Chapter 5
The courtroom buzzed with hushed whispers as high-profile spectators and journalists took their seats. The case had already attracted attention—Obinna Ike’s legal troubles were no secret, but the shocking inclusion of Zubby Daniels, billionaire businessman and socialite, had set the media ablaze.
Zubby entered with his usual air of confidence, his expensive cologne trailing behind him. He adjusted his cufflinks as Kingsley, his lawyer, walked beside him, his face etched with focus.
Obinna and his counsel were already seated.
“This is serious, Zubby,” Kingsley muttered as they took their seats.
“I know,” Zubby replied nonchalantly, his eyes scanning the room.
Then he saw her.
Nena Okafor entered with the poise of a seasoned warrior, her sharp gaze scanning the courtroom like she owned it. Dressed in a sleek black suit, she exuded quiet authority. Her presence alone sent a ripple through the air.
He was stunned. The same woman from his party—the one who had spoken to him like he was beneath her? The first woman who showed not even the slightest interest in him?
Damn.
Their eyes met.
It was brief, but electric. A silent battle had already begun.
Zubby smirked, but Nena remained unreadable, already turning to whisper something to her associate.
“All rise,” the court clerk announced as the judge entered.
The hearing commenced swiftly.
Nena rose first, her voice steady and authoritative. “Your Honor, this case involves my client, Chief Emma, who has brought forth charges of fraudulent business dealings against the first defendant, Mr. Obinna Ike. New evidence has also implicated a second defendant, Mr. Azubuike Obiora.”
She didn’t so much as glance in Zubby’s direction, but he felt the weight of her words.
Kingsley stood. “Your Honor, my client, Mr. Daniels, has no direct involvement in the fraudulent activities alleged in this case. We request that his name be removed from the suit until substantial evidence proves otherwise.”
Nena’s lips twitched. “Your Honour, the prosecution has already provided preliminary evidence linking Mr. Daniels to the business transactions under scrutiny. We are prepared to present further documentation in subsequent hearings.”
The judge nodded. “Very well. The court acknowledges both arguments. Since the case is newly filed, we will allow for evidence submission and case review. A date for the next hearing will be set.”
Gavel struck. “Court is adjourned.”
Zubby exhaled, standing. Kingsley patted his back. “This was just the beginning. We’ll have time to build our defense.”
Zubby’s gaze flickered to Nena, who was already gathering her files, her expression unreadable.
He smirked. “She’s good.”
Kingsley shot him a look. “This isn’t a game, Zubby.”
Zubby adjusted his cufflinks. “Who said I was playing?”
Nena walked past them without a glance, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
But just as she reached the doors, she stopped.
Without turning, she said, “Hope you trust your lawyer as much as you trust your business partners, Mr. Daniels.”
Then, she walked out.
Zubby watched her go, something dark flickering in his eyes.
The game was on.
The high-end gym pulsed with energy—weights clanking, treadmills humming, and the occasional grunt of someone pushing their limits. The scent of sweat and expensive cologne filled the air.
Nena wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, adjusting her grip on the kettlebell as she followed Ugo’s lead. Dressed in sleek, form-fitting leggings and a sports bra, she moved with grace and precision. Ugo, ever the diva, was in her element—owning the gym like a queen on her throne.
“Five more reps, babe,” Ugo said, tossing her long, perfectly styled ponytail over her shoulder. “No pain, no gain.”
Nena smirked, pushing through the reps. “Says the woman who stops every two minutes to check herself out in the mirror.”
They both laughed, drawing attention from some gym-goers. But it wasn’t until Ugo’s gaze shifted across the room that her amusement turned into something else.
“Well, well, well,” Ugo murmured, nudging Nena. “Look who just walked in.”
Nena turned, and her stomach tensed—not from the workout, but from the sight of none other than Zubby Daniels.
He strolled into the gym, his presence commanding attention even in a simple workout shirt and shorts. Confidence oozed from every step as he made his way to the weight section. His muscles flexed under his skin as he grabbed a dumbbell, completely unaware of their watchful eyes.
Ugo leaned closer, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. “Damn. That man is sin walking.”
“Sin? More like a walking lawsuit,” Nena muttered, rolling her eyes.
Zubby didn’t notice them at first, but when he did—he really did. His eyes locked onto Nena mid-rep, and from that moment, he barely looked away.
Nena felt the heat of his gaze, but she refused to acknowledge it. She focused on her set, even as her skin prickled under his scrutiny.
Minutes passed. Then more.
Each time she glanced up, his eyes were still on her. Unwavering. Calculating.
Finally, when she moved to grab her water bottle, a shadow loomed beside her.
“Nena Okafor.” His voice was smooth, teasing, and entirely too confident. “Fancy meeting you here.”
Nena turned, raising a brow. “Is it?”
Zubby chuckled, setting his towel over his shoulder. “Didn’t take you for the gym type.”
“And I didn’t take you for the type to stalk your prosecutor,” she shot back coolly.
Ugo exhaled, clearly enjoying the tension. “Okay, easy, tiger. It’s a public gym.” She turned to Zubby with a smirk. “You got business with her, Mr. Daniels?”
Zubby ignored the snark in her tone, keeping his eyes on Nena. “No business. Just curiosity.”
“Then lose it,” Nena clipped, reaching for her gym bag.
Zubby let out a low chuckle. “Hostile much?”
“I just don’t mix business with…” she eyed him up and down, “whatever this is.”
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I don’t want to talk about the case.”
“Good,” she said. “Because I don’t want to talk to you at all.”
Ugo, sensing the moment was spiraling, stepped between them. “Alright, boys and girls, let’s not turn the gym into a courtroom.” She turned to Zubby with a small smile. “She’s just focused, that’s all.”
Zubby studied Nena for a moment, his gaze unreadable. “Maybe I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
Nena scoffed. “Then find another one.”
She turned on her heel, Ugo following her lead as they headed for the exit.
Zubby didn’t stop her.
He just stood there, towel draped over his shoulder, watching her leave with an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.
