Ochieng didn't flinch. His heartbeat was steady, his expression unreadable. Victoria's whispered words lingered in the air, taunting him.
"I've already lost?" Ochieng repeated, his voice dangerously calm. He let out a low chuckle. "That's funny. Because the way I see it… the game is just beginning."
Victoria tilted her head slightly, her piercing gaze analyzing him. "Still arrogant, I see."
Brian scoffed, crossing his arms. "It's not arrogance, Victoria. It's denial. Ochieng doesn't know when he's beaten."
Ochieng turned his gaze to Brian. "And you don't know when you're out of your league."
Before Brian could react, Jeff moved. Faster than a blur, he grabbed Brian by the collar and slammed him against the nearest wall.
"You think you're untouchable?" Jeff growled. "You think because you've been working behind the scenes, you can suddenly challenge the king?"
Brian coughed, struggling against Jeff's iron grip. "You… you don't get it, do you?" he rasped. "You think this is about one betrayal? Ochieng has made enemies in places he doesn't even know about!"
Victoria stepped forward, her voice laced with amusement. "Let him go, Jeff."
Jeff hesitated but released Brian, shoving him roughly.
"Let's get to the point," Ochieng said, fixing his gaze on Victoria. "What do you really want?"
Victoria's smirk deepened. "Simple. Power. Control. Everything you hold dear."
Ochieng chuckled, shaking his head. "You think you can take what's mine? You think you can challenge me?"
Victoria's expression remained calm. "I don't think, Ochieng. I know."
At that moment, the doors swung open again.
A new figure entered.
Derick.
Tall, broad-shouldered, his presence commanding. He was one of Ochieng's most trusted men—until he disappeared months ago. Now, he stood beside Victoria.
Ochieng's jaw tightened. "You?"
Derick smirked. "Long time no see, boss."
The betrayal ran deeper than Ochieng had expected.
And the war had just begun.