THE BLACK WIDOW

CHAPTER TWENTY - FIVE

The trial of Jakes Olumide came and went and four months after the incident, he was sentenced to 50 years' imprisonment for attempted murder, rape and aggravated assault. The news made headlines, and it opened the door for many women to come through reporting rape and assault at different works of life. Even though Sonia did not get pregnant or infected with any STIs, the horrors of that night were engraved in her mind and heart. Her heart became stony, and all she decided to live for was making Mrs. Rogers pay for all her crimes. She knew the law might not help her, because powerful people in society get away with so much. But then, the saying "God helps those who help themselves" was sufficient to empower and justify her actions.

Days after the judgment, Sonia resigned from work and began to look elsewhere. One afternoon, she was home chilling and watching TVC News when she saw the breaking news about Benjamin Owolafe declaring bankruptcy. He needs someone to rescue the company. Sonia smiled, picked up her phone and dialed her father-in-law's number.

"Good day Sir."

They exchanged pleasantries and then she said,

"I have a business proposition for you."

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The couple of days that followed were very busy for Sonia. She had secret meetings with Mr. Rogers to finalise things and achieve her aim. For her, it was not just a run to the top, but also a means to show those who ruined her that she could too can rise from ashes. She smiled to herself daily as she waited for the call that would change her life. A press conference was already scheduled to announce the new CEO and owner of OWOLAFE INDUSTRIAL. She went shopping for the conference and the after-party with Caroline.

After supper Sonia handed a rectangular envelope to Caroline and urged her to open it. The latter opened the envelope and gasped. Inside was a cheque of Six Hundred Thousand Naira.

"Sister, this cheque is for me?"

"Your internship is ending and you are to start your Masters at UNILAG, and I know you don't have enough for it. So this is the least I can do for all your support. I will do more as time goes on. You are the sister I never had and I am doing this because I really want to help you achieve all your goals too. I want the best for you."

Caroline hugged her fiercely.

"Sister, how will I ever repay you?"

"Don't worry about that. We are family after all."

Caroline hugged her again and bounced off happily to her room.

===

The press conference was in the evening but Sonia had other business transactions to make. She drove the small car she had just bought for herself and parked in front of a supermarket called "ROSEBUD." It was a massive one-storey building with three major sections: a boutique, a snack and organic food section, and a jewelry section, combined with a gift corner. The owner was a rich socialite moving to the UK permanently and was disposing her business. Sonia knew who could buy without blinking: politicians, celebrities and even Julianna Rogers and the women in her circle. But all of them lost, and with the loan she got from David Ifedapo, she closed the deal.

"Everything does work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." She recited with a grateful smile. As she walked in, she greeted the members of staff and asked them all to meet her in the boardroom. One of them handed her a big bouquet of daffodils.

"Oh wow! Thank you so much." She smelled them and thanked them profusely. They were all relieved she liked them.

A few minutes later, they were all seated and ready to meet their new boss.