Chapter 04

Helen's boutique, "Elegance," was located in the heart of Macaulay's estate, Lagos. The exterior of the boutique was sleek and modern, with large glass windows that showcased the latest fashion trends.

As Nneoma and Desmond walked towards the boutique, a machine at the entrance said, "Welcome."

The interior of the boutique was equally impressive, with rows of designer clothing racks and shelves stocked with high-end accessories. The boutique sold both foreign and local goods, catering to a diverse clientele.

The atmosphere was upscale and sophisticated, with soft music playing in the background. A friendly sales associate greeted Nneoma and Desmond, offering to assist them with their shopping needs.

As Nneoma and Desmond entered the boutique, they were warmly welcomed by the sales associates. "Good afternoon, welcome to Elegance! How can we assist you today?" one of the associates asked with a bright smile.

Nneoma and Desmond exchanged a glance, and Nneoma replied, "We're just browsing for now, thank you." The associate nodded and handed them a glass of chilled champagne. "Please, feel free to explore our collection. We have some exquisite pieces that might interest you."

As they sipped their champagne, Nneoma and Desmond wandered around the boutique, admiring the stunning displays of jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Desmond's eyes landed on a dazzling neck chain, adorned with diamonds and pearls. "Wow, Nneoma, look at this!" he exclaimed.

Nneoma gasped as she approached the display case. "It's stunning! How much is it?" The sales associate smiled. "That's one of our finest pieces, valued at 5 million naira." Nneoma's eyes widened, but Desmond nodded. "I'll take it." The associate smiled and carefully wrapped the neck chain in a velvet box.

Next, Nneoma spotted a sleek wristwatch, encrusted with diamonds and gold. "Desmond, look at this! It's gorgeous!" Desmond examined the watch and nodded. "I think you should get it, Nneoma. It suits you perfectly." The sales associate beamed. "That's a limited edition piece, valued at 3 million naira." Nneoma hesitated for a moment, but Desmond encouraged her to make the purchase.

As they finalized their transaction, Helen arrived at the boutique, looking elegant in a tailored suit. She smiled warmly at Nneoma and Desmond. "Welcome to Elegance! I see you've found some beautiful pieces. I hope you're enjoying your shopping experience?"

Nneoma and Desmond exchanged a pleased glance. "Yes, we are. Your boutique is incredible," Nneoma replied. Helen beamed with pride. "Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Please, let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with."

As Helen Omoshola stepped into her boutique, she felt a sense of pride. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the elegant decor, and the sound of soft music filled the air.

"Good morning, ma," one of her assistants greeted.

"Yes, good morning," Helen replied.

"Ma, there's been a complaint that the price of the Aso Oke is too high," the assistant said.

Helen raised an eyebrow. "Where's the person who wants to make me lose money?" she asked.

The assistant smiled. "She's trying on the other attires."

Helen nodded. "Let me go see her."

Just then, a customer approached. "Mrs. Omoshola, I've been waiting for you."

Helen's face lit up. "Mrs. Margaret! It's been a while."

Margaret smiled. "Has it? I mean, I came two months ago."

Helen chuckled. "Believe me, two months is almost like two years when it comes to business."

They both laughed.

"I heard you had a problem with the price," Helen said, turning serious.

"Yes," Margaret replied. "The price is too high for a 13-year-old girl. Your assistant said it's N119,000."

Helen smiled. "Madam Margaret, just take a look at her. Isn't she beautiful?"

She called out to the girl. "Come, take a picture with me. Let me show my daughter that you're more beautiful than she is."

As the girl approached, Helen gave her a warm hug.

"What's your name?" Helen asked.

"Adaora," the girl replied.

Helen beamed. "Adaora, you are beautiful."

Adaora smiled. "Thank you, ma."

Helen dragged Adaora into a side hug, smiling. "Now, look at this. Your mother is refusing to pay for the dress. Don't you want to look cute for your father's birthday?"

Adaora corrected her. "Umm, ma, it's my father's coronation, not birthday."

Helen laughed. "Oh, she even corrected me."

She switched to Yoruba. "Ọmọ" (children).

Helen turned to Margaret. "Madam Margaret, it's her father's coronation. Show her the style. Pay for the dress."

Margaret hesitated. "Mrs. Omoshola, the price."

Helen was firm. "Madam Margaret, the event. It's N119,000, and that's all."

She instructed her assistant. "Maria, come and package it for them."

As Maria handed her the packaged dress, Helen said, "It'll look pretty on her."

She asked Margaret, "Is it pounded yam you're preparing that day?"

Margaret laughed. "I don't even know."

Helen smiled. "I thought you were Igbo."

Margaret replied, "Of course, I am."

Helen added, "But you speak Yoruba fluently."

Margaret explained, "It's my husband's culture. I had to learn it."

As Maria handed them the packaged dress, Helen said, "Just try it. If it doesn't look good on her, you can come back and return it, and I'll give you your full money back."

Margaret smiled. "Alright, ma, thank you."

