Chapter 7 Shadows And Strategies

A Father's Trust

Ben sat across from his father in the dimly lit study, the heavy scent of cigar smoke clinging to the air. Chief Laz leaned forward, his hands clasped together.

"I never wanted you in this mess," Chief Laz said, his deep voice lined with exhaustion. "But times have changed. If this family is going to survive, I need you fully involved."

Ben studied his father's face. He had always known Chief Laz kept him at arm's length when it came to the company's deeper affairs. But now, the walls were breaking down.

"What are we dealing with?" Ben asked.

Chief Laz exhaled. "Frank is leaking information, but I don't know to whom. Shadrach is making moves, but he's staying in the shadows. And now, there's a power play happening in Gambia-one that could either secure our future or destroy us."

Ben frowned. "Gambia?"

Chief Laz nodded. "Your wife's father-Diana's father-is key to expanding our influence outside of Lagos. He has connections in West Africa, but we need to move carefully. If we play this right, your wristwatch brand won't just be a side venture-it could be a dominant force in international markets."

Ben leaned back. So, this was bigger than he thought.

"And Frank?" Ben asked.

"Still watching him," Chief Laz said. "But you need to watch him too. He's closer to you than me now."

Ben clenched his jaw. Frank had been around for years. If he was betraying them, it meant the enemy was already inside the house.

Frank's Secrets

Frank sat in his car, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. He checked his phone. No messages.

Then, just as he was about to start the engine, a notification appeared. No name. No number. Just a single message.

"Keep feeding me information. The time is near."

Frank swallowed hard. He was playing both sides now. If he slipped, he'd be a dead man.

He glanced at the Laz estate behind him. If only they knew.

Ben wasn't supposed to marry Diana. Not in the way it happened.

Two years ago, he had traveled to Gambia on a business trip, aiming to secure investments. His company was struggling then, and he needed a powerful ally.

That ally turned out to be Diana's father.

Honorable Sheikh Omar Jallow, a legislator and one of the wealthiest men in Gambia. Respected. Feared. Untouchable.

Ben had walked into that meeting expecting negotiations. Instead, he found Diana.

She was everything Lagos socialites weren't. Sharp-witted, graceful, and unshaken by wealth.

By the time his business deal with her father was sealed, his fate was sealed too.

The marriage was strategic, but it became more. Diana wasn't just a wife-she was an empire builder.

The First Meeting with Diana

The meeting took place in a grand estate overlooking the Atlantic. Sheikh Omar sat on a velvet couch; his demeanor commanded respect. But it was the woman standing beside him that caught Ben off guard.

Diana.

She was poised, effortlessly elegant, her deep brown eyes assessing him with quiet confidence. Unlike the Lagos socialites Ben was used to, she didn't fawn over wealth or status. She simply observed.

"My daughter, Diana," Sheikh Omar introduced. "She handles most of my international business interests."

Ben extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Diana shook it, her grip firm. "Likewise, Mr. Laz."

She wasn't just an heiress-she was a strategist. Ben realized then that he wasn't just negotiating with her father. He was negotiating with her too.

The Unexpected Proposal

The next few days saw meetings turned into dinners, and conversations grew deeper. Diana was intelligent, ambitious, and fiercely independent.

Ben found her attractive.

But business came first. The deal had to be secured.

On the third evening, after a successful negotiation. Sheikh Omar leaned back. "You are a smart man, Ben. I admire that. But tell me, do you believe in destiny?"

"I believe in opportunity." Ben hesitated.

Sheikh Omar smiled. "Then here is an opportunity. I don't just invest in companies; I invest in people. If you want my backing, I want something in return."

Ben straightened. "What do you have in mind?"

The Sheikh's gaze flickered to Diana.

"Marry my daughter."

A Deal Sealed with Marriage

Ben's heart pounded. He glanced at Diana, expecting protest, but she was calm. This wasn't a surprise to her.

Sheikh Omar continued, "I've built my empire on strong alliances. My daughter deserves a husband who understands power, not just wealth. You have ambition. She has vision. Together, you could be unstoppable."

"You don't have to agree, Ben. Diana finally spoke. But if you do, know that this marriage will be a partnership, not a cage."

Ben exhaled. This wasn't love at first sight-but it was respect at first sight.

He looked at Diana. "Are you willing to do this?"

"Are you?" She tilted her head, studying him.

The deal was sealed with so much ease.

Within a week, they were married in an intimate yet powerful ceremony. The business partnership was sealed. What started as a strategic move slowly turned into something beyond their expectations.

Back to the Present

Ben ran a hand through his hair, lost in thought. His marriage to Diana had given him power, stability, and an empire.

But now, with enemies closing in, would it be enough to protect everything he had built?

Now, years later, that connection was about to reshape his entire business.

Collins' Reckless Gamble

Collins stared at the pile of poker chips in front of him. Hande's men were watching him closely.

One move. One wrong bet, and he was finished.

He swallowed and pushed everything forward. "All in."

Hande grinned. "Brave or stupid?"

Collins smirked. "Guess we'll find out."

As the cards flipped, Collins felt his heart slam against his ribs. He needed to win.

Because if he didn't, Hande wasn't going to just take money. He was going to take blood.