Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 26: Michael Needs To See This

Cryst, having just acquired the password for her brother's study door, punched in the numbers and opened it. Her smile widened with excitement as she stepped inside, shutting the electronic door behind her. She immediately noticed Michael's usual spot for studying, well-organized and inviting.

Approaching his desk, Cryst saw his laptop asleep in front of her. She reached for his black leather wallet in his black suit hung on the swivel chair, retrieving his access card with a triumphant "Yes!" She kissed it and began to dance towards the door, but Michael, emerging from the restroom, swiftly grabbed back his card.

"Mick, how could you?" Her eyes blinked in disbelief, teeth gritted.

"Patience, Cryst! The company will compensate you soon. Just restrain from spending for a day; it won't hurt. You might even consider closing your restaurant if it's not profitable," Michael cautioned.

"Why are you so tightfisted? What's the point of you and Dad earning billions if not to help me? Spare me some cash, and I'll be out of your here!" she pleaded.

"Go to hell!" he snapped.

"I'm your sister, don't you care if I go broke? Spare me some cash, please. I need to prepare for a friend's party, go shopping, and get my hair done this weekend," she insisted, frustration evident. "All you do is lavishly spend on Susanne! That gold digger! She has the worst personality yet you grant all of her wishes."

"Enough nonsense, Cryst! Susanne is my wife, show some respect," he warned sternly, returning to his seat.

"Disgusting! Isn't that emotional abuse?" she retorted. "I'm only 22, I have plenty to experience before marriage. Maybe you should introduce me to some of your wealthy friends. I can double-date them."

Michael blushed. "I wouldn't introduce you to my worst enemy, Cryst! You're a headache," he grumbled, sliding his card back into his wallet and turning on his laptop. Cryst approached him, and he glanced at her, irritated. "Get out of my study!" he ordered, pointing at the door.

"No, I need the money now," Cryst insisted. A sigh whooshed from her lips as tears welled in her eyes. Then, she reluctantly shuffled towards the door.

"I'm leaving for America tomorrow. Behave while I'm gone, or you won't get any gifts or transfers," Michael has a final warning.

"You're not my dad, so don't expect me to obey blindly. Are you even my brother?" she challenged, stopping by the entrance.

"I might as well ask Dad, with all the trouble you cause. I'll talk to him when I get back. Just go to your room," he instructed.

"I hate you!" Cryst exclaimed, slamming her fist on a statue on his desk, breaking it in two.

"What have you done? Come back!" Michael shouted, but Cryst had already stormed out, slamming the door to her room behind her and climbing onto her bed.

As she lay there, her mind filled with anger and resentment, Cryst's eyes sparkled with determination. "It's ironic how gold diggers end up with gold. Can't Michael see that Susanne is nothing but a gold digger?" A tear rolled down her cheek as she swallowed her pain, enduring the turmoil.

Frustrated, Cryst grabbed her pillow and threw it across the room, scattering the neatly arranged toys. A vibration from her phone interrupted her thoughts. Startled, she looked at the device, the caller was a special investigator she hired to spy on Susanne.

"Hello Cryst," the investigator's voice sounded mature. "Come to the Sheraton Hotel, room 502."

"Really?" Cryst responded eagerly.

"Yes, they'll book the room this afternoon. Your sister-in-law is meeting her boyfriend at noon, so be quick if you want to catch them red-handed. I'll send a picture of him and his license plate."

"Thank you, that would be helpful," Cryst replied, a smile forming on her face for the first time. Things were finally going according to plan. She checked her phone, viewing the picture of Susanne and her new partner. They walked hand in hand, and Cryst frowned, with determination shining in her eyes. "Susanne," she whispered, "your secret will be exposed today."

Abruptly, she halted her conversation and stormed out of the house. Cryst drove to the location Mr. Kyang had just provided. She had paid him generously to carry out the task, which explained her desperate need for money. As she waited near the hotel's auditorium, wearing dark shades, Cryst noticed the car with the license plate AbJK014191. It was the vehicle she had been expecting. Realization dawned on her, and she squinted. The man who emerged was tall and charming, clad in a navy blue suit that accentuated his imposing presence. Cryst frowned as she leaned her head out of the window, glaring. When the car parked, the driver stepped out and gestured to the passenger seat, opening the door for Susanne.

Cryst had always perceived Susanne as assertive and independent until she emerged from the car with the assistance of Kingsley. Clutching her head, Susanne staggered, on the verge of collapse, until Kingsley caught her by the waist, and her head rested on his broad shoulder. He whispered some words into her ears as they held each other.

At that moment, Cryst removed her shades, revealing her bulgy, widened eyes. Fury consumed her as she muttered to herself, scrolling through her phone as they entered the hotel. "Michael needs to see this."