Star jolted upright, her memory replaying fragments of last night's conversation like a song stuck on loop. She sprang from the bed and darted into the kitchen where her mother stood, setting breakfast on the table.
"What! No, Mom—I said I wanted to meet him today. Please, you have to let me. I miss him," Star begged, her voice trembling, desperate.
Louisa didn't flinch. She set a plate in front of Star and placed two pills beside the toast.
"The mention of Mandume did me a great favor," Louisa said flatly. "Now, eat. And take your vitamins—while I'm watching. If you want to see him today, you'll follow the rules."
"Fine. Fine, Mom—so this is the plan," Star muttered as she stuffed a bite in her mouth. No protest, no hesitation. She had one mission: Mandume.
Across town, Mandume was adjusting his tie when his grandmother walked in.
"Morning, Grandma. I'm sorry I couldn't visit yesterday. Mom was nearly robbed last night."
Christine gasped. "Robbed? Oh, my God. Is she alright?"
"She's okay. They didn't get anything. She's bruised up, but we patched her up. She's probably awake by now."
Christine narrowed her eyes. "Is that why you left with Olivia last night?"
Mandume hesitated. "No, I left because I was trying to see Star."
Christine nodded slowly. "That's actually what I came to talk about—Star."
Just then, Olivia slinked out from her room, lingering in the hallway like a shadow, listening.
"What happened?" Mandume asked.
"Mandume, Star is carrying our child. She needs to be in our care. And she needs to know what we discovered yesterday. But more importantly—bring her back," Christine urged.
"That's the problem, Grandma. I spoke to her last night. She said, even if her mother lives with her, she's not married to us—she has no ties. And as long as her mom's around, she feels secure."
Christine raised a brow. "Which brings us to the core of it—you and I wanted you to marry Star, and now that she's pregnant with—"
Mandume lifted his hand abruptly. He had spotted movement. Someone was listening.
He marched to the door—and Olivia stepped into the light.
"Oh, Mandume. Morning. Your new PA has arrived," Olivia said with syrupy innocence.
"Were you… eavesdropping?" Mandume asked sharply.
"No! No, I just walked in seconds ago. Why would I eavesdrop?" she said too quickly. "Morning, Grandma."
"Morning, Olivia," Christine replied coolly.
"I've heard you. I'm coming," Mandume muttered and brushed past her.
Christine watched her go. "Something's off about that girl. I don't trust her."
"Who? Olivia?"
"Yes. She's been handling you too closely."
"I've got a new manager starting today anyway. Lazarus is out—he's finishing his studies. His contract's done."
Christine began again, "About Star—"
But the door flew open and Bonita burst in, glowing.
"Brother, brother! I'm so happy today!" she beamed, spinning around him like a ribbon of joy.
"What happened? Tell me, Boni," Mandume said, smiling despite himself.
"Come downstairs. Come on!" she said, dragging him by the arm. Christine followed.
Downstairs, Mandume froze.
Daniels stood tall in a tailored suit, the emblem of David's Empire stitched boldly onto his blazer.
"Mandume," Bonita beamed. "Meet your new manager—Daniels. And also… your new boss."
Mandume's face hardened. Daniels extended a hand.
"Good morning, sir. A pleasure to work with you," he said with bright eyes and a practiced grin.
Mandume didn't move. Didn't shake. Just turned cold.
"Where's Mom?" he asked, then walked out, leaving Bonita stunned and Olivia smug.
"Mandume, wait—!" Bonita called after him.
Daniels looked at Bonita, confused. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No, don't worry. He's probably just going to talk to Mom," she replied quickly.
But Olivia, standing off to the side, smirked to herself.
"Superb, Bonita. Sneaking your boyfriend into the company like this? You really thought you'd win. But Mandume hates him. He'll toss Daniels out before the first paycheck. But for now… let me enjoy this circus."
She said nothing aloud—just watched.
"Morning, ma'am," Daniels greeted Christine.
"Morning. How are you?" she replied warmly.
"I'm doing well. I'm Daniels."
"Yes, Angel told me about you. Don't mind Mandume's reaction. Even when he got Lazarus, it was the same story."
"I understand, ma'am."
"Come, sit. Ndina!" she called to the servant. "Some coffee?"
"Coffee, please," Daniels smiled.
"Coffee for Daniels," Christine repeated, then turned her attention upstairs.
Bonita trailed after her brother, who was already storming into Maria's room.
"Mom! Mom," he called.
"What is it? Why are you upset?" Maria asked.
"Out of all the applicants, you picked Daniels?" he demanded.
"Daniels?" she asked, confused.
"The new manager," he said, nearly spitting the title.
"Oh, that. What's wrong with him?"
"Everything. I don't know him. I don't know his background."
"You'll learn. Do you really think I'd hire someone you wouldn't like? Have I ever done that?"
"I don't trust that guy. Maybe he bribed HR just to get close to Bonita."
"No! Brother, he's just a pure soul in need of a job," Bonita said. "He rents in the neighborhood, he's in school—he's just trying to make it."
Maria nodded. "And doesn't it matter that Bonita knows him?"
"She doesn't know him. He moved in days ago and she's already over the moon. I'm telling you, my instincts say that man is here for a different motive. I won't accept him."
Bonita snapped, "When you hired Lazarus, did you know him?"
"He's my cousin."
"Distant cousin!"
"Please, brother. For me, give him a chance," Bonita pleaded.
Maria stepped closer. "Son, listen. Having a PA doesn't mean you hand him your life. Handle the confidential work yourself. But let this boy breathe. Not everyone is as fortunate as you. Some are out of school and still can't survive. He has rent. He has classes. What do you expect him to do?"
Even Bonita added softly, "Father would've done the same. Don't be selfish. Please…"
Mandume looked at them—his mother, his sister. The women who anchored his world.
"Alright. I'll do it… for Dad."
Bonita squealed. "Yes!"
"…But on one condition," he added, and her joy dimmed.
"What condition?" Maria asked.
"He goes under a trust test."