Lynn sat across from her father, Mr. Mokoena — the man who taught her to never trust anyone, not even him.
They hadn't shared a meal in years, but tonight, he summoned her like she was still his obedient little girl.
She wore black. Again. Fitting for a reunion this cold.
> "You look tired," he said, sipping wine. "Fighting ghosts must be exhausting."
She smiled politely. "You'd know. You created most of mine."
The table went silent.
> "I didn't call you here to fight, Lynn."
"No?" she asked, tilting her head. "Then why spy on me? Why pay someone to record me at a wedding I didn't even want to attend?"
He leaned forward, business mask on. "Because you're getting reckless. And because I need your help."
That made her laugh. Loud and cold. "You need my help?"
"Yes," he said simply. "I made a mistake trusting Thabiso. I thought he was the right one to merge with. He's planning to steal everything I built — and your name is still tied to some of the contracts."
Lynn's smile vanished.
> "So now I'm useful."
"You've always been valuable," he said. "You just got emotional. Fell in love. Forgot what I taught you."
> "I didn't forget," Lynn said softly. "I just wanted to believe I was more than a pawn."
A beat.
> "So what do you want from me?" she asked finally.
"I want you to take everything back," he said. "I want you to burn Thabiso down from the inside."
She stood, grabbing her coat. "You don't get to ask that of me."
"Then do it for yourself," he said calmly. "And bring that man you're kissing behind closed doors. I hear he's very... loyal."
She froze.
He knew. About Lwandile.
---
Back at her penthouse, Lynn slammed the door and leaned against it, heart racing. She hadn't told Lwandile yet — about her father, or the way this was turning into something way bigger than revenge.
And when she looked up, there he was.
Lwandile. Shirt off. Bandaging a wound on his arm.
> "Rough night?" he asked casually.
She stared at him.
> "You have no idea."
But she knew one thing now:
If she was going to take down Thabiso, her father, and the entire empire they built…
She'd need Lwandile for real this time.
Not just as an ally.
But as something more.
---