Chapter 6 – "The First Real Threat"

Lagos – A Dangerous Reminder

Joshua sat in his hostel room, his phone buzzing with back-to-back calls. Business was booming—too fast, too much.

He had barely processed the warehouse incident from the night before. Those guys weren't random.

Someone powerful had noticed him.

And in Lagos, when powerful people noticed you, it was either an opportunity or a warning.

His phone buzzed again.

Mr. Bayo.

Joshua answered. "Boss."

"You stepped on toes," Mr. Bayo said, voice calm but firm.

Joshua frowned. "I don't even know whose toes they are."

A pause.

Then, Mr. Bayo sighed. "Lagos doesn't like fast risers. The big boys are watching. You need protection."

Joshua exhaled. "I'm handling it."

"You're not," Mr. Bayo said. "Meet me at The Monarch Hotel. 8 PM."

Joshua stared at his phone as the call ended.

This was getting serious.

Evening – The Monarch Hotel

The Monarch wasn't just a hotel.

It was a power hub—where Lagos' richest men did their dirty deals under the glow of golden chandeliers.

Joshua walked in, dressed in a sharp black shirt and jeans, trying to blend in.

Mr. Bayo was already waiting at a private table, swirling a glass of whiskey.

Beside him sat another man—tall, muscular, and wearing a suit that probably cost more than Joshua's entire business.

"This is Chief Otunba," Mr. Bayo said. "He runs half the import business in Lagos."

Joshua extended his hand. "Pleasure."

Chief Otunba didn't shake it. Just studied him.

"You've been moving too fast," the Chief said, voice deep and controlled.

Joshua sat down. "I see that's a problem."

Otunba smirked. "Not a problem—a concern. Young men like you? They rise fast. But they also fall faster."

Joshua met his gaze. "I don't plan on falling."

Otunba chuckled. "That's what the last one said."

Mr. Bayo cut in. "Chief is offering protection. A partnership."

Joshua leaned back. "And what does that cost me?"

Otunba smirked. "Loyalty."

Joshua's fingers tapped against the table. Loyalty meant control.

And he didn't like being controlled.

"I appreciate the offer," Joshua said. "But I prefer to stand on my own."

Silence.

Mr. Bayo sighed, rubbing his temple.

Otunba chuckled. "Bold. Dangerous. I like that." He stood up, adjusting his gold wristwatch. "But Lagos doesn't like lone wolves."

He patted Joshua's shoulder.

"Careful, boy. Some wolves get hunted."

And with that, he walked away.

Mr. Bayo exhaled. "Do you even know what you just did?"

Joshua clenched his jaw.

"Yeah," he said. "I just made an enemy."

Midnight – The Warning

Joshua walked back to campus, his mind racing.

He had rejected protection.

That meant he was on his own now.

As he reached his hostel, he noticed something off.

The door to his room was open.

His heart pounded. He stepped inside—

And froze.

His room was trashed.

Bed flipped. Drawers open. Papers scattered. Someone had searched through his stuff.

And on his desk, a simple note:

"You made the wrong choice."

Joshua clenched his fists.

This wasn't a warning.

It was a promise.

The Next Morning – A New Plan

Joshua sat with Amara at a small café near campus.

"You're quiet," she said, stirring her drink.

Joshua exhaled. "Had a rough night."

She frowned. "Joshua… what's really going on?"

He hesitated. Could he tell her?

Could he bring her into this world?

Amara reached over, touching his hand gently.

"Whatever it is," she said softly. "Don't face it alone."

Joshua looked at her, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time—uncertainty.

For the first time since this all started…

He wasn't sure what his next move should be.