three cities

those that owned the city

Agu Corp began as a consulting firm, helping businesses scale by providing cutting-edge technological solutions. Over time, it expanded into research and development, creating innovations that fueled business growth and added billions to the national economy. At the helm of this empire was Kelvin Agu—a man whose contributions had earned him multiple presidential awards and a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the industry.

Their business model had evolved into a calculated strategy: acquire, enhance, and resell. A simple yet powerful approach that had propelled Kelvin into becoming the fifth richest man in the country.

Now, Agu Corp stood on the brink of another major leap. A rapidly expanding American conglomerate was considering a partnership with them—one that could solidify Agu Corp's position as the largest tech consulting firm in Nigeria. The stakes were high, and the tension in the office was palpable as the team prepared for the crucial presentation.

Nelly had been buried in reports all morning, fine-tuning data projections and case studies. She had been tasked with assisting the team in preparing their pitch, ensuring everything was flawless. Just as they were finalizing the documents, something made her take one last, careful look at the figures.

Her eyes widened.

"Oh my God," she whispered, nearly jumping from her seat.

One of the figures was off—a minuscule discrepancy, almost unnoticeable. But if scrutinized by the clients, it could come across as data manipulation, leading to mistrust. And with a deal this massive, trust was everything.

The clock was ticking. There were only thirty minutes left before the presentation. She had no time to panic. Instead, she focused, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she corrected the error. Lunch break was long forgotten—she hadn't eaten all day, but this was more important.

By the time the meeting started, the documents were fixed, and the presentation was flawless. The clients were impressed. The partnership was within reach.

Afterward, Kelvin gathered his team, offering a rare acknowledgment of their hard work. Just as everyone was about to leave, he spoke again.

"Nelly, stay back for a moment."

She turned, slightly apprehensive, as he approached her.

"I saw what you did," he said simply. 'Thank you."

He was now in his usual composure head bowed buried on his laptop screen. For a moment it felt like he was avoiding her gaze.

Nelly's eyes peeled off him, drawn again by the antiques in his office. Everything was exactly as she remebered the first day, but notably missing was the same potrait.

"It was nothing," she replied, brushing it off.

"You skipped your lunch break, didn't you?" His voice carrying its usual calmness and authority. "Let me buy you lunch."

Nelly opened her mouth to protest, but the words never came. The exhaustion was hitting her now, her knees slightly weak from the energy she had spent all day.

"Okay," she muttered, barely managing to argue.

"Let's go."

As Kelvin stepped outside, his driver immediately rushed to open the car door. But instead of getting in first, he stepped aside, motioning for Nelly to enter.

Minutes later, they arrived at Cresent 5, the most exquisite restaurant in town.

A waiter had let them to a private section, she noticed about 10 other couples in various positions around the palatial interior.

"Couples." The thought had stung her.

Being here with Kelvin might mean something too, to the media of course. Amanda had highlighted how he was single after terrible break-up with Vivian.

But she was way below his league, or atleast that's what she felt.

The waiters had begun going around to the tables and talking to the customers as if to pass an announcement. There was murmuring while a few shot glares in their direction, before taking their leave. It didn't take long for the place to be empty, leaving them both as the two remaining occupant left.

Nelly ordered a simple jellof rice, and had begun eating while he watched her sternly. She started to feel uncomfortable by the weird layer of silence between them.

"What happened to the painting." She asked trying to break the silence.

"It had served it's purpose." He replied abruptly.

Nelly began to wonder what purpose it could have been, and why it was the only one missing.

"I saw you have a visitor the other day." He grinned. " You know we do not tolerate unofficial visits during working hours."

It took Nelly a second to realise he'd been talking about Lucky. She wondered how he knew. He left hours earlier that day.

"I'm sorry." She muttered. "He was rarely my visitor."

''Is it me, why does it seem like you have something to do with everyone leaving all of a sudden." Nelly muttered. Sighing as she let the question in her mind free.

"I like my peace and quiet." He smirked. "I wouldn't come here if I didn't get that."

Just then, a commotion erupted outside. Austin, the Senate President's son, had arrived with his entourage, exuding his usual air of entitlement. As he approached the entrance, the security team blocked his path, firmly stating that the restaurant was fully booked for the evening.

Austin's expression darkened. "Do you know who I am?" he demanded, his voice laced with irritation.

"We're sorry, sir," one of the guards replied professionally. "But we can't let you in."

