The war had begun.
Adaora sat in Dike's dimly lit office, watching as the former senator's men worked. Papers were shuffled, phone calls were made, and secrets were whispered like currency.
"This will not be a quick fight," Dike warned, his sharp eyes never leaving her. "Chike has built his empire on blood and power. If we strike too recklessly, he'll crush us before we get close."
Adaora's jaw tightened. "Then we hit him where he least expects."
Dike smirked. "And where might that be?"
Adaora leaned forward. "His business."
Targeting Chike's Empire
Chike Nwosu's power came from corrupt government contracts, oil deals, and offshore accounts. If they could expose his financial crimes, his reputation would crumble.
But first, they needed access to his records.
Dike had a contact a disgruntled accountant named Emeka, who had worked for Chike's company for years but had been cheated out of his retirement funds.
"He'll talk if we make it worth his while," Dike said.
Adaora didn't hesitate. "Then let's make him an offer he can't refuse."
A Risky Bargain
That night, Adaora met Emeka in a rundown bar in Ajah. He was a weary man, his eyes sunken from years of stress.
"You don't know what you're asking," he muttered, swirling a cheap glass of gin. "Chike doesn't forgive betrayal."
Adaora placed an envelope of cash on the table. "And I don't forgive murderers."
Emeka hesitated. Then, with a sigh, he reached into his pocket and slid a USB drive across the table.
"This has records of offshore transactions, shell companies, and bribery trails. If you use it wisely, you can destroy him."
Adaora's fingers tightened around the drive. This was the first crack in Chike's empire.
But Emeka wasn't done. His eyes darkened.
"There's something else you should know."
Adaora leaned in.
Emeka's voice dropped to a whisper. "Chike isn't just laundering money. He's tied to a secret network of powerful men, men who won't let him fall without a fight."
Adaora's pulse quickened.
This was bigger than she had imagined.
The First Strike Lands
Two days later, a shocking news report broke across major TV stations.
"Top Business Tycoon Chike Nwosu Under Investigation for Corruption and Fraud."
Anonymous sources had leaked evidence of financial crimes, shaking the foundation of Chike's power.
At his mansion, Chike threw a glass against the wall, his fury shaking the house.
"Who did this?!" he roared.
His wife, Ijeoma, flinched. "The reports say an inside source…"
Chike's mind raced. Someone close to him had turned.
But who?
As he paced, his phone buzzed. A single text from an unknown number.
"The sins of the father will not go unpunished. Adaora"
Chike froze.
Then, slowly, a smile curled his lips.
"So… you're alive."
The War Just Got Personal.
The news of Chike's corruption scandal spread like wildfire. In just twenty-four hours, investors started pulling out, government officials distanced themselves, and whispers of his downfall grew louder.
But Chike Nwosu was not a man who fell easily.
He stood in his lavish study, his fingers pressed against the polished wood of his desk. A storm brewed in his dark eyes as he read Adaora's text again.
"The sins of the father will not go unpunished. Adaora"
The name alone sent a pulse of rage through his veins.
She was alive. And she wanted war.
Fine.
If Adaora thought she could take him down, she was a foolish girl playing with fire.
Calling in Favors
Chike picked up his phone and dialed a number. It rang once before a deep voice answered.
"Honorable Minister Yusuf speaking."
Chike didn't bother with greetings. "I need those corruption charges buried. Today."
A pause. Then, a slow chuckle. "Chike, my friend, the government is already under pressure from the international community. Your name is all over the media."
Chike's voice was ice. "I've paid my dues. I own half the people in your cabinet. Fix this."
Another pause. Then a sigh.
"I'll see what I can do."
The call ended.
Chike knew Yusuf would handle it. He had enough dirt on the minister to ensure his loyalty.
But that was only the first step.
Sending a Message to Adaora
He picked up his whiskey glass, taking a slow sip before turning to his right-hand man, Gbenga.
"Find out where Adaora is hiding," Chike ordered. "And when you do…" His lips curled into a dark smile. "Send her a reminder of who I am."
Gbenga smirked. "Consider it done."
That night, in a quiet hotel in Victoria Island, Adaora sat with Mama Ife and Dike, going over their next move.
Then, a loud bang against the door.
Adaora's heart jumped.
Before anyone could react, gunshots shattered the silence.
Mama Ife screamed as Dike grabbed Adaora and pulled her behind the couch. Bullets tore through the walls.
The attack lasted only seconds, but when the silence returned, the message was clear.
Adaora crawled toward the door, her breath shaking. On the floor, in front of the shattered entrance, lay a single blood-stained note.
It read:
"This is your first and only warning. Stop now, or you'll be buried next to your father. - C.N."
Adaora clenched her fists.
Chike thought he could scare her into submission?
He had no idea who he was dealing with.
She's Determined
She turned to Dike, her eyes blazing. "No more hiding. No more playing safe."
Dike studied her. "You're willing to cross the line?"
Adaora's voice was like steel.
"I'll do whatever it takes to destroy him."
The Battle Had Just Begun.