The conference room buzzed with tension. Mandume stood confidently at the head of the table, pointing at the final slide of his "Davids City Project" presentation—a revolutionary design that could reshape the city's skyline.
"This is the greatest opportunity this company has ever had," he began, his voice commanding yet hopeful. "We're the only ones signed up for the contract so far, but two more firms are eyeing it. I want you all to promise me something—this is our project."
A unified chorus rang out, "This is our project, Sir!"
Mandume's expression shifted, now sharp and stern.
"And one more thing—this design stays between us. If I catch even the scent of something off, and you're involved… you won't like the man I become."
The room grew still.
A hand rose. "Sir, I have a question," one of the junior engineers asked.
"Go ahead."
"You gave us all the project details, but we can't start without the permit paper."
Mandume nodded, already reaching for his files. "Just a sec… Olivia."
Olivia, his temporary PA, quickly shuffled through the folders beside him.
"Sir… it's not here," she said, puzzled.
"Check again."
"I did. Maybe… maybe you left it at home?"
Mandume sighed, handing over his car keys. "Go. Check quickly."
—
Outside the house, Christine spotted Olivia hurrying in.
"Where are you coming from, young lady?" she asked.
"Grandma—I mean, Christine—I'm just running an errand. Mandume sent me to fetch a permit paper from the house."
Christine frowned. "How are you running errands at the office?"
"I'm his PA. Just for today."
"What? Why?"
"I'll explain later. Please, I'm in a rush!" Olivia darted upstairs.
Christine sighed, watching her disappear. "I only came here to protect my son's property, but now… Star is gone, and everything feels heavier than I imagined."
—
Back at the office, Olivia returned, slightly out of breath.
"Sir—here."
"Good," Mandume said. "Make enough copies for everyone. Drop them at the creative desk."
She nodded and walked off.
Mandume pulled out his phone and typed a simple message: "Hi." He sent it to Star, hoping this time she'd respond.
"I'll visit her after work," he murmured to himself. "She deserves her gift… and answers."
—
During lunch, Christine arrived with a lunchbox in hand. Mandume smiled at the photo of him and Star tucked behind his desk lamp, the sight bringing warmth to his otherwise stoic face.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Christine asked with a teasing grin.
Olivia noticed the moment and stormed out without a word. Christine caught the flicker of hurt in her expression.
—
Elsewhere, Bonita and Daniels drove home from campus in her car. The mood was light.
"You never told me if you liked the gift," Daniels said.
Bonita blushed. "I did. I loved it. I get gifts sometimes, but yesterday felt… different. Thank you."
"I save the special things for the special people."
Bonita chuckled.
"What's funny?" Daniels asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing," she said, stifling a grin.
He shook his head. "Anyway… is your sister out of the hospital?"
"She is."
"What?" Daniels said, perking up. "You didn't tell me—are we going to see her?"
Bonita's smile faded. She studied his face.
"Why does he light up when it's about Star?" she wondered silently.
"She's with our father now. She won't be staying with us anymore."
Daniels blinked, the news hitting him like a gust of wind.
"Why?"
"She's not safe here. So her dad took her somewhere private."
"I see…" Daniels said, trying to mask his concern. "Where is she staying? I'd like to visit."
Bonita hesitated. "Only my brother knows. He arranged their accommodation. She's pregnant with his child… so no, I don't know."
Daniels' face tightened. "It's fine. I'll find out."
A long silence followed before Daniels finally broke it.
"You're probably wondering why I keep asking about your sister. It's nothing complicated. I just care about people who need someone."
Bonita looked at him, puzzled but listening.
"My mom… she died in a hospital bed. I was five. I was out there hustling, thinking I was building a future. I wasn't there to hold her hand. I regret that more than anything."
"Oh, Daniels… I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
He smiled weakly. "It's okay. It's been years."
"But… you were five. Hustling?"
Daniels shrugged. "Boni… if you're really sorry, can we talk about this some other time?"
She touched his shoulder gently. "Or not at all, if that's what you prefer."
He nodded silently.
"Oh, you mentioned needing a job," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "My brother might need a PA."
"Seriously? I just updated my CVs. Does he recruit through an agency?"
"Probably. He doesn't do the hiring himself—HR does. If you submitted it already, you might hear back soon."
"Fingers crossed. I'm renting, and things are tight."
"If that's the case, you'll start work tomorrow," she said with a wink.
—
Later that evening, Mandume returned home, changed out of his suit, and headed straight for Bonita's room.
"I need a favor. Now."
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I need to see Star today. I've been texting her. Calling. Nothing. I just… I need to see her, Boni."
Bonita frowned. "What can I do? You want me to escort you or…?"
"I don't have her address. But you're close to Mom. You must know where Star is staying."
"I wish I did… but I don't. And Mom's not home right now."
Mandume paused. "Maybe Olivia knows."
"Olly? How would she know?"
But Mandume was already walking out the door.
"I'm sorry," Bonita whispered as the door shut behind him.