Chapter Two

The Smile Behind the Betrayal

The following morning began like every other day.

Idris arrived at CrestPoint Holdings before most employees. He greeted the security guards with a smile and stopped briefly to exchange pleasantries with the cleaners.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning. I hope you're all doing well."

"We're fine, sir."

He smileneighboursheading toward his office.

Respect followed him wherever he went.

Not because he was the most powerful man in the company...

But because he treated everyone with dignity.

As Idris settled into his chair, his phone rang.

The caller ID displayed a familiar name.

Tunde.

"My brother!" Idris answered cheerfully.

"Good morning, Chairman."

Idris laughed.

"When did I become chairman?"

"The way this company is promoting you, it won't be long."

"You'll he dramatic one."

"I'm coming to your office."

"I'll be waiting."

A few minutes later, Tunde walked in carrying two cups of coffee.

"I know you've not had your morning coffee."

"You know me too well."

They sat opposite each other.

For almost thirty minutes, they discussed business, football, and family.

Then Tunde casually asked,

"So... have you heard from Bello Group again?"

Idris smiled.

"They sent another offer yesterday."

"And?"

"I rejected it."

Tunde looked surprised.

"Again?"

"I'm loyal to CrestPoint."

"They're offering almost double your salary."

"Money isn't everything."

Tunde forced a smile.

"I wish more people thought like you."

Inside him...

Jealousy burned hotter than ever.

"You fool," he thought.

"One day, your loyalty will destroy you."

•••

That afternoon, the Managing Director summoned Idris to his office.

"I have an important assignment for you."

"I'm listening, sir."

"The company is about to secure a multi-billion-naira international investment."

"That's wonderful."

"I want you to supervise every financial transaction."

"I'll handle it personally."

"I knew I could trust you."

After leaving the office, Idris immediately informed Tunde.

"I've been placed in charge of the investment account."

Tunde smiled.

"Congratulations."

But deep inside...

His opportunity had finally arrived.

•••

That evening, Tunde sat alone inside his apartment.

His laptop remained open on the dining table.

Several confidential financial documents covered the room.

He looked at an old photograph.

It showed him and Idris during their university graduation.

Both were smiling.

Both looked happy.

Tunde slowly placed the picture face down.

"They always chose you."

He whispered bitterly.

"You graduated as the best student."

"You got the best job."

"You married the woman everyone admired."

"You became the company's favorite."

"What about me?"

His eyes filled with resentment.

"For years, I've stood behind you."

"No more."

He picked up another phone.

"Everything is ready."

A voice replied from the other end.

"Once the money is transferred, every trail will point to Idris."

"No mistakes."

"There won't be."

The call ended.

Tunde smiled.

"The king is about to fall."

•••

Meanwhile...

Back at home, Idris was helping Damilola prepare dinner.

"You know," she said playfully, "my colleagues keep saying I'm lucky."

"Lucky?"

"They say husbands like you are rare."

Idris laughed.

"I should be the lucky one."

She gently hit his shoulder.

"Stop flattering me."

"I'm serious."

He looked at her with sincerity.

"If life ever becomes difficult..."

"I'll never leave you."

Damilola held his hand.

"No matter what happens..."

"We'll face it together."

Idris smiled.

"I believe you."

Across the room, their wedding photograph hung proudly on the wall.

Two smiling faces.

Two hearts full of promises.

Neither of them knew those promises would soon be tested.

•••

Three days later...

The company received the international investment.

Billions of naira entered the designated corporate accounts.

Everything appeared normal.

Until the following Monday morning.

At exactly 9:17 a.m., panic spread across the finance department.

"Sir!"

One of the accountants rushed into Idris's office.

"The investment account..."

"What about it?"

"A huge amount of money is missing."

Idris stood up immediately.

"What?"

"The transaction records show that someone authorized multiple transfers during the weekend."

"That's impossible."

"You were listed as the approving officer."

For the first time in years...

Fear crossed Idris's face.

He knew one thing with absolute certainty.

He had never approved any transfer.

But the system claimed otherwise.

And somewhere else in the building...

Tunde leaned back in his chair.

A slow smile appeared on his face.

Everything was going exactly as planned.