The morning sun, a cascade of brilliance, flooded into Pearl Hotel, filling Michael's room with light and gently waking him from his slumber. He stretched, feeling the soft luxury of the sheets against his skin, before heading towards the bathroom. A faint sound of rushing water reached Robert's ears just as he entered Michael's suite, a report outlining the day's schedule clutched in his hand.
He set the report down on the sleek coffee table, its polished surface reflecting the sunbeams dancing across the room. Without missing a beat, Robert approached the closet, his eyes scanning the selection of impeccably tailored suits. Today's agenda demanded a professional yet commanding presence, a meeting with the Lagos State governor at the State House followed by a visit to the branch office.
While Robert sorted through the meticulously organised suits in the closet, his fingers lingering on a crisp black one, the luxurious bathroom door gently opened. Michael emerged, a damp towel clinging to his perfect and alluring body, droplets of water glistening like scattered jewels in the morning light. He grabbed another towel, his movements efficient and practiced as he began drying his hair. A glint of curiosity flickered in his eyes when he saw the suit Robert held up.
Without a word, he strode towards the dressing table, the towel still loosely draped around his waist. Switching on the hairdryer, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his expression unreadable. The only sound in the room was the gentle hum of the hairdryer.
Robert hung the suit in the changing room and moved towards Michael, offering assistance. Their eyes met in the mirror as Robert gently blow-dried Michael's hair. 'Hurry up, Robert,' Michael's voice held a hint of impatience.
'Yes, sir,' Robert nodded, adjusting the dryer's setting. 'Sir, maybe you should consider a clean shave. It would project a confident and bold image of your style... Honestly, you wouldn't need to blow-dry your hair every time you wash it.'
Michael's gaze flickered back to the mirror, a mix of annoyance and something else unidentifiable crossing his face. 'So, you're suggesting I get razor bumps? Are you trying to get fired?'
'No, sir,' Robert shook his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. 'When you shave with wet hair, moisturising shaving oil, and a quality shaving cream, you won't experience any bumps.'
'Why don't you shave your own hair then?' Michael retorted, his eyes fixed on Robert.
Robert knew that Michael looked handsome with his curly fade hairstyle, but he decided to tease him a little by suggesting he have a clean shave. The medium-length curls and neatly faded sides gave Michael a grand and refreshing appearance. Michael's natural charm and attractiveness seemed as if he were crafted in heaven, bypassing natural childbirth. He always looked charming, regardless of his hairstyle or attire. Seeing Michael was truly a breath of fresh air.
Once Robert finished blow-drying Michael's hair, he lowered the blow-dryer, a satisfied look in his eyes as he examined Michael's perfectly styled hair. Michael nodded curtly, his reflection radiating an air of quiet confidence as he slipped into the changing room. Moments later, he emerged, his tailored black suit and gleaming shoes completing the picture of professional elegance. Holding a black tie, he gestured for Robert, who was now sipping tea, to assist him. Robert promptly set down his tea and approached Michael.
Robert's skilled hands finished tying the knot, but before he could step back, Michael spoke. His voice, though calm, carried a hint of annoyance. 'Is the director here yet?'
Robert gulped, slightly nervous under Michael's gaze. 'He's on his way, sir, but...' he trailed off, unsure how to explain the situation.
'If he doesn't arrive within the next two minutes, I will fire him,' Michael stated in an emotionless tone.
Robert swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. 'Sir, he's stuck in traffic...' he stammered.
Michael let out a humourless scoff. 'Stuck in traffic?' he repeated, his voice rising slightly. 'If he truly values his job, he wouldn't let something so trivial delay him.' He turned abruptly, his reflection in the mirror radiating an air of icy authority. 'I despise tardiness,' he remarked, examining himself in the mirror. 'If he truly values his job, he should approach it with the same urgency as delivering a liver or heart for an urgent transplant at a hospital.'
Robert didn't know what else to say at this moment. He desperately hoped the director would arrive soon to avoid being fired. As if on cue, the door opened with a soft click, and the director entered, holding a few documents. Michael, exuding an air of authority, walked into the study room and took a seat on the couch. Crossing his long, graceful leg, he reached for a gold fountain pen and accepted the documents from the casually yet sharply dressed director, whose blazer and unbuttoned collar demonstrated the art of appearing both relaxed and polished simultaneously.
Michael's gaze scanned the pages, his face unreadable. He reviewed each document meticulously, before signing with a touch of flair. However, before finalising the paperwork, he paused, plucking out the progress report from the pile and handing it to Robert. Then, with a flourish, he signed the remaining papers.
'What were you doing at home that made you dress so casually, as though you're here for a cosmetic endorsement contract?' Michael asked the director once he finished signing the documents.
The director, caught off guard, blinked rapidly, his mind scrambling to decipher Michael's meaning. Robert, equally bewildered, exchanged a worried glance with the director. Was Michael, by any chance, about to reprimand Christopher Mba for his attire?
