The air at the LEAH private rooftop was taut as I stepped into the private lounge.
William sprawled across a black leather couch, his shirt half-buttoned. In front of him, a glass center table held a gun.
"This is the first time I've seen a woman not flinch at the sight of a gun," he said, his gaze flickering toward me as I sat gently beside him.
After many years, Alexandra Sterling betrayed me… I still can't get over it," he said softly, tucking the gun into the back of his trousers.
"I understand," I replied calmly.
He glared at me, a sharp, fleeting look. "I still can't believe Victor would betray a good woman. He took after his father."
He leaned closer, staring into my eyes. His eyes were red and swollen from alcohol, but he still maintained his stance—controlled, dangerous.
"I can see myself in those eyes," he said, his voice gravelly.
"Starting from scratch," he continued, "I was tired of working for him endlessly! After he took everything I had, because I was surpassing him in the game.
"William's words dripped with hatred for the Sterlings. But hearing him, I realized… perhaps the Sterlings had motives far deeper than I had imagined.
"Are they in any way connected to the downfall of my father's company?" I asked, searching his eyes for an answer.
"You'll get to know that later. For now, let's focus on the real matter," he said.
My heart pounded. My veins felt weak, but I forced myself to think—no, it's not possible. The Sterlings could never have had a hand in my father's failed company.
"The government project is worth $1 billion," William snapped me out of my thoughts. "He will make a $200 million advance payment. The remaining will be made as the work progresses."
"How much are you planning to invest?" I asked.
"The total project comes to around $700 million," he continued, leaving a profit margin of $300 million. "If I invest with you, I will take 40% of the profit," he said, glaring at me, waiting for my answer.
"Okay," I said.
"The problem here is… I plan to invest $350 million. The government releases $200 million."He leaned closer, his voice sharp. "How will you get the remaining $150 million?"
He paused for a moment, letting the question hang in the air.
"Contractor competing must pass the pilot project," he continued.
"I've done many pilot projects in the past and won contracts for the Sterlings. Big contracts like this always come with rigorous testing before they're awarded.
"I know you're a genius at defending pilot projects… but what about the financial aspect?"
"I'll handle the pilot project," I said confidently. "And half of the money will be ready in five days."
William's gaze flickered in shock.
"That's about $75 million," he muttered. "Don't tell me you robbed a bank, too."
His girlfriend's birthday may be hosted at the Aurielius Events in the next three days, I said gently. They were planning to bid on the most expensive jewelry from the Sovereign Auction. I would make sure it was worth it.
He sighed and leaned back into the leather couch. "No matter how loaded I am with rifles, I would never dream of having an issue with a woman."
"See you in five days," I said, walking out of the lounge.
My stomach rumbled as I slid back into the car. Even after the massive plate of food I had swallowed before leaving the Sterlings, it felt like I hadn't eaten in days. My eyes flicked to my phone, resting in the glovebox. The thought of Aurielius Event and the expensive jewelry crossed my mind—I didn't have much time.
I put a call through to Mary.
"Hello, ma," her voice dripped from the other end of the line.
"Send me the Gmail and Instagram handle of Aurielius Events."
"Okay, ma… but what are you using it for?" This time, I felt my patience snap at how Mary always poked her nose into my business.
"Send me what I asked for, now!" I yelled, my voice sharp, and drove toward Moonville Manor.
The air inside the Manor was idyllic, almost enticing. Even though it had been a while since my last visit, the crystal ceramic vase behind the windows glittered, and every other modern décor and artifact remained perfectly in place—a part of the inheritance my mother had left me just six years ago before she passed.
I dashed into the bedroom and opened a drawer. A sapphire necklace, a flawless diamond, matching earrings, and a bracelet glittered under the room's bright light. It was part of the jewels my mom had gotten for me—but truthfully, I wasn't a fan of overly shiny things. Still, I took a picture; it gleamed crisply in the frame.
Mary's messages popped up on the screen. She had already sent Aurielius' social media handle and Gmail. Without wasting a minute, I drafted my message.
Message to @AureliusPrestigeEvents
Hello. I have a jewelry piece I would like to consign for the Sovereign Collection Auction on the 25th of this month.
Please let me know the next steps.
—Lysandra
I hit send.
Only a few minutes passed before my phone buzzed.
Reply from @AureliusPrestigeEvents
Thank you for reaching out, Ms. Lysandra.
Please send clear photos and a brief description of the jewelry piece to [email protected].
Our team will review it and guide you through the process.
I quickly attached the photo of the sapphire necklace and description and sent it.
My heart pounded as I waited.
Another notification popped up moments later.
Aurelius Prestige Events
Thank you for sending the photos.
Your jewelry piece has been accepted for the Sovereign Collection Auction on the 25th.
Please confirm your reserve price so we can list it.
A slow smile crept onto my lips.
My fingers moved over the screen.
Lysandra
Reserve price: ₦100,000,000.
Please list it for the upcoming auction.
I paused for a second, then added another line.
Kindly tag @SelenaWhitmore and @WilliamSterling in the event listing so they are notified.
I pressed send.
Within seconds, another message arrived.
Aurelius Prestige Events
Thank you, Ms. Lysandra.
Please bring the jewelry to our Aurelius Prestige office for authentication and display preparation.
Be assured, our team will handle your piece with the utmost care.
Without wasting a second, I grabbed the jewelry box and headed straight to the Aurelius office.