Maria slammed the door behind her, home earlier than usual and fuming.
"Who gave Boni the permission to see Kefas?" she hissed, storming into her room like a thundercloud on legs.
Olivia followed her in and tossed a stack of property papers at her feet like a dealer laying out her trump card.
"Maybe this will change your mood," Olivia said coolly.
Maria stared down at the documents, her rage briefly flickering into disbelief. "Where did you get this?" she asked, her voice taut.
"From Mandume's closet."
Maria's eyes narrowed. "How? I've been hunting for these papers for five years. And the letter?"
Olivia crossed her arms, her tone shaded with mystery. "Yesterday he sent me the permit papers. He gave me a bunch of keys, said I could open his closet. I found the permit, sure—but then something else caught my eye. An ancient, tiny key. Looked centuries old."
She leaned in. "I searched his entire room, combed through every drawer until I found this old metallic box hidden in the closet. The key fit perfectly. Inside were only these files."
Maria's hands trembled as she picked them up, old ghosts dancing in her eyes.
"What was in the letter that got you so unhinged?" Olivia asked, curiosity pulling her in.
"It's a condensed version of David's testimony," Maria whispered, eyes gleaming. "When I went to the lawyer, they told me only Mandume had access to it. I remembered David handing him some files, and before I destroyed him, he spat out that I'd never get what I wanted—not even his truth. I had these files once, they slipped away like a slippery fish. But now…" She smiled darkly. "Now they're back. Let's see who dares stop me this time."
"I read it," Olivia said. "Everything belongs to Mandume. Everything. The company. The cars. All the houses—even the one up north. You don't own a thing. Technically, you're squatting under my soon-to-be husband's roof."
Maria's hand flew before Olivia could finish.
"Ouch! What the hell was that for?"
"I picked you out of the trash, don't forget that. Don't get bold with me or you'll be too numb to feel pain," Maria snapped.
She crouched down, gathering the documents with greedy fingers. "The papers may be under Mandume's name—but all I need is to alter them. Sign them as mine. Then it won't matter whether he marries you or not. This house will be mine."
"No! You can't do that!" Olivia gasped.
"Watch me," Maria said, turning toward the basement.
Olivia, suspecting she was off to see Joana, trailed behind. But Maria veered off course.
"She's not going to stop me from marrying Mandume," Olivia muttered. "He's mine. Everything he owns is mine. I'll find those papers and burn them."
She descended into the basement, dark and cold. A sudden jolt—she bumped into something.
It felt… human.
She froze.
Then screamed.
A frail hand gripped her wrist.
"Joana!" Olivia gasped, slapping her own mouth shut in panic. Joana stirred, barely conscious, her voice brittle.
"Olivia… I'm… on my… deathbed," she gasped. "Death wishes… always… come true. So I wish… you—"
"Oh, no! Cut it out!" Olivia snapped, trying to lift her, but Joana sagged like cloth, too weak to rise.
"Let me… finish… and… die… in peace," Joana wheezed.
"Why would you want to die? Have you thought about Mandume? How would he feel?"
"My son… doesn't even… know I exist. And Star… who brought light… to his darkness… you… killed her."
Olivia knelt beside her, her face softening. "No, Joana. Star isn't dead."
Joana's eyes flickered open. "But… Maria said…"
"She lied. She showed you a body, yes. But Star was still alive. She was taken to the hospital. She recovered. Her father took her in. And today—Mandume is going to see her."
Joana blinked through the tears. A weak smile curved her lips.
"Thank… thank God…"
"Come on," Olivia said, helping her up. "Let's get you to a real bed. This place is disgusting. Weren't you scared a snake would bite you?"
She prepared noodles, gave her water, propped her up with pillows.
"Here. Eat. I'm doing this for Mandume. Otherwise, I'd let you rot in here. Grown woman like you, crying over a girl you don't even know. Star can't be the Davids' daughter-in-law. I will be. So stay out of this until it happens."
She turned and left.
Joana stared at the noodles, untouched.
"For as long as Star lives and loves Mandume," she whispered, "I will pray for all of your downfall."
In a hotel room across town, Star was on her laptop when her mother walked in.
"Welcome back, Mom," Star said.
"Oh, you're here. How are you doing?" Louisa asked, kissing her cheek.
"I'm great. You got back early."
Louisa caught a glimpse of her laptop screen. "Is that schoolwork? Why don't you take a break?"
"No, Mom. It's not school-related." Star quickly shut the laptop.
"Looked like dialogue or something…"
"It's not important."
Louisa's brow creased, but she let it slide. "So… how was your ANC appointment? No complications?"
"All clear." Star paused. "Mom… I need a favor. Or advice. Or maybe a scolding."
"Now that's worrying," Louisa said, biting into a pie and handing one to her daughter.
"I want to see Mandume before we leave for Otjomuise."
"I know. But not at his house."
"That's just it. Can I rent a room here instead… make it… romantic?"
Louisa raised an eyebrow. "You've got the money?"
"Money's not the problem. Dad is."
"Ah, yes. Mr. Doom-and-Gloom." Louisa sighed. "He doesn't want you anywhere near Mandume. What do we do about him?"
"We conspire," Star grinned. "Mom-and-daughter style."
Louisa chuckled until Star added, "Can you take him out? Keep him busy? Maybe the terrace? I'll have wine ready. Come on… Let's live a little."
"Do you want to use this room?"
"No. I saw a honeymoon suite downstairs. It's stunning. I want it to be our moment. (whispers) I can only imagine you and Dad in there…"
Louisa threw a pillow at her. "You little devil."
Star laughed, dodging it.
"No way I'm facing your father tonight," Louisa grumbled.
"Do it for me, Mom. Mendu means so much to me. Once we leave, I may not get another chance. Please… don't let my Star dim."
Louisa sighed, defeated. "You know that line is my weakness."
"Thanks, Mom. Really… thank you."
"I just hope I survive the nausea," Louisa muttered, and Star burst into giggles.