The following morning, the halls of Moonlight Valley University buzzed louder than a financial stock floor. Social feeds exploded with hashtags: #ProfessorBabyDrama, #KingstonTwinsClash, #BiancaReturns, and perhaps the most chaotic of all—#OchiengUnbothered.
But Ochieng wasn't unbothered.
He just hid it well.
---
At the exclusive rooftop café "Cloud & Co.," nestled atop the luxurious Zenith Plaza, Ochieng sat alone. Tailored black blazer. Diamond-studded cufflinks. Signature cologne that made heads turn two tables away.
Across from him sat Yasmin Kibe, 26, an investigative journalist turned media tycoon, owner of the controversial outlet SpillDaily. She had almond skin, short platinum curls, crimson nails, and a tongue sharper than a courtroom lawyer.
"I have a proposition," she said, sipping her lavender espresso. "I cover up your involvement in Maya's meltdown, and in return… you let me crash the Trillionaires' Gala with you."
Ochieng raised an eyebrow. "You want to attend the most exclusive event on the continent just to write gossip?"
She leaned forward. "No, darling. I want to own the story. And you, Ochieng… you're the juiciest headline of them all."
---
Meanwhile…
In one of the campus's secret drama society rehearsals, Nicolette "Nikki" Mwangi, 22, a stunning drama student with a rebellious heart and emerald eyes, rehearsed a romantic scene with Roman Kingston.
Off-script, their chemistry was undeniable.
And dangerous.
Because Nikki was secretly engaged to Dr. Seth Olunga, 35, a medical professor with political ties and a brutal temper. He was old money, old school—and when he found out about Roman, blood would spill.
---
Later that night, inside the grand ballroom of Halcyon Royale Hotel, the Trillionaires' Gala began. The room sparkled with crystal chandeliers, live orchestras, and people who signed checks with more zeros than phone numbers.
Ochieng arrived with Bianca on his arm.
Maya entered alone—dressed in a black silk gown slit to her thigh, with the Kingston twins trailing her like wolves.
Yasmin filmed from the shadows.
Nikki showed up uninvited… wearing Roman's chain.
And in the middle of it all, Tesslyn took the stage to announce the launch of her new luxury tech company—VANITYCORE—backed secretly by Caroline and a mysterious investor… whose name was encrypted in the presentation slides.
Only Ochieng caught it.
Bernard Kiyoko.
His biological father.
Dead for a decade.
Or so he thought.
---
As the night spiraled into dance, drama, and deep betrayal, Ochieng stepped onto the balcony for air—only to find Maya there, tears drying under the moonlight.
"You're good at pretending," she whispered.
"So are you," he replied.
And then… she kissed him.
A kiss that tasted like broken promises and something too wild to name.
They didn't know Yasmin caught it on camera.
Or that Bianca saw it reflected in the glass.
Or that Caroline… had already planned what came next.
Because power wasn't just inherited anymore.
It was hunted.
And everyone was prey.