't want to burden you. We've faced hardships before, and we'll find a way through this."

Determined, Williams continued, "Mom, you're not a burden. We're family, and we should face these challenges together. I'll take care of you, just like Dad would have wanted."

After much persuasion, Mrs. Angelina finally relented. "Alright, Williams. If you insist, we'll go to your place. But promise me, we'll find a way to reclaim our family's legacy."

"I promise, Mom. We'll find justice, and we'll rebuild," Williams affirmed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

Later that evening, the car pulled up to the imposing gates of the Peterson mansion. The grandeur of the estate stood in stark contrast to the simplicity of the hut they had left behind. Williams couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions as he guided his mother towards the entrance.

The security guards, recognizing Williams, hesitated but eventually allowed them entry. The sprawling grounds of the mansion felt alien to Williams, who had been estranged from this place since his tumultuous marriage to Julian. The memories of humiliation and betrayal echoed in his mind.

Inside the mansion, Lady G, Julian's mother, was taken aback as Williams and Mrs. Angelina entered. The air thickened with tension as the three generations of the Donald family stood in the opulent foyer.

"Williams, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought your mother here?" Lady G's voice dripped with disdain.

In the opulent confines of the Peterson mansion, the clash of emotions reverberated through the air. Williams, standing resolutely before Lady G, attempted to plead his case with an earnestness that betrayed the weariness in his eyes.

"Lady G, I understand the history between our families has been tumultuous, but my mother has nowhere else to go. Kunle, my uncle, has thrown us out, and we're left with no choice. Please, just for a short time, let her stay here."

Lady G scoffed, her disdain evident. "Stay here? With us? Who would want to host a bunch of trash in their house?" She let out a mocking laugh, reveling in the opportunity to belittle Williams and his mother.

However, a sudden shift in Lady G's demeanor hinted at a calculating thought. She eyed Mrs. Angelina with a discerning gaze and then turned her attention back to Williams. "Fine, they can stay for a while. But don't think this changes anything. You are still an outsider in this family, Williams."

Relief washed over Williams momentarily, grateful for the small reprieve granted to his mother. Lady G, seizing the opportunity to assert her dominance, continued, "Your mother will stay, but she will follow my rules. Understood?"

Williams, though discontented, nodded in agreement. His mother, Mrs. Angelina, interjected with a measured tone, "Thank you, Lady G. We won't be a burden, and we appreciate your kindness."

Just as the tension seemed to subside, Julian entered the scene with a furrowed brow. "Who released you, Williams, and what right do you have to still come back here?" she questioned, her tone accusatory.

Williams sighed, attempting to navigate the complex dynamics. "Julian, please understand. We have no place to go. My uncle betrayed us, and we're left with no choice but to seek refuge here. It's only temporary."

Julian, indignant, proceeded to narrate the events of the day, focusing on how Williams embarrassed her without blaming Mike. Mrs. Angelina, sensing the escalating tension, interjected, "Julian, please, let's not escalate the situation. We're here seeking shelter, not conflict."

However, Lady G took advantage of the opportunity to reinforce her authority. "Your husband embarrassed you, Julian? Unacceptable. Williams, you must be warned. I won't tolerate any more disruptions in this house. You'll follow our rules or face the consequences."

Williams, feeling the weight of the situation, bowed his head in reluctant agreement. Mrs. Angelina, ever the peacemaker, continued to plead on behalf of her son, seeking a semblance of understanding.

As the night wore on, the tension in the mansion lingered. Lady G, deeming it suitable, assigned one of the maids' rooms to Mrs. Angelina, emphasizing the apparent hierarchy even in this temporary arrangement. The Donalds, while grateful for the shelter, knew that the challenges ahead were far from over.