Binary Hearts

105| Stakes Rising 💹

The Africa Tech Week Award was just a few weeks away, and tension was high across the tech scene. Adaora was pouring her heart into the Paystack project, working closely with her team to refine the app's features. Every day was intense, filled with coding sessions, brainstorming meetings, and refining strategies. Their goal was clear: the award, a prestigious achievement that could elevate both her and Paystack's reputation.

Meanwhile, at Spark Technologies, Sam was making waves in their product development branch. His recent project on gas measurement had caught everyone's attention. Initially, the device was an external unit, where users would place their gas cylinders on top to measure usage. However, Sam's latest proposal suggested a groundbreaking change. "Why not create a gas cylinder with built-in measurement technology?" he proposed to Tunde in a report, explaining how it would be more effective and efficient for customers.

When the proposal reached Tunde's desk, he approved it almost instantly. He didn't need to read every detail—he trusted Sam's intuition and creativity, knowing he always came up with innovative solutions. Tunde was already considering how this product could transform the market.

Later, Tunde and Adeola packed their bags and headed back to Lagos from Abuja. The two had been busy there having total fun. Now is the time to start coordinating business deals and meeting with potential partners to boost Spark Technologies' position before the awards. The trip had been productive, and both seemed content as they returned.

Back at Spark Technologies, the Smoke payment app had also undergone a significant update, allowing users to buy airtime, data and more directly with a unique code, among other new features. It was a major milestone, and the team was optimistic about its impact. Both Paystack and Spark Technologies were in a race, aiming to secure as many award categories as possible. The entire tech community was buzzing, but while each company was focused on growth and innovation, Hannah's priorities had shifted.

For Hannah, the company's success was secondary. Her real focus was Adaora. She couldn't stand the thought of Adaora receiving recognition, and she was willing to go to any lengths to bring her down. So she reached out to a journalist she trusted, someone with a reputation for uncovering "scandals" in the corporate world. Her instructions were clear: release the information about Paystack, Spark Technologies, Chidi Okoye, Tunde Adeyemi, and Adaora Okafor's complex connections. The journalist agreed, but Hannah insisted on a strategic release—just one day before the awards.

Amid the flurry of work, Adaora's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was her friend, Precious. Adaora let it ring, planning to call back later, but the phone continued to vibrate insistently. Finally, she picked up.

"Precious? Can I call you back later? I'm in the middle of something," Adaora began, her tone brisk.

A sob met her on the other end of the line. "Adaora... please... you have to help me," Precious's voice trembled.

Adaora immediately softened. "What's going on? Calm down and tell me what happened."

Through tears, Precious managed to explain, "My boyfriend... he's... he's a fraud. I swear I no know anything about it. EFCC don arrested us both, and I'm innocent, Adaora! I no know wetin I go do!"

Adaora closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. She wasn't surprised. Precious had always been drawn to risky men, and deep down, Adaora suspected she was well aware of her boyfriend's activities. But she didn't voice her thoughts. "Precious... what's done is done. Crying won't fix this. What do you need me to do?"

"Please, Adaora, come bail me out," Precious pleaded. "And... if you can, tell Tunde. Maybe he can use his connections?"

Adaora's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Tunde's name. Something stirred within her—a strange, indescribable feeling. She pushed it aside, knowing now wasn't the time. "Alright, text me the location. I'll figure something out," she promised before hanging up.

As she put her phone down, Adaora's mind was already spinning with plans. She knew she couldn't just abandon Precious, but involving Tunde? That's not possible anymore. She couldn't shake the way her pulse quickened at the thought of him, yet she was determined to remain focused on what mattered most: the upcoming award and her responsibilities at Paystack. But with Hannah scheming in the background and an unexpected plea for help from Precious, Adaora's carefully balanced life was starting to tip. The countdown to Africa Tech Week had officially begun, and the stakes had never been higher.

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Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. Your support, comments, and votes mean the world to me! Writing this story has been an incredible experience, and knowing you're here makes it all worthwhile. If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to hit that vote button—it really helps! Every vote and comment keeps me motivated and reminds me why I love telling stories.

As the Africa Tech Week Award is fast approaching, I'd love to hear from you all! Who are you rooting for? Who do you think has what it takes to win? The competition is fierce, and all the tech giants are bringing their best.

Here's an exclusive sneak peek at the Africa Tech Week Award categories and nominees:

Africa Tech Week Award Categories

1. Innovation of the Year
2. Best App Design
3. Outstanding Customer Experience
4. Best Emerging Technology
5. Cybersecurity Excellence
6. Top FinTech Solution
7. Best Data Analytics Platform
8. Green Technology Impact
9. Leader in AI & Machine Learning
10. Startup to Watch
11. Tech for Social Good

Nominees

• Paystack Corporation – Recognized for their advancements in secure digital payments.
• Spark Technologies LLC – Known for pioneering products in measurement tech and payment solutions.
• Moniepoint – Highlighted for their innovative approach to microfinance in Africa.
• MTN Group – A telecommunications giant investing in connectivity and digital inclusivity.
• Flutterwave – Leading the way in cross-border payments and expanding the e-commerce ecosystem.
• Kuda Bank – Revolutionizing banking with their seamless digital-only experience.
• Opay – Empowering everyday financial transactions with user-friendly technology.
• Andela – Strengthening Africa's tech talent pipeline and contributing to global remote work.
• Paga – Improving the financial lives of Africans through easy access to banking.

Let's see who shines brightest at the Africa Tech Week Award! Thank you again for your support, and let's keep this journey going. 🖤