Chapter 182: The Unyielding Path

(Skylar's POV)

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling of my temporary office in Abuja. The meeting had gone as expected—a power play masked as diplomacy. Some ministers were genuinely interested in collaboration, but others? They only showed up because they had no choice.

They wanted to see if I would fold.

I didn't.

Now, I had their attention. But having their attention and earning their cooperation were two different things.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in."

One of my senior aides, Amina Bello, stepped inside, holding a tablet. She was young but sharp, a Nigerian woman who understood the political landscape better than I ever could.

"Madam Minister, you might want to see this."

I took the tablet from her and scanned the screen. It was a news article—one that had already started spreading online.

'US Minister Faces Resistance in Abuja – Tension Rises Over Foreign Influence in National Policies'

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. "They're already spinning it."

Amina gave me a knowing look. "They're testing how far you're willing to go."

I placed the tablet on my desk and rubbed my temples. "And here I thought they'd at least wait a few days before turning me into the enemy."

She shrugged. "They don't see you as an enemy. Not yet. But they don't trust you either. To them, you're an outsider forcing change. Some will resist simply because you weren't born here."

I sighed. "It's not about me. It's about the women who need these reforms."

Amina nodded. "I know. But politics is rarely about the people who actually need help."

She wasn't wrong.

I took a deep breath, my mind already working through the next steps. "Alright. We fight back strategically. Set up a media briefing for tomorrow. If they want to paint me as a foreign threat, I'll remind them why I'm here in the first place."

Amina gave a small smile. "Understood, Madam Minister."

As she left, I picked up my phone and dialed the number I knew by heart.

Chris answered immediately. "You're calling sooner than I expected."

I smirked. "Miss me already?"

He chuckled. "Always. But I assume this isn't just a social call."

"You assume correctly," I said, leaning back in my chair. "The media is already twisting the narrative. Some officials are pushing back against our proposals. They're not shutting me out yet, but they're trying to control the pace."

Chris was silent for a moment, then his voice came through, sharp and decisive. "Then we remind them who they're dealing with."

I shook my head. "Chris, I don't need another White House threat looming over this. If I can handle it politically, I will."

"And if you can't?"

I hesitated. I knew what he was asking. If this turned into a deadlock—if Nigeria refused to cooperate—Chris wouldn't sit back and watch.

I exhaled. "Then I'll let you know. But for now, let me handle it my way."

He sighed, but I could tell he was holding back. "Fine. But the second you feel things slipping out of control, I step in. Understood?"

"Understood."

I wasn't sure if that was a promise or a warning. Maybe both.

---

The Next Day – Live Press Conference

The cameras flashed as I stepped up to the podium. The Presidential Press Hall was packed with journalists, local and international. This was exactly what I needed.

If some Nigerian officials wanted to slow me down, I'd do the one thing they hated most—make it impossible to ignore me.

I adjusted the microphone and spoke clearly.

"Good morning. I want to take a moment to address the recent concerns regarding my visit and the purpose of my work here in Nigeria."

I paused, letting my words settle before continuing.

"I am here as a representative of the United States. But more importantly, I am here as an advocate for change. Women's empowerment is not a foreign agenda. It is not a Western imposition. It is a human right."

The room was silent, hanging on my words.

"There are those who claim I am overstepping. That my presence here is an attempt to interfere with Nigeria's sovereignty. Let me be very clear—I am not here to dictate. I am here to collaborate. But I will not apologize for demanding progress."

A few murmurs rippled through the audience. I pressed forward.

"This initiative is not about me. It's about the millions of Nigerian women who deserve better opportunities, better security, and a future that isn't limited by outdated policies. If supporting them makes me controversial, so be it."

I took a breath and delivered the final blow.

"For those in power who oppose these efforts, ask yourselves—are you truly against progress, or are you afraid of losing control?"

The room erupted. Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted questions.

I had just put the entire Nigerian government on notice.

---

Later That Night – Call with Chris

I barely had time to sit down before my phone rang.

I picked up. "You saw the press conference, didn't you?"

Chris chuckled on the other end. "Of course I did. And I have to say, Skylar… that was bold."

I smirked. "You didn't think I had it in me?"

"I always knew you did," he said. "I just didn't expect you to throw the first punch so publicly."

I leaned back, exhaling. "It was necessary. They were trying to slow me down. Now, they have to react."

Chris was silent for a moment. Then, his voice dropped into something more serious. "You made a lot of enemies today, Skylar."

I closed my eyes. "I know."

"Are you ready for that?"

I opened my eyes, my resolve settling. "I don't have a choice."

Chris sighed. "No, you don't. But just remember—if they push too hard, I push back harder."

I smiled slightly. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Chris chuckled softly. "Then let's hope they play nice. Because if they don't, I won't."

I knew he meant it.

And so did Nigeria.