@ ODILI ONUOHA

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"James, you really should just leave while you still have some dignity left."

The cold voice of Helen pierced through the room like a dagger. James stood there, silent but firm, holding onto the promise he had made to Grandpa before his death never to leave that house, no matter what humiliation came his way.

Mark sat smugly on the leather couch, legs crossed, sipping expensive whiskey like he owned the entire world. "Come on, James," he said with a mocking grin. "You can go stay with those rich friends of yours. You beg them often enough, don’t you?"

James looked at him, his eyes burning but calm. "You laugh now, Mark. But the day is near and you'll lose everything. All that power, all this showmanship... It's built on borrowed air. And it’s about to collapse."

Mark threw his head back and laughed louder, pointing a finger at him. "Is that a threat from a man who just got kicked out of his own house?"

No one said a word. Even Rita, standing by the corner with misted eyes, couldn't muster the strength to speak. Her heart ached, but her position had already been threatened for refusing the divorce. The family business was on the brink of ruin, and everyone was grasping for lifelines even if it meant selling her future for a bailout.

Mark, now basking in his power, pulled out a cheque and slammed it on the table. "Nine hundred million. That’s what I’m investing into Ray Enterprises. My father gave me this for the family’s investment portfolio. But today, I’m giving it to you... for love," he smirked, glancing at Rita.

James turned, his bag in hand, and walked out without another word. But his mind was already on the next move. The promise made to Grandpa wasn’t just about staying. It was about rising, silently, and striking when the time was right.

Outside the gates, he dialed a number.

"Hello, Charles," he said. "Connect me to the Prime Minister’s PA. It’s urgent."

In less than an hour, news had traveled. James learned the shocking truth: Mark had diverted funds from a national family investment trust to make his dramatic gesture. And that news reached exactly the ears it was supposed to Mark’s father, a revered statesman and strict financier, who had trusted him with the fund.

That night, Mark’s phone buzzed. The message was short:

"Come home immediately. Five minutes. Transfer the money back."

Mark froze.

Sweat beaded on his forehead. His hands shook as he tried to open his banking app, but the balance had already dipped far below the amount needed. Panic set in. He stammered, "I... I can't transfer it back. I used it. It's... gone."

Back at his father’s mansion, the atmosphere was ice cold. The elder man didn’t shout. He didn’t raise his hand. Disappointment etched deep lines into his face as he stared at his son. "You betrayed this family," he said, quietly. "Leave."

No amount of apology could change the decision. In one swift moment, all of Mark’s assets were locked, his reputation ruined, and his privileges stripped away.

He was out. Bankrupt.

Sitting alone in his car that night, he stared out the window in disbelief, muttering to himself, "James... he cursed me. That bastard cursed me..."

But no it wasn’t a curse. It was the fall of a man who mistook pride for power, and wealth for wisdom.

"Turn it up… now!" Helen snapped, her voice cutting through the quiet morning as she pointed at the television. The family’s housekeeper scrambled to adjust the volume. The Ray family had gathered around the breakfast table, their usual morning chatter replaced with unease as the local financial news segment aired.

The anchor’s voice came through crisp and clear, yet what he said sent a cold chill running through every member of the Ray household:

“In our morning headlines, we bring you the latest updates on high-profile investors in the region. Among the top contributors to the city’s economic development over the past week are CEOs of leading corporations and presidents of promising startups. However, surprisingly missing from this list is Mark Winston Ray. Sources close to the matter confirm that Mr. Ray has not only failed to deliver on projected investments but has also been disowned by his father, the Prime Minister, following accusations of financial misconduct.”

A tense silence fell over the room like a heavy shroud. The sound of spoons clinking against plates stopped. Helen’s hands trembled slightly as she clutched her teacup. Her eyes remained glued to the screen, disbelief widening her gaze.

“He was sent away?” Susan finally breathed, breaking the silence.

Christopher removed his glasses slowly, wiping them as if clearing the lenses would somehow fix what he had just heard. Robert looked frozen in place, his jaw clenched.

“The Prime Minister himself?” Helen whispered, almost to herself, as if saying it out loud would make it more real.

The news had hit like a thunderbolt. The Ray family's hopes had been pinned on Mark their so-called golden boy. His promises, his connections, and most of all, the massive investment he claimed to bring were the last threads holding their floundering business together. Now, those threads had snapped. And with them, their illusion of security.

It wasn’t just Mark’s absence on the top investor list that stunned them it was the scandal. The betrayal. The confirmation that Mark had used money entrusted to him for family investment to fund his own ego-driven charades. Lavish gifts, attention-grabbing donations, and grand promises, all funded by a sum he was never supposed to touch.

Helen’s hands fell to her lap, still shaking. “All that talk… the promises… the meetings… all for nothing,” she murmured.