Austin scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "An insult," he muttered. Then, without hesitation, he turned to his own security. "Teach them a lesson. Open that door."

At his command, his guards moved forward, ready to force their way in, ignoring the protests of the restaurant's security.

Kelvin began smiling, the kind that had an evil meaning to it as he leaned back in his chair, swirling the glass of wine in his hand. He didn't need to see the scene outside to know exactly who was causing the commotion. The arrogance in his voice was unmistakable.

With a subtle gesture, Kelvin signaled for the manager. The man hurried over, his face tense from the unfolding situation.

"Let him in," Kelvin said smoothly, his tone laced with amusement.

The manager hesitated. "Sir, but you—"

Kelvin cut him off with a sharp look. "I said, let him in."

The manager swallowed hard before nodding and rushing to the entrance. Within seconds, the doors swung open, and Austin strutted in, his irritation barely masked. His eyes swept across the room until they landed on Kelvin. He headed straight for him.

"I had seen you car outside, it's why I couldn't bare being turned away."

Kelvin raised his glass in mock greeting. "Always a dramatic entrance with you, Austin."

Austin scoffed, making his way back toward their table. "And you, always pulling strings where you shouldn't."

"And as usual, you've fallen needing had out once again from me," Kelvin grinned.

Nelly watched the exchange in silence. The air crackled with tension as Austin took a seat at the nearest table, his gaze flickering toward her. She knew whatever it was no ordinary tussle, and this was far from where it began.

"And who's this?" Austin asked, flashing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Kelvin's expression remained unreadable, but there was an unmistakable edge in his voice as he replied, "None of your concern."

"You've found a new one huh," Austin continued scanning Nelly one more time. "She works for you."

"I thought you were above that." He added in a mocking tone.

Kelvin's patience was wearing thin. Austin had always been an entitled brat, riding on his father's influence, and their so-called rivalry was nothing more than Austin's desperate attempt to measure up.

Still, Kelvin knew the real agony for Austin wasn't being let in—it was knowing that he had given the order. The thought amused him, but his attention quickly shifted back to Nelly. She was visibly uncomfortable, shrinking under the weight of Austin and his crew's lingering stares.

Kelvin's jaw tightened. That was enough.

"If you're done, we can leave now," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Nelly flinched slightly at his words, confirming what he already suspected—she was eager to get out of there.

"Yeah, I am," she mumbled, quickly grabbing her things.

Kelvin stood first, offering her an easy exit, but his gaze flickered toward Austin one last time—a silent warning.

He walked behind her, as if to block their gaze on her until they were out. His driver needed no warning to quickly open the door for the both of them.

The car ride was silent at first. Nelly sat stiffly, her hands clasped together on her lap as she stared out the window. The evening lights of Abuja blurred past, but she barely noticed them.

Kelvin, on the other hand, was relaxed, leaning back with one arm resting on the door. He occasionally glanced at her, taking in her quiet demeanor.

"Are you always this quiet?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.

She turned slightly to look at him, her expression unreadable. "Only when I'm deep in thought."

"And what exactly are you thinking about?"

She hesitated before sighing. "That guy back there… Austin. He looked at you like you were his worst enemy."

Kelvin smirked. "That's because I am."

Nelly raised a brow. "Care to explain?"

Kelvin exhaled, glancing out the window for a brief moment before turning his attention back to her. "Let's just say we don't see the world the same way. He thinks money and power make him untouchable. I prefer to let results speak for themselves."

Nelly studied him for a moment. There was an edge to his voice, a restrained annoyance, but not once did he sound threatened by Austin.

"So… you let him in just to make him feel small?" she asked, catching on.

Kelvin's lips twitched in amusement. He didn't respond but was surprised at how easily she caught on.

"He's not all hard inside." She found herself smiling.

He didn't push further, but the ghost of a smirk remained on his lips.

As they neared her apartment, Kelvin slowed the car to a stop just outside the gate. He didn't say anything immediately, and neither did she.

"Thanks for the ride," Nelly finally said, reaching for the door handle.

"Nelly," Kelvin called, making her pause.

She turned to him, and for the first time since the restaurant, his expression was unreadable.

"Next time, don't skip lunch."

She blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected concern in his voice. Before she could respond, he looked away as if dismissing the moment.

"Goodnight," he said simply.

Nelly hesitated, then nodded. "Goodnight, Kelvin."

She stepped out of the car, and as she walked toward the gate.