Billionaire: Money and Power

The Calm Before the Storm

Lagos never truly slept. Even at midnight, the city pulsed with life—cars honking, street vendors still pushing their goods, and neon lights casting a glow over the busy streets. But for Joshua, this was the eye of the storm.

He stood on the balcony of his penthouse, staring down at the city he was trying to control. Things were shifting too fast. Just days ago, he was handling contracts, deals, and business moves. Now? Now it was war.

Behind him, Tunde walked out with a drink in hand. He leaned against the railing, watching the streets below.

"Umaru took a big hit today," Tunde said, taking a sip. "His supply chains are crumbling, and the government is all over his businesses."

Joshua nodded. "He won't go down quietly."

Tunde smirked. "Of course not. But we hit first, and we hit hard."

Joshua exhaled, rubbing his temple. He should feel good about today's win, but something didn't sit right.

As if on cue, his phone buzzed.

Unknown Number.

Joshua exchanged a glance with Tunde before answering.

A low, deep voice filled the line. "You've made quite the mess, Joshua."

Joshua's grip on the phone tightened. "Umaru."

A chuckle. "You think you've won?"

Joshua's jaw clenched. "I think you're running out of options."

Umaru sighed. "You still don't get it, do you? You're playing business. I'm playing survival. And I don't lose."

Joshua stayed silent.

Umaru's voice dropped lower. "I suggest you check your accounts. I've been busy."

The line went dead.

Tunde frowned. "What was that about?"

Joshua didn't answer. He quickly pulled up his banking app. Loading… Loading…

Then, his stomach dropped.

Several of his accounts were frozen.

Damage Control

Fifteen minutes later, Joshua's office was filled with tension. Tunde, Adisa, Femi, and Amara were all gathered, watching as the reality of Umaru's counterattack unfolded.

Adisa leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "So, let me get this straight. Umaru somehow pulled strings to freeze multiple accounts?"

Femi, Joshua's assistant, nodded. "Not just that. Our biggest investors are suddenly pulling out. We're bleeding money."

Tunde's jaw clenched. "This bastard works fast."

Joshua tapped his fingers on the table. His mind raced. Umaru wasn't just fighting back—he was dismantling everything.

Amara leaned forward, concern in her eyes. "We need a solution. Fast."

Joshua exhaled. "We need leverage. If he's using politics against us, we need someone bigger on our side."

Tunde smirked. "Sounds like you're calling in the big guns."

Joshua nodded. "Time to pay Chief Okon a visit."

A Meeting with Power

Chief Okon's mansion was a fortress. Guarded gates, high walls, and security cameras everywhere. Inside, the air smelled of expensive cigars and old money.

Joshua and Tunde sat across from the Chief in his dimly lit study. Thick books lined the shelves, and a single glass of whiskey sat untouched on the table.

The Chief studied them with an amused smirk. "I heard you're in a bit of trouble, Joshua."

Joshua didn't smile. "Umaru pulled some strings and froze my accounts. I need them unlocked."

The Chief leaned back, fingers tapping his armrest. "That's not a small favor."

Joshua reached into his jacket and slid a USB drive onto the table. "This is everything I have on Umaru. His illegal dealings, offshore accounts, bribes—everything."

The Chief raised an eyebrow. "And you trust me with this?"

Joshua smirked. "I trust that you hate Umaru more than you like playing neutral."

The Chief chuckled. "Smart boy."

He picked up the USB, examining it. Then he looked at Joshua. Something in his expression shifted.

"You do realize, Joshua, that this fight will only escalate?"

Joshua met his gaze. "I know."

The Chief sighed, swirling his whiskey. Then, after a moment, he grabbed his phone. "I'll make some calls."

Joshua exhaled. One problem down.

A Warning from the Shadows

Later that night, Joshua sat alone in his car, parked in front of his penthouse. The city lights reflected on the windshield, but his mind was elsewhere.

Umaru was getting desperate. That was a good thing. Desperate men made mistakes.

His thoughts were interrupted by his phone buzzing. Unknown Number.

Joshua's eyes narrowed as he answered.

A distorted voice spoke. "You should stop while you can, Joshua."

Joshua's grip tightened. "Who is this?"

A chuckle. "Someone who doesn't want to see you end up dead."

Joshua stayed silent.

The voice continued. "Umaru isn't alone. He has people in places you don't even know exist. Step too far, and you'll find yourself buried in a ditch."

Joshua exhaled slowly. "If you're warning me, that means I'm a threat."

Silence.

Then, the call cut off.

Joshua leaned back in his seat, exhaling. Someone was watching. Someone bigger than Umaru.

The real game was just beginning.

A Moment of Calm

Inside the penthouse, Amara was waiting. She sat on the couch, flipping through her phone, but when she saw Joshua, she frowned.

"You look like you just saw a ghost," she said.

Joshua sat beside her, rubbing his temples. "Something worse."

She didn't ask for details. Instead, she reached over and placed a hand on his. Warm. Steady. Grounding.

"You should rest," she said softly.

Joshua smirked slightly. "You know I can't."

She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Just for a moment, okay? No business, no enemies. Just us."

Joshua hesitated. Then, slowly, he relaxed.

For the first time that night, he let himself breathe.