The second semester at FUTA was proving to be significantly more demanding than the first. Courses like Data Structures and Algorithms, Digital Logic Design, and Assembly Language Programming required intense focus and long hours of study and practical work.
Daniel, despite his innately high intelligence, found himself genuinely needing to dedicate significant time to his coursework to maintain his desired GPA. His 4.35 from the first semester set a high bar, and he was determined not to let it slip, as his academic success was a key pillar of how he was going to be perceived in public.
Jude's arrival as his PA was a godsend. Jude quickly took over managing Daniel's complex schedule, coordinating his FUTA timetable with PeDan meetings, filtering emails and messages, and handling logistical arrangements for Daniel's occasional business trips to Abuja or Lagos (usually to sign documents Mrs. Chukwuma prepared or to meet with her for restrategizing). This freed Daniel to concentrate on his studies during the day and his core MH/RF operations in the evenings.
His relationship with Bisi continued growing, even though they were still dating. They were a recognized campus couple now. They studied together frequently, often in the quieter sections of the university library or sometimes at Daniel's duplex, where they could spread out their notes and discuss concepts without interruption. Bisi's sharp mind often helped him see problems from different angles, and he, in turn, could explain complex technical ideas in ways she found easy to grasp.
However, as Daniel's PeDan responsibilities grew and the need for secrecy around MH and the RF shutdown became even more paramount, a subtle distance began to creep into his interactions, not just with Bisi, but with the world outside his core operations. He became more guarded about his time and less spontaneous. While Bisi was the closest person to him, he could never share the full extent of what he was doing, the true source of his resources, or the immense pressure he was under. He often found himself fabricating plausible excuses for his preoccupation or his need for "focused work time."
He knew Bisi sometimes sensed his distraction, knowing that he wasn't always fully present. She didn't press, respecting his privacy, but he sometimes saw a flicker of questioning in her eyes, a hint of uconcern. It was an unavoidable consequence of the life he was leading.
The more his empire grew, the more layers of secrecy were required, and those layers inevitably created distance, even with those he cared about.
Anyways, enough about that.
The first phase of the Rocket Funds shutdown plan was underway. Daniel, as the Admin, posted an announcement in the VIP Telegram channel:
"Platform Update: Due to recent market volatility and the need to optimize our trading algorithms for enhanced long-term stability, you may notice slight adjustments in daily earning rates over the coming weeks. We are committed to sustainable growth for all members. #RFStability"
As expected, it generated a flurry of questions, but Daniel patiently reiterated the 'market volatility' and 'risk management' narrative. The simulated earning rates for RF users began to decrease by a fraction of a percent each day, a slow and almost imperceptible decline designed to manage expectations downwards before the more drastic phases of the shutdown. It was a delicate balancing act to reduce perceived value without triggering mass panic or suspicion.
***
A/N:
So... I might have lied.
I thought I had up to ten chapters in my drafts, but I found only two.
I'm genuinely sorry it came to this. I thought I would be able to do a bulk release today, but it is what it is.
Once the Hiatus is over, I'll try to keep up. Thanks a bunch!