The city had always been a battlefield, but tonight, it belonged to Ochieng.
He stood at the edge of his balcony, his sharp gaze piercing through the cityscape below. The skyline was a testament to power and ambition, yet beneath its dazzling lights lurked something far darker. The underworld was shifting, alliances breaking, and enemies drawing closer. The Council had made its move, and Brian had thrown the first stone.
A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Rolex entered, his expression unreadable.
"The meeting is set. Midnight. The Black Lotus Club."
Ochieng smirked. "They're getting bold."
Rolex nodded. "Or desperate."
Midnight came fast. The Black Lotus Club was a place where power whispered, where fortunes were won and lost over a single drink, and where betrayal was sealed with a handshake. The moment Ochieng stepped inside, the air changed.
Brian sat at the center, legs crossed, confidence dripping from his posture. Around him, men in dark suits—The Council's silent enforcers.
"You came," Brian said, swirling his glass of whiskey. "Good. That means you know this isn't just about old grudges."
Ochieng sat across from him, unbothered. "You always did talk too much, Brian."
A smirk played on Brian's lips. "And you always thought you were untouchable."
Ochieng leaned in. "I am."
The room tensed. In the shadows, Rolex, Gideon, and Linet stood ready. One wrong move, and blood would paint the walls.
Brian chuckled. "The Council sees potential in you, Ochieng. But you're a threat they won't tolerate if you don't cooperate."
Ochieng's expression darkened. "Then let them send their best."
A dangerous silence fell. The deal was clear. Ochieng could bow, or he could burn the whole system down.
And Ochieng never bowed.