The night air in Abuja carried a different kind of energy—louder, richer, alive.
Ethan adjusted his collar as he stepped into the luxurious restaurant. The soft glow of chandeliers reflected off polished floors, and the faint sound of slow music filled the air.
This wasn't his world.
But tonight… he was invited into it.
"Ethan!" a voice called out.
He turned.
Michael Stone.
Dressed in a fitted black suit, wristwatch gleaming, confidence dripping from every step—Michael looked like a man who owned the city.
Ethan smiled and walked over. "My guy!"
They shook hands firmly before pulling into a quick hug.
"Long time," Michael said, sitting down. "You dey disappear these days."
Ethan chuckled. "Na hustle. You know say nothing easy."
Michael smirked. "That's because you're doing it the hard way."
A waiter approached, placing expensive dishes in front of them.
Ethan glanced at the menu earlier and nearly laughed—one plate could cover his rent for a month.
"You go eat," Michael said casually. "Don't worry about the price."
Ethan nodded. "I trust you."
That word lingered in the air.
Trust.
Michael leaned back, studying Ethan like a man analyzing a business deal.
"So… how's Lara?"
Ethan smiled instantly. "She's good. That girl… she's everything, bro. I'm serious about her."
Michael raised an eyebrow slightly. "Everything?"
"Yes. I want to marry her."
There was a brief pause.
Michael picked up his glass, hiding the small, unreadable expression that crossed his face.
"Hmm," he murmured. "You sure you know her well?"
Ethan frowned. "What do you mean?"
Michael shrugged. "Nothing. Just saying… women can surprise you."
Ethan laughed it off. "Not Lara."
Michael smiled.
But it didn't reach his eyes.
After dinner, the conversation shifted.
Michael leaned forward, his voice lowering.
"I didn't just call you here to eat."
Ethan sat up. "I know. You mentioned something about a contract?"
Michael nodded slowly. "Big one. Construction deal. Government level."
Ethan's heart skipped.
"Wait… serious?"
"I don't joke with money," Michael replied. "This one can change your life overnight."
Ethan leaned closer, excitement building. "What do I need to do?"
Michael's gaze locked onto his.
"Just trust me."
Again, that word.
Trust.
Michael pulled out a file and placed it on the table.
"Everything is inside. I'll connect you to the right people. But…" he paused.
"But what?" Ethan asked.
"You have to move fast. Opportunities like this don't wait."
Ethan didn't even hesitate.
"I'm in."
Michael smiled slowly.
"That's what I like to hear."
As they stood up to leave, Michael placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder.
"By the time this deal is done," he said quietly, "you won't recognize your own life again."
Ethan grinned. "That's the plan."
But Michael's eyes darkened slightly.
"Oh… it will change," he muttered under his breath.
"In ways you can't imagine."
Outside, Ethan stepped into the night, his mind racing with possibilities.
Money.
Success.
A future with Lara.
Everything was finally aligning.
He pulled out his phone and dialed her number.
"Babe! I have good news!"
But the call rang… and rang… and rang.
No answer.
Back inside the restaurant, Michael stood by the window, watching Ethan walk away.
He pulled out his phone.
Dialed a number.
It connected almost immediately.
"Hello?" a soft voice answered.
Michael's expression shifted into something colder… more dangerous.
"It's me," he said.
A pause.
Then:
"I saw him tonight."
Silence.
Then the voice asked quietly…
"What did he say?"
Michael smirked, his eyes fixed on Ethan disappearing into the distance.
"He trusts me."
Another pause.
Then Michael added:
"And he has no idea… about us."
The line went silent.
But the damage…
Had already begun.