chapter 10
492 Words
The eviction notice slipped from Brielle's trembling fingers onto the tiled floor.
She looked at her landlord in disbelief.
"I'm sorry... what did you just say?"
The old man folded his arms.
"I said your rent has been paid."
"But... by who?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"He refused to tell me his name."
Brielle's brows knitted together.
"Was he old? Young? Tall?"
The landlord shrugged.
"He arrived in a black car. Expensive one."
"A Rolls-Royce?" she whispered before she could stop herself.
The landlord frowned.
"I don't know cars, Miss Cole."
Her heartbeat quickened.
The first person that came to mind was Alvin.
No...
It couldn't be.
Could it?
She forced herself to smile politely before leaving the office.
The moment she stepped outside, she immediately called her mother.
"Mom..."
"Did he agree to give us more time?"
"No."
Margaret's voice cracked.
"...Then we're finished."
"No."
Silence.
"Our rent has been paid."
For several seconds, Margaret didn't speak.
"What?"
"Someone paid everything."
Margaret slowly sat down.
"Oh, God..."
Brielle frowned.
"Mom?"
Margaret quickly wiped away tears.
"Nothing."
"Are you crying?"
"I'm just... relieved."
But she wasn't.
Because deep inside...
She already knew exactly who had paid.
That evening...
Will sat alone inside his apartment.
He couldn't stop thinking about Alvin.
Every word.
Every look.
Every warning.
His phone buzzed.
It was Brielle.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"You sound tired."
"I've had a strange day."
"So have I."
She told him everything about the mysterious payment.
Will's expression darkened.
"Don't touch that money."
"It isn't money."
"You know what I mean."
"I don't even know who paid it."
Will closed his eyes.
"I think I do."
Meanwhile...
Charles entered Alvin's office.
"Sir."
Alvin didn't look up from the report in front of him.
"Has she accepted it?"
"She knows someone paid."
"And?"
"She's trying to find out who."
A faint smile crossed Alvin's face.
"She won't."
Charles hesitated.
"Sir..."
"What?"
"What if she refuses your help?"
Alvin finally looked up.
His expression remained unreadable.
"Then I'll simply make sure she has no choice."
Across Lagos...
Daisy stood inside a dimly lit room.
One of her men rushed inside.
"Ma'am..."
She turned sharply.
"What is it?"
"Alvin paid the girl's rent."
The color drained from Daisy's face.
"So..."
"It has begun."
She walked toward the window.
For years she had hoped Brielle would never cross Alvin's path.
Now...
There was no turning back.
She whispered to herself,
"You'll hate me one day, Brielle..."
"But I'm trying to save your life."
Later that night...
Brielle's phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated before answering.
"Hello?"
A deep, familiar voice came through the speaker.
"I hope your landlord won't bother you again."
Brielle froze.
Her breathing stopped.
"...Who is this?"
A quiet chuckle echoed through the line.
"You already know."
The call ended.
Brielle slowly lowered the phone.
Her hands trembled.
There was only one man whose voice could make her feel both terrified and strangely curious.
- Writer
