Immediately after storming out of the community center, Ade pulled out his phone and dialed Mr. Michael's number.
"Mr. Michael, it's Ade. I want to meet and discuss the next steps. I'm ready to move forward," he said, his voice filled with determination.
"Excellent, Ade. Let's meet at my office in an hour," Mr. Michael replied, his tone smooth and reassuring.
Ade hung up, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was the first step toward carving out his own path, away from Ayo's shadow.
---
Later in the day, Sarah couldn't shake her concern for Ade. She decided to call him, hoping to find a way to resolve the conflict.
"Ade, can we meet and talk? I think we need to clear the air and resolve this issue," she said gently.
Ade sighed on the other end. "There's nothing to resolve, Sarah. My mind is made up. But if you want to meet, fine. Let's talk."
Secretly, Ade hoped to convince Sarah to join him in his new venture. He texted her the location of the meeting, expecting she would come alone.
---
Meanwhile, in the prison, the convicted board members received updates on Ade's departure from the community center. They agreed to play along with Ade for now, allowing him to believe he was in control. Their plan was to create a rivalry between Ade's new organization and Ayo's, sowing discord and weakening their united front.
"We'll let Ade think he's leading, but we'll steer the conflict from behind the scenes," Obinna said, a calculating glint in his eyes.
Chika nodded. "If we can make Ayo and Ade's organizations clash, it will be easier to dismantle them both."
---
As the day drew to a close, Ade sat in a café waiting for Sarah. He glanced at his watch, his nerves on edge. He hoped to persuade her to see things from his perspective, to join him in his new venture.
Sarah arrived a few minutes later, but to Ade's disappointment, Ayo was with her.
"Hi, Ade," Sarah greeted, her voice warm but tinged with concern. "I hope you don't mind, but I thought Ayo should be here too."
Ade's expression hardened. "I thought we were going to talk alone, Sarah."
Ayo stepped forward. "Ade, we're here because we care about you and the work we've done together. This isn't about sides."
Ade crossed his arms, his posture defensive. "I've made my decision, Ayo. I can't keep playing second fiddle. Mr. Michael sees my potential and has offered me a chance to lead my own organization. I want you to respect that."
Sarah looked at Ade, her eyes pleading. "Ade, we're not trying to hold you back. But we believe in the work we're doing at the community center. Can't we find a way to work together?"
Ade shook his head. "It's too late for that. I've made up my mind."
Ayo took a deep breath. "Ade, if this is really what you want, we'll respect your decision. But know that our door is always open if you ever want to come back."
Ade's resolve wavered for a moment, but he quickly steeled himself. "Thank you, Ayo. But I need to do this for myself."
The tension in the room was palpable as the three of them sat in silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. Finally, Ade stood up. "I have another meeting to get to. I'll see you around."
As Ade walked away, Sarah and Ayo exchanged worried glances. They knew this was only the beginning of a difficult journey, both for Ade and for themselves.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Sarah asked quietly.
Ayo sighed. "I hope so, Sarah. I really do."
They left the café, both of them lost in thought about the future and the challenges that lay ahead. Their bond with Ade had been tested, and only time would tell if it could be mended or if the rift would continue to grow.