As they left the boutique, Helen instructed Maria, "Take and arrange these ones for me," handing her some clothes.

"Make sure you shut the door behind you," Helen said to Maria.

"Okay, ma," Maria replied, shutting the door behind her.

"Omolola, you can come out now," Helen said as she wrote in her sales book.

"Oh, my dear Helen, I never knew you were this smart, even in the physical realm," Omolola said.

"Don't you think it's a little childish of you to appear in my office during the daytime?" Helen asked.

"So, I'm not allowed to visit you?" Omolola replied.

"You know what I mean," Helen said.

The room fell silent for a while. Omolola walked around, admiring the decor.

"Helen, who had been writing, became uncomfortable with Omolola's actions," Helen thought to herself.

"It's such a nice place," Omolola said.

Helen remained quiet, looking at her.

"I came to make a..." Omolola began, but Helen interrupted her.

"I knew it! Omolola can't just visit me without asking for something!" Helen exclaimed.

"You wouldn't let me finish," Omolola said.

"What exactly am I supposed to hear again?" Helen asked.

"I've been insulted," Omolola said.

"Take the case to the Queen Mother," Helen suggested.

"If I wanted to do that, I would have waited for tonight's meeting," Omolola replied.

"Then do that," Helen said.

"It's not that hard, is it?" Helen asked.

"I came to you for help because you're the only one who can help me," Omolola said.

"Mother..." Helen began, but Omolola interrupted her.

"Wait, just listen to what I have to say," Omolola said.

"There was a plot to kill my son, Richwill," Omolola revealed.

"Oh God, it's about your son again," Helen said.

"They tried to sell him out, Helen," Omolola said.

"It's always about your son; it has to be him," Helen whispered.

"I thought he joined a cult," Helen said.

"Of course, he did," Omolola replied.

"Then?" Helen asked.

"They were the ones who tried to sell him out," Omolola explained. "When I say 'sell him out,' I mean they tried to tell the police that he's a cult member who tried to initiate them. Meanwhile, they were the ones who initiated him. I tried to talk to the boys about it, and they insulted me."

"They said they would have listened to Richwill's father, but they don't seem to see him anywhere," Omolola added soberly.

"He's father," Omolola said, sniffing back tears.

"He's dead," Omolola said.

"Richwill, every time," Helen sighed, taking a deep breath. "He's the reason for Daniel's problems, and now another. The pain to one is pain to all; that's our slogan, and I won't go against it," Helen said, placing her hands on Omolola's shoulders.

"Can you still remember their names?" Helen asked.

"Yes. One of them is named Joshua, and the other is Kingsley. That's all I can remember," Omolola replied.

"It's okay; I can work with that," Helen said.

As they continued their conversation, a man drove into the compound and stepped out of his car. He approached the entrance, but the security guard blocked his path.

"I'm afraid you need an appointment to see Mrs. Omoshola," the guard explained.

The man looked taken aback. "Look, it's urgent, okay? I have to discuss something with her."

"I'm sorry; I wouldn't let that happen," the guard replied.

"But I know her," the man protested. "We've met before."

"I'm sorry, sir, but you have to go," the guard insisted.

"Wait, Helen!" the man called out loudly.

"Sir, I'd advise you to lower your voice," the guard warned.

Helen watched the exchange from inside, a mixture of curiosity and annoyance on her face.

"Who is it?" Omolola asked.

"It's an old friend who turned out to be my business partner, at least for a while," Helen explained.

"He scammed me and now wants me to still accept him," Helen added.

"That's terrible," Omolola said.

"Yeah," Helen nodded slowly.

"Dead or alive?" Omolola asked.

"Excuse me?" Helen replied.

"Do you still want him as your customer and friend, or do you want him below the earth?" Omolola asked.

"Below the earth can work," Helen said.

Omolola gave her a maniacal look and disappeared.

After Omolola disappeared, Stephen was still trying to get to Helen, but the security guard refused to let him pass.

"Ma said she doesn't want to see you," the guard said firmly.

Stephen scowled and turned away, getting into his car and driving off. He didn't know what to do next. He had counted on partnering with Helen again to regain his wealth and status.

As he drove, he found himself at an open market. He parked his car and got out, walking aimlessly through the stalls. He was confused and frustrated, trying to think of his next move.

As he walked, he absent-mindedly bought some foodstuffs for his house. He then returned to his car, still deep in thought.

Just as he was about to pull out of the market and onto the main road, a truck came speeding around the corner and crashed into his car. The impact was tremendous, and Stephen's car was crushed.

People rushed to the scene, trying to pull Stephen out of the wreckage. But it was too late. Before anyone could save him, Stephen was dead.

As he lay dying, the only words he could muster were "my daughter..." before he went still.

The crowd that had gathered gasped in shock and horror. But one person stood out from the rest. Omolola was standing at the edge of the crowd, watching the scene unfold with an expressionless face.

As the crowd began to disperse, Omolola turned and walked away, disappearing into the throng of people as if nothing had happened.