Chapter 18: More Warnings from Mama Elsie

Mama Elsie's warning

 Mama Elsie burst into the penthouse with a fierce look of anger and worry. After weeks of investigation into Leo's behavior, what she had discovered was far worse than imagined. Leo was not just manipulating Elsie—he was systematically transferring the assets into Madam Ebele Udeh's name to leave Elsie with nothing.

"Elsie!" Mama Elsie called with practiced sharpness and urgency. "We need to talk. Now."

Slowly, Elsie lifted her head from the sofa, where she was seated in a silk robe, surprised at her mother's tone. "Mama, what's wrong? You look upset."

Mama Elsie strode toward her daughter, eyes blazing. "What is wrong? What is wrong is that you are being played, Elsie. Your trust for Leo and your lackadaisical attitude towards your business will cost you everything. Wake up! Leo is not siding with you. He is using you to take everything Damian left you. Before you know it, you will be left with nothing."

It took three seconds for Elsie's heart to start beating again, but she forced a laugh. "Mama, this is an overreaction. Leo loves me. He is helping me secure our future." 

Mama Elsie clutched her daughter by the shoulders, her grip unforgiving. "Wake up, for God's sake! He is transferring properties in his mother's name. He is withdrawing cash from your accounts. He is doing everything to leave you with no penny. You must stop him right now before the opportunity is lost."

For the first time, doubt opened a crack in the shield around Elsie's smile. "Mama, I… I don't know what to do."

Elsie dismissed her mother's concern

Elsie stumbled through the rest of her day in a daze, with flip-flopping thoughts racing through her mind. She wanted to believe Leo, to have faith in him that he would never betray her. But her mother's words kept invading her mind, increasing her doubt.

Leo returned to the penthouse that evening with a posture of his usual confident self, kissing Elsie on the cheek and handing her a glass of wine. "You look beautiful tonight," he said, with that smooth yet charming voice.

She grinned in forced response, wondering whether he had caught the distant look in her eye. "Leo, can I ask you something?" she said.

 His eyebrow arched with calm composure. "Of course, my love. What's on your mind?"

"I'm sorry," Elsie offered. "My mother has... said things. She thinks you're... using me. That you're transferring assets to your mother's name. Is that true? 

Leo's demeanor did not change, but the hardness behind his eyes gave him away. "Elsie, your mother is jealous. She doesn't understand our relationship. She's trying to come between us."

Elsie nodded and felt her heart pounding. "I know that but… I just needed to hear it from you. Can I trust you not to take things from me?"

Taking her hand, he tilted her palm to fully enclose it within his own. "Elsie, everything I do is for us. For our future. I need you to trust me."

Elsie looked into his eyes, probing for something that could be interpreted as an affirmation of her very slightest misgivings. But all she could see was the man she fell for—the man who had promised her the universe. She nodded. Her resolve strengthened. "You are my everything, Leo; I trust you."

Leo moved in secret  

Leo remained awake in the study while Elsie was asleep. He opened his laptop in front of him and began looking at recent transactions, smiling to himself. The transfers were nearly completed. Soon, he would have everything he needed to leave Elsie and begin life anew with his mother, his real wife, and siblings.

He glanced at the bedroom door, cold-heartedly. Elsie had served her purpose for him, but she was no longer relevant. He had gotten what he wanted, and it was time to sever ties.