Binary Hearts

106| The Calm Before the Storm

The Africa Tech Week Awards were now just two days away, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. Adaora knew she couldn't afford to let Precious' situation with the EFCC become more complicated than it already was, so she turned to Chidi for help. After hearing her out, Chidi didn't hesitate. "No worry," he said, with that calm, unwavering confidence she admired. "I go handle am. Just leave it to me."

That evening, Precious called back, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Adaora! I can't believe you'd do this for me. Where are you staying now in Lekki?" A few hours later, Precious arrived at Adaora's place, her eyes wide as she looked around. The difference in Adaora's life was clear, and Precious couldn't hide her surprise.

"Wow, Adaora! Tunde is really trying for you," Precious said as she sat down. Then, as if a thought suddenly struck her, she asked, "Wait, I don't quite understand. What's going on with you and Tunde? And who's Chidi? He claimed to be your boyfriend at the EFCC station. Don't tell me... have you and Tunde broken up?"

Adaora sighed, feeling the weight of her friend's questions. She tried to brush it off lightly. "Something came up, Precious. I broke up with Tunde, and now I'm with Chidi. It's not a big deal."

"Haa! Adaora, you broke up with Tunde?" Precious was clearly shocked. "Why would you break up with your helper, Adaora?"

Adaora's eyes flashed with frustration. "This is exactly why! I felt insecure, indebted. It was like being in a cage. Precious, you're acting like I broke up with God or something!" Her voice grew more agitated. "Just because he helped me doesn't mean I owe him my freedom."

"Did Tunde ever make you feel indebted?" Precious asked, trying to understand. "Did he bring up what he's done for you? Was he controlling?"

Adaora shook her head. "Not exactly... but he wanted me to leave Paystack just because of Chidi. Who is he to tell me where I can and can't work?"

"See, Adaora," Precious said gently, "sometimes men are like that. It's natural for them to be protective. Maybe he just doesn't like Chidi. Adaora, he even has his own company!"

Adaora was speechless, feeling a mix of emotions as she let Precious's words sink in. "Look, Precious, it's done. Let's just talk about something else," she said finally, hoping to steer the conversation away.

Just then, her phone vibrated, signaling a new bank alert. She glanced at it, feeling a jolt as she saw an unexpected transfer of 500,000 naira. The sender? Dr. Obinna Lawson.

Adaora froze, memories flooding back of how that same Dr. Lawson had betrayed her when she was at her lowest. And on the same day, it had been Tunde who had stepped in, rescuing her when no one else would. A wave of emotion washed over her, but she fought to keep it hidden from Precious.

Meanwhile, the journalist that Hannah was using had just sent her the draft of his article, filled with all the carefully crafted "information" that Hannah had instructed him to include. Pleased with his work, she was ready to release it—a day before the awards, just as she'd planned.

At the same time, companies across the industry were making final preparations for their projects, all determined to secure the awards. Tunde, Mide, and the investors had invested heavily in Sam's project, confident that his innovative ideas would be a game-changer. Sam, sitting at his desk, was hard at work on his PC, feeling the pressure to make this project perfect. His "sugar mommy" came by, attempting to distract him with her advances. Despite his initial resistance, he eventually gave in, though his mind never strayed too far from his work, knowing how much was at stake.

Two days to go, and everyone's fate was hanging in the balance. The Africa Tech Week Awards promised to be more than just a night of recognition—it was shaping up to be the catalyst that would change everything.