“He was our only lifeline,” Christopher muttered, standing to pace the floor, frustration clearly etched into every line of his face. “And now he’s just… gone.”

“We’re finished,” Susan said flatly, her voice empty of emotion.

But Robert, seated in a corner with his fingers steepled under his chin, leaned forward. “Maybe not.”

Helen looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?”

“We need to think fast,” Robert said calmly, though urgency brewed under his composed tone. “There’s still one card we haven’t played.”

Helen frowned. “Which is?”

“JP Enterprises.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

“We can pitch a proposal,” Robert continued. “We offer them one of our most valuable assets something we can prove will yield substantial returns. If they’re interested, they’ll invest. And with their backing, we can survive this storm.”

“But who do we send?” Susan asked, skeptical. “It can’t be just anyone.”

Robert paused. “We need someone confident, someone who knows the numbers. Someone with poise and intelligence.”

Just then, Sarah the ever-ambitious secretary of Ray Enterprises stepped into the room holding a file. Her voice was firm, unwavering.

“I can go.”

Helen raised an eyebrow. “You?”

“I’ve been working behind the scenes for years. I know our business inside out. I’ve already prepared a full proposal outlining our strongest asset and projected returns. If we want to get back on our feet, we need bold action. I’m ready to represent Ray Enterprises before the president of JP.”

The family looked at one another. In their desperation, even the most unlikely hope was better than none.

“What do you want in return?” Christopher asked, his voice heavy.

Sarah didn’t blink. “If I succeed, I want a promotion. Make me the General Manager.”

Helen leaned back in her seat, weighing the options. Seconds felt like minutes.

“Fine,” she said at last, with a sigh. “You get one chance. Don’t waste it.”

Sarah gave a nod, her eyes burning with ambition. She turned and left the room with determination etched into every step.

"We need a solution and fast!" Robert’s voice rang out through the drawing room, snapping the Ray family out of their stunned silence.

The collapse of their greatest hope, Mark, and the scandal that now bore the family name like a curse had left them scrambling for alternatives. The loss of the nine-hundred-million-dollar investment wasn’t just a financial blow it was a devastating hit to their credibility, their pride, and their future.

Robert stood, pacing near the tall window, eyes fixed on the distant skyline as though the answer would appear from the horizon. The rest of the family sat tensely, their faces drawn with anxiety and quiet desperation.

"There’s only one viable route left," Robert began again. "We need to seek support externally. We can't keep pretending we’ll recover with what we have left. The market’s brutal, and unless we act immediately, Ray Enterprises will be swallowed whole."

Helen frowned. "Support from where, Robert? Who would invest in a family on the brink of collapse?"

Robert turned to face them, determination flickering in his eyes. "JP Enterprises."

The name alone drew mixed reactions. Some looked surprised. Others seemed doubtful. But all understood the weight that name carried. JP Enterprises is one of the most formidable corporate powerhouses in the city, built on discretion, strategy, and silent dominance. An investment from them would be enough to stabilize the Ray business and restore a measure of prestige.

"We ask for an investment fund," Robert continued. "We identify one of our most promising assets, present it with a detailed proposal, and highlight its projected returns. If we can convince the president of JP Enterprises that we’re worth the risk, we’ll have the capital to rebuild."

Christopher leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "And who do you propose we send to present this… plea?"

Before Robert could answer, a new voice entered the conversation. "I’ll go."

All eyes turned toward the speaker. Sarah the secretary of Ray Enterprises stepped into view with a composed expression, holding a thick folder against her chest. She was dressed sharply, confidence radiating from her posture.

Helen’s brow rose. "You?"

Sarah nodded. "I’ve worked at Ray Enterprises for years. I’ve handled most of the internal correspondence, reviewed investment strategies, and assisted with proposals. I know our strongest assets, and I know how to package them."

"This is no ordinary meeting, Sarah," Robert warned. "You’ll be speaking directly with the president of JP Enterprises. That’s not a small task."

"And I understand the stakes," Sarah replied calmly. "But if no one else will step up, I will. I already have a presentation ready. One of our top assets, the urban real estate development project can generate major returns if backed by the right investment. JP Enterprises could be interested if it’s positioned correctly."

There was a pause. A beat of quiet contemplation as Helen studied her, measuring her words.

"What do you want in return?" she asked coldly.

Sarah didn’t hesitate. "If I’m successful, I want the General Manager position. I’ve earned it."

The room shifted with tension. Christopher glanced at Helen, who didn’t look pleased but she also knew time was not on their side.

Helen leaned forward, her voice tight. "You get one shot, Sarah. Impress them, secure the deal and the position is yours. Fail, and you walk away from Ray Enterprises for good."

Sarah’s eyes flashed with determination. "Then I won’t fail."

She turned, walking out of the room with confident strides, already planning every word of her presentation.