The city lights flickered below as Ochieng sat across from Professor Eunice in the penthouse suite of the Moonlight Hotel. The air between them was electric, thick with unspoken promises and dangerous knowledge.
She poured another glass of wine, watching him with a knowing smile.
"Power isn't just about money or strength, Ochieng. It's about control. Over yourself, over others, over the narrative."
Ochieng leaned back, his eyes unreadable. "And what exactly am I supposed to learn from you?"
Eunice crossed her legs, the slit of her silk dress revealing just enough to be distracting. "The art of manipulation. The first lesson begins now."
She placed a phone on the table. A video played—his best friend, Brian, speaking to someone in hushed tones.
"Ochieng doesn't even know who he really is. If we move fast, we can take everything before he realizes it."
The betrayal stung, but Ochieng's face remained emotionless.
Eunice smirked. "Good. No reaction. That's the first rule—never let them see your weakness."
Ochieng exhaled slowly. "And the second?"
She leaned forward, whispering, "Strike before they do."
---
The gala at the Empire Grand Hotel was the event of the year, attended by CEOs, mafia lords, politicians, and the silent powers that controlled the city's fate.
Ochieng arrived in a custom Rolls-Royce Phantom, stepping out in a tailored black suit that exuded dominance. The number plate? "001-ELITE."
As he entered the hall, whispers followed.
"That's him. The silent trillionaire."
"No one really knows his true identity."
"They say he owns half the city."
Ochieng smirked. Let them talk. The less they knew, the better.
Eunice was already inside, dressed in an emerald gown that made her look both regal and dangerous. She waved him over, her eyes glinting.
"Ready for your test?" she whispered.
Ochieng nodded.
She pointed to a man across the room. "That's Richard's right-hand man. Your job? Make him beg for your favor by the end of the night."
Ochieng took a sip of his drink. "Easy."
Eunice chuckled. "We'll see."
---
Ochieng approached the target—Markus, a ruthless businessman known for destroying his rivals. The man barely glanced at him.
"You're in my way," Markus said coldly.
Ochieng smirked. "No. I'm the one who decides if you stay in the game."
Markus narrowed his eyes. "You're just a university boy playing dress-up."
Ochieng chuckled. "And yet, your company's stocks dropped 5% this morning. Imagine what would happen if I made a phone call."
Markus stiffened. "You wouldn't dare."
Ochieng pulled out his phone. "Try me."
A pause. Then, Markus sighed, extending his hand. "Maybe we should talk."
Eunice watched from a distance, sipping her wine. Lesson complete.
---
The night wasn't over. Ochieng stepped onto the balcony, needing a moment to think. The city stretched before him—his playground, his battlefield.
Then, a soft voice. "You've changed."
He turned. Linet.
She wore a simple yet stunning dress, her eyes searching his.
"You're not the same guy I met in university," she said softly.
Ochieng sighed. "Maybe that guy didn't survive."
She touched his arm. "You don't have to become…this."
He looked into her eyes. For a moment, the world faded.
Then, a sharp voice interrupted.
"You're either in or out, Ochieng."
Eunice stood in the doorway, her presence a stark contrast to Linet's softness.
Ochieng knew—tonight, he had to choose.
The path of love? Or the path of power?
His decision would seal his fate.
---
The sun barely touched the horizon when Ochieng woke up in his penthouse. His mind was still clouded from last night's events.
He checked his phone. A message from an unknown number.
"Time's up. Choose a side. Or we'll choose for you."
Ochieng clenched his jaw. There was no turning back.
He got up, dressed in a black shirt and a leather jacket. He had an empire to build.
And enemies to destroy.