Moon Corporation, a prominent company headquartered in Abuja, had branches in every state capital of the country. They were famous for their super tight security, like a high-tech maze nobody could get through unless they were checked a million times. Working there wasn't just about getting a big paycheck, even though they paid very well, but also for the prestige it brought, making it a badge of honour for those fortunate enough to be employed by the company. It was like getting a special medal that showed everyone you were part of a special club. People really wanted to work at Moon Corporation, not just for the money, but also because it was a symbol of belonging to an elite group. It felt important and impressive to be a part of such a prestigious company.
Robert, desperate to defuse the tense atmosphere, attempted a nervous laugh. 'Sir, isn't the director handsome? He would do well to endorse our cosmetic brand, wouldn't you, Christopher?'
'I'm not qualified to get an endorsement deal with Moon Corporation,' Christopher replied, lowering his head to avoid meeting Michael's gaze. 'Madam Jessica is beautiful and the perfect fit for any endorsement opportunity.'
Michael's brow furrowed, intensifying his already cold aura. His voice turned frosty as he lifted his head. 'I asked a simple question, and you mention Jessica?' Robert, unsurprised by the shift in Michael's demeanour, remained silent.
'Please forgive me, sir. I was wrong to mention your woman...' Christopher stammered, regret evident in his voice.
Michael's sharp words cut through the air like a knife. 'Are you lacking basic intelligence? What nonsensical thoughts are clouding your mind? Are you born stupid? What kind of stupidity runs in your brain?' The question hung heavy in the air, sending shivers down both Robert and Christopher's spines.
Robert couldn't help but think that Michael, resembling Prince Charming in a typical romance novel, had changed his fate by falling in love with a woman of lowly status.
'Let me remind you, you better dress properly for today's function. I know you look good in casual attire,' Michael said, causing a glimmer of hope to flicker in Christopher's heart. However, it was quickly overshadowed by fear as Michael continued, 'But as a branch director, you mustn't dress casually while meeting with the state governor. He'll think Moon Corporation breeds casually dressed men from the goat region.'
Confusion painted Christopher's face as he stared at Michael, the room falling silent. Michael's gaze then shifted, his piercing eyes locking on Robert.
Robert stood there frozen for a moment, finally comprehending the unspoken message conveyed through Michael's intense stare. He swiftly exited the room, returning a minute later with a high-end tan suit and matching tie.
'Sir Christopher,' Robert offered, extending the suit. 'You can change into this.'
'A tan suit might be too informal, and it won't suit your body shape. However, if I wear it, I'll earn undying respect,' Michael boasted. He then turned to Robert and instructed, 'From the closet, find a navy suit, a pale blue dress shirt, and a dark blue tie.'
Robert, unable to stifle a chuckle, responded, 'I read an article some time ago that praised your well-tailored suits as a refreshing change in a world of powerful men with pooling trouser hems and knuckle-skimming jacket sleeves.'
Michael responded without warmth, 'The writer was referring to former President Barack Obama, right? Learn to give people their credit. Don't give it to someone else just because you want to curry favour.'
Feeling embarrassed, Robert lowered his head and hurried out to fetch the requested attire. He returned with the navy suit, pale blue dress shirt, and dark blue tie, passing them to Christopher while gesturing for him to change into them.
Moments later, Christopher emerged from the changing room, the navy suit hanging effortlessly on his frame. A genuine smile played on his lips. 'Sometimes, all blue does the trick,' he remarked.
'Yup. It's a more approachable look than going monochrome,' Robert added.
'Who asked for your opinion? Your head is made of puff-puff, so please keep your thoughts to yourself,' Michael glared at Robert, who awkwardly smiled in response.
'Thank you, sir,' Christopher expressed his gratitude to Michael.
'The suit isn't yours to keep. You'll have to return it later,' Michael stated, rising to his feet. 'We can only have breakfast if today's meeting with the governor goes in our favour.' He gave both Robert and Christopher a stern look before turning and leaving.
The mention of breakfast triggered a loud rumble from Robert's stomach, filling the tense room. Glancing around, he spotted a fruit bowl overflowing with a colourful bounty on the coffee table. Juicy oranges and grapefruits peeked out from behind a cascade of ruby-red apples, their citrus aroma mingling with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the delicate fragrance of plump grapes. He reached out, his hand hovering over a plump, red strawberry for a moment before popping it into his mouth. The juicy sweetness briefly distracted him from the weight of Michael's words. He finished the strawberry with a satisfied sigh and followed Michael out the door, Christopher close behind. The three of them made their way to the Lagos State House on the Mainland.
The Lagos State House served as the official residence of the governor of Lagos State. It had two governor's residences—one in Marina on Lagos Island and the other in Ikeja on the Mainland. Both residences were used for official and residential purposes. Previous governors resided in the Lagos State House in Marina, but when Bola Ambode assumed office as the governor, he moved to the Lagos State House in Ikeja, citing punctuality as a major reason for the relocation.