Aunt Isioma met him at the door. “Congratulations Edward. That was a great meeting.”

Edward prostrated on the floor and stayed down; he was beyond only vocal thanks.

“Edward, what is the meaning of this? Please stand up. I have accepted your greeting.”

He stood up but remained bowed. “Thank you so much Aunt Isioma, I couldn‘t have done it without you. Your shares and vote tipped the balance. I‘m very grateful.”

“You‘re welcome, but there‘s something else.”

Edward looked deeper into the room to see Chief Okrika seated quietly at the sole table with a twisted expression on his face. He did not or could not meet Edward‘s gaze. Edward followed Aunt Isioma inside and sat opposite his archenemy. She sat next to him and placed a music player in front of her on the table. He glanced at her in question until it began to play.

Chief Okrika‘s voice piped out from the tiny speakers. “My dear girl, I can help you out if you want. Did I not put over fifty million naira in your account?”

Edward found it hard to believe what he was hearing but Gladys small voice underscored the words. “You mean you schemed for me to lose my shares?” The two men locked gazes as Aunt Isioma stopped the player after the response where Chief Okrika gloated, “That is correct.”