The Following Week
"Do you know Saturday is big sister's birthday?" Azuka asked Xavier as they played basketball. It had been a while since Azuka played, as hardship and his focus on university entrance exams had kept him busy.
"Not… really," Xavier replied, slightly out of breath as he scored another basket, securing his win in the second round. "But I'm gonna make it memorable in the best way I can."
"Don't you have work?" Azuka asked suddenly.
"Not really… I'm the CEO," Xavier said with a small grin. "I can clear my schedule or shift meetings in a zippy so I can have some time for myself."
"You guys are seriously playing ball under this scorching sun?" Becca said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
She had just returned from work, with not much left to do besides changing outfits and taking elegant photo shoots as required.
"Love… you're back," Xavier said, dropping the ball and jogging over to meet Becca, who was standing in the shade.
"Yeah… isn't the sun too hot for you guys?" she asked.
"Nope… maybe because you're pregnant," Xavier whispered, making sure Azuka wouldn't hear.
They had both chosen to keep the pregnancy a secret for now—wanting to take their time, grow their intimacy step by step, and avoid freaking Azuka out.
---
Meanwhile…
"Peni, come here," Scorpion barked, eyes fixed on his computer screen. It displayed data tracking Azuka, Becca, and limited movement logs of Xavier—whose tight security made full access difficult.
"Yes, sir," Peni responded as she walked in.
"I gave you an assignment, but for two weeks now, you haven't gotten any useful intel from that bastard," he snapped.
"Sir… it's not my fault. Besides, I don't want to use his innocence to ruin our friendship."
"What do you mean by that, Peni?" Scorpion growled. "I raised you. I brought you up from the slums, you ungrateful b*tch, so you better do what your master says!"
"I'm sorry, sir—but I CAN'T," Peni said, her voice steady as she stared into his cold eyes.
"What did you just say?"
"You heard me. I can't. I like Azuka a lot, and I won't do this to him. I know we're still getting to know each other, but I already care about him. Using him to harm his sister is wrong. It would destroy everything between us. What's your problem, anyway? Old Chen already gave you 15 percent shares for free, yet you still want to ruin him?"
SLAP!
The sharp sound echoed as his hand struck her face, sending her crashing to the floor. Tears welled in her eyes from the sting and humiliation.
"Fine," she said, voice trembling. "You can slap me or torture me all you want. But I won't do it. I won't harm them. They've done nothing wrong to me. I thought that's how we worked—only busting people when they've done wrong. Why try to destroy people who are just working hard?"
"Because I hate them."
"Then give it up already," Peni said, her voice firmer now. "As for me—I like Azuka. And if it means standing in your way, I will never let you hurt him or anyone close to him."
She stood, preparing to leave, when Scorpion spoke again.
"Then prove your loyalty. Get my daughter out of prison. She's my joy—and my fastest source of income."
"Fine. I'll try my best to bust her out or at least beg for her release. But just know this—if you ever try to hurt Azuka or anyone he loves…" She narrowed her eyes at him. "I will EXPOSE you, Mr. Paul."
With that, she stormed out and climbed into her Volvo wagon—the car she bought with her own hard-earned money—and drove off toward her own house, bought through sweat and relentless savings.