Michael, no longer in the mood to continue the meeting, addressed the video conference through his computer's microphone. 'Let's end the meeting for today. If possible, I'll make some time for us to speak more at midnight.'
One of the young American men, dressed in a dark grey suit, wore a shocked expression. 'You mean we'll have another meeting... at midnight?'
'What's wrong with working late?' Michael asked, furrowing his brows. 'But don't worry, you'll be compensated for your time.'
Michael dismissed the video conference, closed his laptop, and made his way out of the study, heading for the living room. Just then, his phone began to ring. It was Chioma. A charming smile appeared on Michael's face as he answered the call.
'When you arrive, could you please announce our relationship to the world?' Chioma asked eagerly.
'I thought you would ask me for a kiss when I arrive,' Michael teased.
Chioma blushed.
'Why do you suddenly want the world to know?' Michael enquired, intrigued. 'Are you encountering other suitors?'
Chioma fell silent, unsure of how to respond.
'What's wrong?' Michael chuckled. After a moment of silence, he asked, 'Before you became my girlfriend, how did you imagine I would be?'
'Just the way you are,' Chioma replied.
Michael frowned. 'So, you didn't see me as someone with complete control over the lives and deaths of those under me, someone lacking compassion?'
'I know you're not like that,' Chioma reassured him. 'But since I became your woman, you've shown me your true self, and I love you.'
'I've ordered some midnight snacks for you to bring home,' Michael said.
Chioma was surprised and speechless. She realised that since Michael had left for Lagos, he had been ordering afternoon tea for her to enjoy at work and midnight snacks for her to bring home, both of which were her favourites.
'What's the matter? Don't you want me to take good care of you?' Michael asked.
Just as Chioma was about to reply, a smartly dressed young man in a blue and black uniform appeared before her, holding exquisite bags. He looked up at Chioma and smiled.
'Miss Chioma, these came from Sir Michael,' he said.
On the other end of the line, Michael listened and calmly said, 'Make sure to always eat and stay healthy.'
'Mhm,' Chioma said to Michael, then glanced over at the delivery boy, signing her signature as acknowledgment that she had accepted the snacks. She then nodded for him to leave.
'Remember what you promised. Once I return, I will announce our relationship. But until then, don't get too close to another man,' Michael playfully said.
Chioma understood what Michael meant and responded with a reassuring smile. However, with the thought of Felix coming to pick her up later in the evening, she felt afraid and wanted to escape from him. Chioma quickly went back inside after hanging up the call to gather her things and head home before Felix arrived. As soon as Emmanuella and Dara saw Chioma, their faces filled with a mix of disgust, hate, and mockery.
Ignoring their reaction, Chioma walked over to the changing room, where Julia stood with anger in her eyes.
'You're here to change...' Julia turned around.
'As far as I remember, you don't work here,' Chioma replied.
'Chioma, how long do you plan on fooling Sir Michael and Sir Felix?' Julia questioned angrily, throwing a photograph in front of Chioma. 'If Michael sees this picture, how do you think he would react?'
'Thank you for your concern, but let my boyfriend decide what punishment to give me. I should change and go home.' Without even glancing at the photograph, Chioma swiftly removed her black uniform and changed into a casual blue shirt paired with black jeans. Her hair was already pulled back into a sleek bun. She turned to leave, pausing at the door with a smirk. 'Once you're tired of staring, you can head back home.' With that, she left the changing room, accidentally bumping into Emeka at the counter. Chioma explained everything to Emeka and headed home.
Julia glanced coldly at the door before walking out of the room. She had managed to find her way into the changing room through the help of a recently hired waitress who happened to be a family relative. Returning to her friends who were chatting, Julia dialled Jessica's number. 'Jess, don't underestimate Chioma. She's not as innocent as she appears.'
'Julia, do you trust me to ruin her forever?' Jessica chuckled, fuelled with determination.
'Can I anonymously release photos of Chioma and Felix?' Julia asked.
Jessica laughed. 'Oh, Julia, I understand your desire to bring Chioma down. But I've had enough of sensational headlines like 'Exposed.' Don't worry, I have something sweeter planned for her today. She will regret crossing paths with me.'
Julia laughed. 'As long as you don't kill her, I'm fine with whatever you decide.' With that, she hung up, eagerly anticipating Chioma's reaction to Jessica's torment.