Chapter 6 - Vanessa’s BetrayalThe news hit the national media outlets by evening: OKAFOR HOLDINGS SCANDAL: BILLIONAIRE CEO’S MOTHER AND COUSIN IMPLICATED IN MULTI-BILLION NAIRA EMBEZZLEMENT.
Social media blew up. Stock prices plummeted twenty percent in a single trading session.
Amidst the swirling storm of flash photography and desperate PR statements, Vanessa Eze arrived at Kelechi’s Victoria Island mansion, her designer handbag clutched tightly in her manicured hands.
She found Kelechi standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his study, staring out at the ocean.
“Kelechi, darling,” Vanessa purred, gliding across the room and placing a hand soothingly on his arm. “This is a nightmare. The press is ruthless. My family called me three times this morning—we need to postpone the engagement dinner immediately until this blows over.”
Kelechi didn't turn around. He didn't flinch at her touch.
“Postpone the dinner, Vanessa?” Kelechi asked quietly.
“Well, yes,” Vanessa sighed, adjusting her diamond necklace. “You can’t marry into a scandal like this. Besides, your mother told me before the arrest that you were planning to cut ties with her anyway. We just need to distance ourselves from the wreckage.”
Kelechi slowly turned to face her. His eyes were completely devoid of warmth.
“You knew,” Kelechi said flatly.
Vanessa blinked, her expression shifting into defensive confusion. “Knew what?”
“You knew about the embezzled funds,” Kelechi replied, stepping closer to her. “When you cornered Amara by the stairs and warned her to stay away, it wasn't because you were jealous of my attention. It was because Amara told you she noticed irregularities in the household accounts—irregularities that your own family’s real estate firm was benefiting from.”
Vanessa’s breath hitched. Color drained completely from her face.
“You... you’re insane,” Vanessa stammered, backing away toward the door. “You’re blaming me for your family’s criminal mess just because you’re obsessed with that stupid maid!”
“Get out,” Kelechi said softly.
“What?”
“I said, get out of my house, Vanessa. The engagement is canceled. And my legal team will be reviewing your family’s vendor contracts by tomorrow morning.”
Vanessa shrieked in absolute rage, turned on her heel, and stormed out of the mansion, slamming the heavy oak doors behind her.
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Kelechi was left completely alone in the silent, sprawling house. For the first time in his life, the billionaire empire felt completely empty.
And he knew exactly who was responsible for the void.
