Olaedo's patience snapped. "Could you speak faster?" she shot back, voice sharp enough to cut glass.
Her secretary winced, catching up just in time to witness the poor girl's trembling. Poor thing, he thought, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face. My wife calls me a coward, but I'd like to see her face Miss Olaedo in this mood.
The receptionist swallowed hard. "Y-yes, ma'am. You'll need to wait until the 8 a.m. flight tomorrow."
Tomorrow? That wouldn't do at all.
"Isn't there any other way to get me on that flight?" Olaedo demanded, her voice edged with urgency. "I'll pay whatever it takes."
The receptionist, visibly flustered, quickly called the manager. Within minutes, the Flight Operations Manager appeared, calm, courteous, and collected, offering a professional smile.
"CEO. Anozie, I believe we can help with your situation. Please, follow me."
As she crossed the terminal beside him, her heels clicked against the polished floor, drawing curious stares.
A young woman nudged her friend, whispering with wide eyes, "That's CEO Anozie! One of the youngest billionaires in the world!"
Another traveler turned to look. "Isn't she the face of the banking world? Practically manages almost half the country's wealth!"
Once they reached the aircraft, the manager spoke quietly with the pilot, who then made an announcement over the intercom:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a passenger in urgent need of a seat. If anyone is willing to give up their place, we would be extremely grateful."
Olaedo scanned the cabin, hope flickering across her face.
"I will." A man seated near the front stood first, offering his seat without hesitation. Relief began to wash over her, until another man beside him rose as well.
"Sir, please keep your seat," the second man said calmly. Then, to Olaedo, with a faint smile, "I just remembered something I need to settle. I can't leave the country yet. Let her have mine."
For a heartbeat, she studied him, the quiet confidence, the kindness in his tone. He was tall and athletic, his warm brown skin and wavy dark hair hinting at a mixed heritage that caught the terminal light.
Something about him felt… relaxing.
"Thank you," she said warmly, genuine gratitude in her voice. "Please leave your number with my secretary, he'll arrange any compensation you need."
The man's small smile deepened, but he simply nodded before turning to walk off the plane.
Relieved, Olaedo sank into her seat, exhaustion finally catching up to her. She exhaled, a soft sigh escaping, one that caught the attention of the man beside her, the one who had first offered his seat.
"Rough day?" he asked, his voice smooth and warm.
Olaedo opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his.
With his deep brown complexion, close-cropped hair, and sharp dark eyes, he carried an effortless presence that demanded notice. There was an ease in the way he sat, quiet confidence wrapped in calm intelligence.
"Do you like what you see?" he teased, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips.
Caught off guard, Olaedo felt her cheeks heat. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, scrambling for composure.
Had she really been staring?
Since when does anyone make me shy?
Still blushing, she lifted her chin, regaining that familiar poise even as her gaze avoided his.
"Yes," she said smoothly, recovering, "but I'll take care of it as soon as I get home."
He chuckled softly. "Good luck. I hope everything works out well for you."
The hours slipped by like minutes. Conversation flowed with a surprising ease, laughter and quiet understanding filling the gaps between words. By the seventh hour, it felt as if they had known each other forever.
When he noticed the fatigue in her eyes, he gently urged her to rest, and for the first time in a long while, she listened.
---
Seventeen hours later...
Olaedo strode off the plane, her steps brisk and precise as she scanned the crowd for Maduabuchi.
Not seeing him, she quickly turned toward her waiting driver and second secretary. Right now, only one thought consumed her, reaching her mother.
Halfway to the hospital, her phone pinged.
A message from the family doctor.
Her mother's surgery was successful, and recovery had already begun.
Relief flooded her chest. Leaning back in her limited edition sports car, Olaedo sank into the plush leather seat, a faint smile easing her features.
She dialed her best friend, Nnenna.
And as the line rang, Maduabuchi's face flashed across her mind, that gentle smile again, soft and disarming.
Her cheeks warmed. Should she even mention him?
Nnenna would be ecstatic.
"You're practically married to your work!" Nnenna often teased. "At this rate, you won't find a husband till your sixties!"
Work had always been Olaedo's world. Even after her faith had deepened, business remained her first love. Money answereth all things, she often reasoned.
Becoming one of the youngest billionaires in the world at nineteen had taken endless late nights, countless espressos, and sacrifices she rarely spoke about, but it had been worth it.
"Hey girl! Back in the country?" came Nnenna's familiar voice.
"Yes," Olaedo replied, suppressing a smile. "Just heading to the hospital. Are you still there?"
"Yep," Nnenna said. "Just fed your mom. Told your brother he could head back to campus since I'll be here till you arrive."
Olaedo's face softened. "You're the best, Nnenna."
"Pfft, it's nothing. Now spill, how was the trip?"
Maduabuchi's face flashed through her mind again. Her pulse quickened. Twirling a lock of hair, she whispered, almost shyly, "Nnenna… I think I'm in love."
---
"CEO Anozie... CEO Anozie! Madam!"
The voice snapped Olaedo back to the present.
She blinked, realizing she'd been staring into space. The blush on her cheeks faded, replaced by a tired, bittersweet smile.
The world that had once felt bright and full of promise now seemed cold, hollow.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened her blazer. Time to face the sharks.
"I'll be out in five minutes," she called.
As she gathered her notes, Maduabuchi's face returned to her mind, that same quiet smile that had once made her heart flutter.
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