Maiden Passion

Chapter 15

The night air over Lagos was heavy, thick with the weight of impending doom. Ben sat alone in the corner booth of a high-end restaurant on Victoria Island, staring into a glass of whiskey he hadn't touched. Across from him, Alex was visibly nervous, glancing at the entrance every few seconds, his fingers twitching near his coat like he expected something—or someone—to appear at any moment.

"Why here?" Alex hissed. "This is public. Someone could be watching."

"That’s the point," Ben replied coolly. "If they’re watching, they won’t make a move."

Alex grunted, adjusting his cap and sunglasses despite it being dark. "You’re not the only one being hunted, Ben. You think Jane's the biggest threat? She's just the bait."

Ben leaned forward, his voice low but sharp. "Then give me the hook. Who’s behind her? And what’s your real stake in this?"

Alex gave a dry laugh. "You think I trust you with that? You think I don’t know you're using me to get to Jane?"

Ben’s expression remained impassive, but inside, unease crept through him. He wasn’t sure how much Alex really knew, or worse—what he was hiding.

Just then, Ben’s phone vibrated. A message from Tomiwa: "Keep Alex talking. The signal is being traced. We have movement near the marina."

Ben exhaled slowly, forcing calm.

"What if I told you I can make this all go away?" he asked. "Jane. The threats. Even the man you’re scared of."

Alex snorted. "You don’t even know who he is. That man—he doesn’t need to threaten. He whispers, and people vanish."

Ben’s eyes darkened. "Then let’s whisper louder."

The waitress came by, forcing both men to go silent. As soon as she walked away, Alex leaned in, his voice a hushed growl.

"You need to understand something, Ben. Jane doesn’t just want you. She wants in. She wants power. And that man—he’s promised her everything if she delivers you."

Ben stiffened.

"Why me?"

Alex tapped his temple. "Because you’re Chief Laz’s son. Because your new company, Vinx, is about to go international. Because the wrong people want your signature on things they shouldn’t own."

Ben’s jaw tightened. Vinx Wrist Collections was still in its early growth phase, but its partnerships in Gambia, the US, and Australia had drawn the attention of venture capital sharks and, apparently, criminals.

Before he could press further, a sudden burst of movement behind them made Alex go pale. He stood abruptly, muttering, "He’s here. I knew he’d come."

Ben followed his gaze. A tall, dark-skinned man in an immaculate suit had entered the restaurant. His eyes were hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses, his posture calm—deadly calm.

"Who is he?" Ben asked.

Alex didn’t answer. He turned and bolted toward the kitchen exit.

Ben hesitated for just a second before slipping out his phone.

"Tomiwa, I need eyes inside this place now. The man Alex feared—he’s real, and he’s here."

"Already tracking. Get out of there."

Ben moved casually, heading toward the bar, his heart racing. As he passed a mirrored pillar, he caught a glimpse of the mystery man turning his head toward him—smiling.

Meanwhile, at Boca Holdings...

Chief Laz stood by the window of his office, fingers interlaced. Behind him, Frank quietly delivered his daily report. Laz nodded along, but his eyes were on the skyline.

"Any word from our offshore contact?"

"Yes, sir," Frank replied. "They’ve confirmed receipt of the advance. The debts should be covered in two weeks."

Laz turned. "And Shadrach?"

Frank hesitated, just long enough for Laz to notice.

"Still no word. He’s... elusive."

"Find him. And if you can’t, find the man he reports to. I know someone’s feeding him intel."

Frank swallowed hard. Laz’s tone was calm, but there was fire beneath it.

"Yes, sir."

After Frank left, Laz picked up his secure line.

"Ben?"

Ben answered quickly, his voice tight. "Dad. I need you to lock down every deal Vinx has made in the last three months. We’re compromised."

Laz’s eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

"There’s someone dangerous pulling Jane’s strings. And he’s not working alone."

"What about Diana?"

Ben paused. "She can’t know. Not yet."

Chief Laz nodded to himself. "Good. Handle your end. I’ll take care of ours."

Back in Lekki...

Diana watched Ben’s side of the bed, empty again. She’d told herself he was just busy, that his startup was demanding more time, and that he loved her.

But doubt was creeping in like a silent fog.

She walked over to her vanity, opening the drawer where she kept the hidden phone. The one her father—a powerful legislator in Gambia—had given her as backup.

Scrolling through recent security logs, she frowned.

"Why is Ben meeting with a known felon like Alex...?"

Before she could process further, her phone buzzed. A video attachment.

Her fingers trembled as she opened it.

The image showed Ben in a hotel hallway. Jane opened the door in a sheer robe.

Ben stepped in.

Diana gasped, dropping the phone.