The night stretched endlessly over the city, the air thick with an impending sense of war. A storm of blood and betrayal loomed on the horizon. This was the beginning of the final power struggle.
Ochieng stood in his penthouse, his gaze locked onto the shimmering skyline. The world below him was restless—people oblivious to the chaos unfolding in the shadows. The city belonged to the powerful, and right now, power was slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.
A single knock on the door broke his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, his voice firm.
Linet stepped inside, her black leather coat dusted with the scent of gunpowder and cold wind. She exuded authority, her dark eyes sharp with urgency.
"The men are in position," she said. "Jeff has locked down the ports, Tielen is controlling the underground networks, and Wendy has deployed our best enforcers."
Ochieng finally turned, his expression unreadable. "And Bernardo?"
Linet's lips thinned. "He's gathering allies. And Ariella is with him."
The weight of those words settled between them.
Ochieng exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the glass in his hand. "Where?"
"The Celestial Hotel. They're meeting now."
Silence.
Then Ochieng set his drink down, his decision already made. "Get the car."
Linet hesitated. "Ochieng… what if she's playing both sides?"
Ochieng's expression darkened. That was the real question, wasn't it?
He didn't answer. He simply grabbed his coat and walked past her.
This wasn't just business anymore.
This was personal.
---
The Celestial Hotel sat atop the city like a jewel, its golden glow a symbol of wealth and power. Inside, the penthouse was an oasis of luxury—crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, and the lingering scent of expensive cigars.
Ariella sat across from Bernardo, her emerald gown draping elegantly around her. Her beauty was effortless, but her presence was sharp—like a blade hidden beneath silk.
"You don't get far in this world by standing still," she said smoothly, sipping her wine.
Bernardo smirked. "And yet, here you are. At my table."
Ariella leaned forward, her red lips curving into a slow smile. "I need security, Bernardo. Ochieng… he's too reckless. I need stability."
Bernardo studied her for a moment before chuckling. "And what makes you think I'm stable?"
She met his gaze without hesitation. "You're winning."
Bernardo tilted his glass slightly, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "And do you plan to win with me? Or simply survive?"
Before she could answer, the doors burst open.
A thick tension filled the room.
Ochieng stepped inside, his presence a storm. His tailored black coat, the slow, deliberate way he moved—it sent a chill through the air. Linet was beside him, her pistol already drawn, aimed directly at Ariella.
Ariella didn't flinch. "You're early," she murmured, swirling her wine.
Ochieng's jaw clenched. His gaze burned into hers. "You didn't think I'd let you sell me out so easily, did you?"
Bernardo sighed, setting his drink down. "I was hoping for a more civilized conversation."
Ochieng ignored him. His attention was fixed on Ariella.
"Was it ever real?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
A flicker of something passed through her eyes. Regret? Guilt?
Then she smiled. "Does it matter?"
Ochieng exhaled sharply.
"Take her."
Linet moved swiftly, grabbing Ariella's arm. Bernardo didn't react. He simply chuckled.
"You won't kill her," he mused. "You care too much."
Ochieng's fingers curled into fists. "We'll see."
---
The Rolls-Royce Phantom glided through the city streets, silent as a predator. Inside, the air was thick with tension.
Ariella sat bound, her expression unreadable.
"You made a mistake," Ochieng finally said.
Ariella exhaled, leaning back. "So did you."
Ochieng turned his head slightly. "Explain."
Ariella's lips parted into a slow smirk. "Bernardo didn't come alone."
Linet's phone rang. She answered, her face paling.
"Ochieng…" she whispered.
Before she could finish, an explosion shattered the night.
Flames erupted in the distance, sirens wailing like ghosts.
Ochieng clenched his fists. Bernardo had set a trap.
---
The car screeched to a stop. Gunfire cracked through the air. Smoke billowed from a burning vehicle, metal twisted from the impact.
Ochieng stepped out, scanning the chaos.
"This wasn't just a warning," Linet muttered. "They're trying to wipe us out."
Ochieng's mind raced. Bernardo had made his move. Now, it was time to make his.
Ariella leaned against the car, her gaze unreadable. "You're running out of time, Ochieng. If you don't kill him first… he'll destroy you."
Ochieng took a slow breath.
Then he turned to Linet. "Call Jeff and Tielen. Tell them it's time."
Linet nodded. "And Ariella?"
Ochieng looked at her for a long moment.
Then he turned away.
"She stays with me."