Power in Daylight
790 Words
Episode 8 – Power in Daylight
The sun glimmered over Sandton, bouncing off skyscrapers and expensive cars. Johannesburg looked peaceful — but peace was just another mask the Khumalos wore well.
Inside Jayden’s marketing headquarters, glass walls reflected ambition. Men in suits moved briskly through corridors, unaware their boss had led a war only two nights before.
Jayden sat behind his desk, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, scrolling through proposals. His phone buzzed.
Jayden: “Talk to me.”
Jason: “We’ve got the Vitale contracts pulled from the European front. Jess might’ve scared them off with that last stunt.”
Jayden: “Good. Let them stay scared.”
He smirked faintly, but his gaze softened when Jessica’s name flashed across his screen.
Jayden: “Speak of the devil.”
He answered.
Jessica: “You’re ignoring my emails.”
Jayden: “You send too many.”
Jessica: “You don’t read enough.”
Her voice was smooth, confident — the kind that didn’t ask for attention; it commanded it.
Jayden: “Busy morning. The bar’s numbers are up, marketing contracts in place. What’s your excuse?”
Jessica: “Running five companies across two time zones. I still have time to remind you you’re late for the hospital meeting.”
Jayden: “Muzi called you?”
Jessica: “He knows you listen to me more than him.”
Jayden chuckled lowly.
Jayden: “He’s not wrong.”
---
Meanwhile, at Muzi Khumalo Private Hospital, doctors in crisp coats hurried through spotless hallways. Muzi, in his white coat, reviewed patient charts — the picture of respectability. Only the family knew the calm doctor was a man who’d once crushed a rival syndicate’s leader with his bare hands.
Muzi: “Tell Jayden I need his approval for the new wing’s design.”
Ntlaka strolled in, dressed sharp, smelling like leather and money.
Ntlaka: “Forget Jayden, I just sold three more cars. That’s twenty-five this week.”
Muzi: “You’re bragging again.”
Ntlaka: “I’m celebrating success.”
They both paused as Jason entered, phone to his ear.
Jason: “Marketing’s good, bar’s better, Jay’s ego’s biggest.”
Muzi: “Jessica?”
Jason: “Always.”
They laughed, knowing full well their brother’s obsession was becoming obvious.
---
That afternoon, Jessica arrived at Jayden’s bar — The Lion’s Den — a sleek, exclusive lounge tucked in the heart of Sandton. Dressed in black silk, heels clicking softly against the floor, she drew stares without trying.
Jayden was behind the counter, inspecting stock.
Jayden: “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Jessica: “Your whiskey selection’s impressive. Your coffee, however, is an insult.”
Jayden: “I’ll take that as constructive criticism.”
She smirked and sat.
Jessica: “How do you do it? Run two businesses and still find time to terrorize international criminals?”
Jayden: “Discipline. And good genetics.”
Jessica: “Arrogance looks better on you when you’re quiet.”
He leaned closer, eyes flickering with amusement.
Jayden: “And yet, you’re still here.”
Jessica’s phone buzzed. A message. She read it and frowned.
Jessica: “The Vitales are still moving money through fake charities. You didn’t crush them completely.”
Jayden: “We will.”
Jessica: “You always say that.”
Jayden: “Because we always do.”
They locked eyes. His calm confidence was infuriating — and intoxicating.
---
Later that evening, the Khumalos gathered for dinner at the estate.
It was one of their rare peaceful nights — laughter echoing through polished halls.
Jason: “So, Jessica, how does it feel being surrounded by South Africa’s most eligible men?”
Jessica: “Exhausting.”
Ntlaka: “She’s too good for you, Jason.”
Jason: “She’s too good for all of us.”
Jayden: “Watch your mouth.”
Laughter followed, but Jessica noticed the possessive glint in Jayden’s eyes. He didn’t even hide it anymore.
Muzi: “To victories — in business, in battle, and in blood.”
All: “To victories.”
They raised their glasses, the weight of legacy hanging between them.
As they drank, Jessica’s phone vibrated again — an alert she didn’t recognize. She checked it, her expression darkening.
Jessica: “Jayden…”
Jayden: “What is it?”
Jessica: “Someone just breached one of my Italian company’s servers. It’s not the Vitales.”
The room fell silent.
Jason: “Then who the hell is it?”
Jessica: “Someone better.”
Jayden’s jaw tightened.
Jayden: “Then they’ll meet someone worse.”
---
Outside, lightning split the sky. The Khumalos had tasted peace for a day — but the storm was already brewing again.
And this time, it wasn’t just about territory.
It was personal.
- Writer
