Binary Hearts

46| A Shift in Loyalties 👣

The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of Paystack’s sleek, modern office, casting a soft glow on Adaora’s workspace. Her desk was impeccably organized, with neatly stacked files, a sleek laptop, and a small potted plant adding a touch of life to the otherwise minimalist setting. Adaora had always prided herself on maintaining a tidy environment, believing that a clear space led to a clear mind.

As she sat at her desk, her fingers danced across the keyboard, the soft clicking of the keys a familiar rhythm that calmed her nerves. She was deeply engrossed in her work, fine-tuning the blockchain code she had been working on for weeks. Her focus was unwavering, her mind sharp, but a small smile played on her lips as she thought about the success of her recent trip to Singapore with Chidi Okoye.

The trip had been a whirlwind, filled with high-stakes meetings and intense negotiations. But it had all paid off. Not only had she secured her lead role as a blockchain developer—a position she had worked tirelessly for—but she had also earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Adaora knew how important this was for her career, and the thought filled her with a quiet sense of pride.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a notification, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from the HR department, summoning her to a meeting with the board. Adaora’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly saved her work, closed her laptop, and stood up, smoothing down her skirt and made her way to the boardroom.

The boardroom was a spacious, glass-walled enclosure at the heart of the Paystack office. The room exuded professionalism, with its long mahogany table, ergonomic chairs, and a large screen at one end. Adaora entered the room to find the board members already seated, their expressions a mix of anticipation and approval. Chidi Okoye, who had been sitting at the head of the table, gave her a warm smile as she took her seat.

“Welcome, Adaora,” Chidi said, his voice calm and reassuring. “We wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work you’ve done on the Singapore project.”

The other board members nodded in agreement, murmuring their approval. One of them, Mrs. Adebayo, a sharp-eyed woman with a reputation for being tough but fair, leaned forward. “Your work on the blockchain implementation was outstanding, Adaora. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback from our partners in Singapore. You’ve not only secured your lead role, but you’ve also solidified our position in the Asian market.”

Adaora felt a surge of pride at the praise. “Thank you, ma’am,” she replied, her voice steady. “It was a team effort, and I’m grateful for the support of everyone involved.”

Chidi smiled, clearly pleased with her humility. “Indeed, it was a team effort, but your leadership and technical expertise were crucial. We’re fortunate to have you on board, Adaora. Keep up the excellent work.”

The meeting continued with updates on other projects and future plans for the company. But throughout it all, Adaora couldn’t shake the feeling of accomplishment. She had fought hard to get where she was, and it was paying off in ways she hadn’t imagined.

After the meeting, as the board members dispersed, Chidi approached Adaora with a casual air, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored suit. “Adaora, do you have a moment?” he asked.

“Of course,” she replied, curious about what he wanted to discuss.

They walked together to a quieter corner of the office, away from the bustle of their colleagues. Chidi turned to face her, his expression more serious now. “I wanted to thank you personally for everything you did on the Singapore trip. You went above and beyond, and I want you to know that it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”