The Lagos property portfolio acquisition had finally proved successful!
Rental income had started flowing steadily into PeDan's corporate accounts, providing a legitimate revenue stream. It was relatively small compared to MH, but it was verifiable.
Daniel's next ambition in real estate was more substantial. It was development.
The two-acre plot in Lekki Phase 2, identified earlier, had become his main target for the joint venture with Haven Homes Ltd.
The JV agreement was finalized and signed by both parties (PeDan represented by the retained law firm, acting on Daniel's instructions via Mrs. Chukwuma). The crucial step was PeDan acquiring the land parcel itself for N120 million. This required a large withdrawal from MH yet again, and Daniel went through it like clockwork.
He spent nearly a week executing timed MH withdrawals, splitting the amount across multiple days and using every nominee account in his 'collection', constantly monitoring for any system flags. The N120 million was eventually gathered into a designated PeDan account and transferred legally to the land seller, securing the plot.
Laundering 101.
And just like that, PeDan Investments Ltd. was now the official owner of prime development land in Lagos.
Haven Homes, the contracted builders, began the process of finalizing architectural designs for the mini-estate of terrace houses and submitting applications for development permits to the Lagos State government – a notoriously slow and bureaucratic process.
Daniel wasn't impatient, since he already understood this was a multi-year project requiring significant further capital injection (estimated at another N80M-N100M from PeDan over the construction phase) but with enormous profit potential upon completion, according to MH's projections and examples he had seen himself.
It was a major step that would give PeDan Investments a solid foothold in the Real Estate Investment industry.
...
Back on the FUTA campus, Daniel's relatively smooth experience hit its first major roadblock.
Akin Adewale.
They had a run-in with him one late afternoon as Daniel and Bisi were coming back from lunch, with their bodies clinging unto each other as usual.
As they passed a lecture theatre though, they saw Akin and two of his friends leaning against a wall, discussing animatedly.
Daniel grimaced, Bisi scoffed, but they just kept walking.
Akin spotted them however, and had other plans.
He approached with his two friends, a frown spreading across his face as his eyes landed on their joined hands, then flicked dismissively towards Daniel. "Well, well. Bisi. Still hanging out with the... scholarship student?"
He was obviously implying that Daniel wasn't able to pay school fees, and that triggered Bisi.
She frowned instantly. "Akin, we're busy."
Akin ignored her, focusing on Daniel. "So, you're the one with the BMW. If that's what you're using to hold on to Bisi, let me tell you that it won't be enough. All you have is pennies" His tone was mocking and obviously disdainful.
Daniel felt Bisi tense beside him. He met Akin's gaze calmly, keeping his voice level. "Is there a problem here?"
"No problem," Akin drawled, leaning slightly closer, invading Daniel's personal space.
"Just wondering how long you think you can keep up the act. Girls like Bisi..." he gestured vaguely towards her, "...they appreciate guys who can provide real things, not just pocket money from online gambling."
The news that he was into Forex had spread. Not that he was trying to hide it in the first place.
Before Bisi could retort, Daniel spoke, his face dark, obviously annoyed, but his words cut deeper than a knife.
"Funny, I thought they appreciated guys who had something to offer besides daddy's credit card and an overinflated ego." He paused, his eyes locking with Akin's. "And maybe work on your approach. Desperation isn't a good look, even with expensive aftershave. The only girls you'll be getting at this rate are the cheap ones."
Akin's smirk vanished instantly, replaced by a sting of pain. His fists clenched slightly, his ego obviously bruised.
One of his companions put a hand on his arm, murmuring something. Akin was visibly trying his best to stay calm, his jaw tight.
Daniel didn't wait for a response. He gave Akin one last, unimpressed look, then pulled Bisi forward. "Let's go. Waste of time."
They walked away, leaving Akin fuming silently behind them. Daniel could feel his angry stare boring into his back.
He hadn't sought the confrontation, but Akin's disrespect towards Bisi, coupled with the direct challenge to him, couldn't be ignored. It was unacceptable. And what kind of boyfriend would he be if he couldn't properly protect his girlfriend?
***
A/N
Sorry for the late upload guys.
I might've bit off a bit more than I can chew. I've been working on a new book, plus school is resuming soon, so I haven't been able to keep up with the times. But no worries.
My upload will gradually come up to speed. Love y'all!