The streets of Silvertown buzzed beneath the electric glow of night, but inside the Royal Crest Hotel, silence was the loudest guest. Zahra sat alone at the rooftop lounge, a glass of lemon vodka untouched before her, eyes glued to the horizon like she was waiting for something—or someone.
She was 26 now, striking and statuesque. Her coffee-colored skin shimmered under the moonlight, and her sharp cheekbones gave her an air of danger. Behind her beauty was a mind wired like a chessboard—always five steps ahead. She wasn't just Ochieng's cousin… she was the unseen hand guiding many of his moves.
But tonight, Zahra was playing her own game.
A tall man in a grey trench coat approached. His face was mostly hidden by a cap and shadows, but his voice was unmistakable.
"Elijah Moretti," Zahra said, not turning.
He sat. "You summoned."
"I did," she replied, finally looking at him. "We need to break them. Ochieng and Ivy."
Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Still holding onto that grudge?"
"She stole what was meant to be mine," Zahra snapped. "Not the man—his destiny."
Elijah sipped his drink. "You want me to ruin the engagement?"
"I want you to ruin the illusion."
---
Professor Lena Moretti, 29, Elijah's younger sister, taught Philosophy and Secret Societies. Her class had become a cult favorite.
Lena had long legs, dark wavy hair, and the kind of eyes that made students fail tests just trying to avoid them. She was brilliant—and dangerous. And rumor had it, she was once engaged to Ochieng before being mysteriously replaced by Ivy.
Now, Lena walked into her lecture room like it was a runway, wearing a crimson blouse and leather heels.
She paused when she saw Ivy sitting in the front row.
"Well, well," she smiled. "The thief of hearts attends my class."
Students gasped. Ivy froze.
Lena leaned in. "Tell me, Ivy… how does it feel to wear a crown you didn't earn?"
---
Ochieng was deep in conversation with Xavier, 45, a towering mogul with three wives, twelve luxury resorts, and a daughter determined to marry into royalty.
"Zaria's obsessed with you," Xavier said bluntly.
Ochieng chuckled. "She's 20. I'm not interested."
"You should be," Xavier warned. "Because if you break her heart… I'll break your empire."
Ochieng didn't flinch. "Try."
Zaria, meanwhile, stood behind the door listening, her lips curling into a smile. She wasn't heartbroken… she was hunting.
---
Bianca had just moved to Riverhills and enrolled in the rival university. Her goal: build her own empire, her own army, and a stage big enough to lure Ochieng into her world again.
With her was Leo, 23, a ruthless young tech tycoon and Ochieng's former ally turned rival. Leo had charm, money, and a vendetta.
"She chose him over me," Leo whispered. "Now, I'll make her regret every moment."
---