chapter 3

"Isn't Port Harcourt simply amazing, dear?" Don André asks his daughter with a wicked grin. That roughly translated to ' _I don't give two fucks what you think_ '.

Right now, father and daughter - and two bodyguards, of course - had just left the  airport and were in a sleek black Mercedes Benz; one Lionel had arranged for.

"You didn't have to bring me here, father," is Andrea's frosty reply. "I can survive very well on my own in the US."

"Oh, I know, darling. But what would I tell your dear sister if she asked?"

"Elena's here?" Her frigid mask lifts briefly, replaced by surprise.

"Of course Elena's here," he rolls his eyes. "Do you really think I would show up here, out of the blue, without securing local help?"

"You're using her husband," Andrea says, scrutinizing the heartless being before her.

It wasn't a question, but her father smirks in response anyway.

She scowls, turning her attention to the tinted windows. ' _This place sure has changed since Elena's marriage ceremony. But then again, seven years is a long time._ '

Don André observes his daughter, knowing full well she hasn't forgiven him for getting rid of her boyfriend.

"...Andrea," he starts slowly. "I never meant to..."

A fire in her eyes, the 17 year old lashes out. "You didn't mean to do what exactly? Hurt me? What were you expecting when you killed the love of my life?!"

André is sorely tempted to roll his eyes again, but he resists. "First, I didn't kill him. I have people for that." He lifts a finger, ignoring her protests. "And second, you don't know the full story so at least hear me out."

"Hear you out? HEAR YOU OUT?! I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR YOU OUT! I HATE THAT I'M RELATED TO YOU AT ALL AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THIS GODFORSAKEN CAR! DRIVER, PULL THE FUCK OVER!"

The driver, Timini, a family man with three daughters and a son, simply gives Andrea a sympathetic look. He values his life, after all.

"I said stop the fucking car!" She screams. Desperate and frustrated, she begins to fumble with the door.

Smack!

Silence.

"Chris was FBI, by the way," her father says, calm and unbothered.

With a hateful glare, she spits at his feet. "You'll say anything to justify yourself, you monster."

But secretly, in her heart of hearts, she wonders if he really was in the FBI, and if he'd only gotten close to her for information. The thought makes her sick.

"We're here, sir," Timini announces as they pull into a large golden gate.

"Is everything ready, Perez?" Don André questions the man who sat shotgun throughout the journey. Said man had been making phone calls ever since.

"All is in order, boss. Also, Elena is here to receive us."

"Perfect. It's time for business."

Minutes later, he steps out of the car, at last getting a chance to observe the compound of his in-law, chief Tonubari Deekae.

Elena stands beside her husband on the foyer, waiting.

"Your father has a very intimidating presence. Perhaps it's because this is the first time I'm meeting him?" Chief Deekae whispers to her.

She snorts out a laugh. "Trust me, dear, you don't even know the half of it." She straightens almost imperceptibly as her father approaches.

Flanked by Lionel and Perez, Don André gives a signal for Timini to escort Andrea out.

"Welcome, father," Elena kneels gently to kiss her father's ring and subtly signals her husband to do the same.

"Greetings, kingpin," Chief Deekae kisses the ring as well.

"Rise, " André says, almost sounding bored. The couple gets to their feet.

"Decay," everyone winces at his intentionally butchered prononciation of the name. "I must say, this is a really nice place you've got here."

André has to admit, although grudgingly, that this... palace is almost on par with his mansion. Almost, though.

Two acres of land protected by a solid 10 inch fence and a majestic golden gate, Chief Deekae's compound is nothing to sneeze at. Perfectly manicured lawns, a large water fountain, professionally managed topiaries and statues - there was even one of Elena. How sweet - and a four story palace painted in white and gold were just some of the things that made it exquisite.

"Thank you, sir," the chief says with a stiff smile. "This is all possible because of you."

"Well, of course it is. I'm pleased to see you're not the same lonely, frustrated man my daughter used to talk my ear off about. You've used my money well, Decay."

More wincing.

But Don André wasn't quite finished. "Ascending from Local government chairman to minister of transport? What a feat! Good job, young man."

"Thank you, kingpin." Another forced smile. "Might I suggest we go inside and discuss?"

"Of course, of course, lead the way."

He side eyes Elena. "I believe you and your sister have some catching up to do?"

"Yes, father."

"Good. I'll see you in thirty minutes."

He is flanked by Lionel and Perez once more as he walks in behind chief Deekae.

Elena then frowns. She's long since given up on her father letting her have a say in the family, but sometimes, just sometimes.

She shakes her head and spots her sister sitting by the fountain.

"Hey".

Andrea's response is a huge grin and a hug. ' I missed you! I missed you! I missed you!' she cries.

"I missed you" Elena returns the hug then pulls back. ' look at you! Seven months and you're all grown up!".

Her sister wrinkles her nose. "your sense of humor is horrible. Seven months? Really?".

"Anyway how've you been? and how are the twins?"

" I've survived, at least. The last few months have been hectic because of the preparations for father. And the twins are just fine. They're at school and they'll be staying with deekae's mother for now". She finishes with a nervous smile.

"And how about you? And how's that boyfriend of yours? Chris?".

Andrea recoils as if she's been slapped.

" what's wrong? Are you no longer together?" Elena asks, worried. Her sister was the type to have changed boyfriends like she changed shoes, but chris had lasted two years. That had to count for something.

"He's dead". Andrea wails, latching unto her sister once more. " that monster you call a father killed him".

"Oh dear" Elena breathes out. "I'm so sorry dearest. There, there. Let it all out".