In Jessica's hotel room in Lagos State, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Jessica was lying on the couch surrounded by big, soft cushions, engrossed in a game on her phone. Despite her apparent focus on the screen, an air of expectation lingered around her, as if she were waiting for something significant to happen.
Meanwhile, Sharon was sitting on the edge of the bed. She had a jar of peanut butter in her hands and was dipping her finger into the creamy spread slowly. She was watching Jessica closely, moving her eyes back and forth between Jessica and her phone. Sharon looked worried, with a little frown on her face, because Jessica seemed tense and not fully present.
After a moment, she ventured softly, 'I was thinking we could go to Paris...'
Jessica frowned at the suggestion. She didn't want anything that would separate her from Michael. If she left for Paris, she feared that Michael might not even recognise her when she returned.
'No, not yet,' Jessica replied curtly, lowering her head and resuming her focus on the phone screen.
Just then, a video notification appeared on Jessica's phone, sent by the men she had hired to teach Chioma a lesson. A mischievous smile crept across her face as she tapped to open the video.
'Let's watch a movie, Sharon,' Jessica said, holding her phone up for Sharon to see. Together, they watched the recording of Chioma's torment. The video spanned over five minutes but deliberately omitted the part where Felix arrived to rescue her, as it had been carefully edited out before being sent to Jessica.
'What if Michael finds out about this? Don't you think he would hate you even more?' Sharon voiced her concern.
Jessica shrugged dismissively. 'So what if he finds out? My background is similar to Michael's, so I'm not afraid of him.'
'Jess, your background is nothing compared to Michael's. You may have a privileged upbringing, but you don't stand a chance against the Njemanzes...' Sharon warned.
'I didn't harm Michael. I merely punished that lowly peasant woman,' Jessica retorted, a sense of satisfaction evident in her voice.
Just then, a message from the men she had hired appeared on Jessica's phone. As she read it, a blissful smile formed on her lips. 'Transfer our balance immediately,' the message demanded.
Without hesitation, Jessica proceeded to transfer the remaining balance to the men. However, at that very moment, she received another video notification, this time from Julia. Clicking to open it, Jessica's expression turned grim as she watched Felix swooping in to save Chioma, just like the heroes in movies who emerge out of nowhere to rescue the damsel in distress.
Jessica angrily threw her phone to the ground, pacing back and forth in the room. 'Chioma is such a witch! How could Felix suddenly show up out of nowhere to save her? He ruined my plans to silence her once and for all. Who knows how many people that woman has deceived...?'
'Jess, please, that's enough,' Sharon interjected.
Jessica shot Sharon a cold glance. 'How can I stop? Chioma not only captivated Michael, but now she's ensnared Felix as well. She's incredibly flirtatious; she must know all sorts of seduction techniques.'
Sharon couldn't help but chuckle. 'That girl is nothing more than a lowly peasant, and you're a wealthy heiress. There's no comparison. Don't waste your energy fighting her. You won't come out on top.' Her voice carried a mocking tone as she spoke to Jessica.
'Nathan hasn't fallen for her, has he? She's so fickle, seducing men left and right. Who knows how many men she's slept with? I wouldn't be surprised if she's had numerous abortions. She could be carrying a disease. I should warn Michael about her.' Jessica bent down to pick up her phone.
'Don't...' Sharon pleaded.
'Why should you stop me?' Jessica questioned.
'Well... didn't you mention setting up some elaborate scheme for Chioma to hang herself metaphorically? And besides, you want to spend more time with Michael, right? If you tell him about this, he'll probably rush off to Abuja to be with Chioma.'
Jessica nodded, understanding Sharon's point. 'You're right.'
After successfully convincing Jessica not to send the video to Michael, Sharon let out a deep sigh. She knew that if Michael no longer desired Chioma, he would never turn to Jessica. Even if Jessica underwent plastic surgery in Korea to resemble an Asian superstar, Michael wouldn't be swayed. He loved Chioma for who she was, and that was unchangeable.