He decided to let it go. I won't stoop to her level.
Olaedo, meanwhile, was busy trying to haul her suitcase out of the car. Clearly unbothered by his silence, she moved to carry it herself when Chibuzor stopped her.
"Up for some light exercise?" he asked.
Olaedo blinked in surprise. Light exercise? Still, she nodded.
Chibuzor calmly shut the boot. "We'll walk up to the main house. The housekeeper will send someone later with a cart to get your things. It's something I like doing. Is that okay with you?"
She nodded again and followed him out of the warehouse.
What she saw next left her stunned. The entire compound was bathed in warm, golden light, but above them, the sky was pitch black, the full moon glimmering like a watchful eye.
Olaedo quickly checked her phone. The time read 3:00 a.m.
Her steps faltered. He stayed in the car with me until three in the morning?
She glanced at Chibuzor, who didn't seem even slightly fazed. He walked ahead, calmly typing something on his phone, as if sitting in a car for five hours was part of his daily routine.
For a brief moment, guilt tugged at her chest. Maybe punching him earlier hadn't been entirely fair. He had honored their contract, refraining from carrying her up, even though it must've been uncomfortable for him too.
But just as quickly, she brushed the guilt aside. He could've woken me up. It's not my fault he chose not to!
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when Chibuzor suddenly stopped walking.
Bam!
She crashed into his broad shoulder with enough force to make her stumble.
Chibuzor recoiled instantly, spinning away with lightning fast reflexes. "What are you doing? Keep your distance!"
Olaedo winced as pain shot through her nose. Hissing, she shot back, "Who wants to be close to you? I didn't realize you'd stopped walking! That's on you, not me!"
His jaw tightened, and for a moment it looked like he had a retort ready. But instead, he turned on his heel and stormed off, typing furiously on his phone.
The surprise was ready, but does this infuriating woman even deserve it?
Olaedo rubbed her sore nose and followed him, muttering under her breath.
As they continued walking, she noticed several residential buildings scattered across the vast estate before her eyes finally landed on a grand structure ahead. Shielded by a low wall adorned with flowers and a small white gate, it looked almost ethereal under the moonlight.
They passed through the gate, and after walking a little farther, Olaedo was greeted by a truly unexpected sight.
Lines of people, dressed neatly in matching uniforms, stood on either side of the stone path leading to the house. As one, they chorused,
"Welcome, Young Madam!"
At their forefront stood the housekeeper, his chest puffed out with pride, the very picture of discipline and loyalty.
Olaedo froze mid step, her jaw hanging slightly.
Chibuzor, on the other hand, looked immensely pleased with himself.
Perfect, he thought smugly. Now everyone knows she's the new mistress of the house. No one will dare disrespect her again.
He sneaked a glance at her, silently waiting for her gratitude.
Instead—
Smash!
Her fist connected squarely with his arm again.
"How could you wake all these people up at three in the morning just to welcome me?!" she demanded. "Do you even realize what you've done?!"
Chibuzor's pride began to crumble under the force of her fury. "Of course I know what I've done." he shot back, clutching his arm. "I've made sure your position as the Young Madam is officially recognized."
Smash!
The next punch landed harder than the first.
"You're such an idiot!" she snapped. "You've just made them hate me before they even know me! Who wants to be dragged out of bed at this hour to stand in line for some ridiculous show of power? And since when did I need your help to establish anything? Do you think I got where I am by relying on anyone? I built a multi billionaire empire in five years, without the drama!"
Chibuzor's eyes widened as her words hit him like a blow of their own. He sighed, finally admitting defeat.
"Okay, okay. I deserved the first punch," he muttered, wincing. "But the second one was unnecessary. It hurt more than you realize."
But she just rolled her eyes, already turning her attention to the people still lined up before her. The fatigue on their faces couldn't be ignored, and she felt a pang of regret for their situation, even though none of this had been her idea.
Stepping forward, she offered a warm, genuine smile.
"Thank you, everyone. I know it must have been difficult to be woken up at such an odd hour, even for something like this. I really appreciate you all being here. I can't wait to get to know each of you better.
As a small token of thanks," she added, pausing for effect, "your salaries for this month will be doubled, courtesy of me. You're all amazing."
The tired murmurs among the staff immediately shifted into a wave of cheers. The tension evaporated, replaced by admiration and excitement. In an instant, the new Young Madam had won them over. She wasn't spoiled or arrogant, she was kind, thoughtful, and generous.
Chibuzor, however, just stood there, staring at her like she'd grown a second head.
"You're doubling their salaries? Just like that?"
Olaedo turned to him with a serene, knowing smile.
"No," she said sweetly. "YOU are doubling their salaries."
Chibuzor: "…"
He blinked. Once. Twice. "What's that supposed to mean? That's not what you just said."
She tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure? That's exactly what I said."
Before he could protest, she continued, her voice steady, her words crisp, every syllable slicing through his confusion like a well honed blade.
"Clause Fourteen," she began smoothly, "the Shared Expenses Clause in your so called loophole free contract, states: 'All financial expenses related to joint appearances, events, celebrations, or any project of Party B will be paid by Party A for the duration of the contract. Party A reserves the right to decline financing any project of Party B that he doesn't see value in supporting.'"
She looked him squarely in the eye, her tone turning triumphantly calm.
"So unless you're ready to argue that this isn't an event—" she gestured toward the applauding staff— "I suggest you let Payroll know first thing in the morning."
Chibuzor's mouth fell open, speechless. Somewhere behind them, the housekeeper coughed, very audibly, in what sounded suspiciously like laughter.