Ayaan Fadel.

Maroudi, Nigeria.

"What are you doing?" Saif questioned, trailing behind me with quickened steps in an attempt to catch up to me.

I blinked, blowing out a small, barely visible sigh. "Setting a trap." I reached my hand out to remove the buttons of the suit I have on. From the corner of my eyes, flashes came as the press insistently snapped pictures and videos, following the end of my press conference.

The loud murmurs from them still followed even after leaving the conference room of BlackAce—a simple favor granted to me by a business friend, Sultan Hakeem. I could've held the conference at Galaxy Hotel, but I meant it when I said the last thing I needed was for the press to know where I live.

People are still yet to know I've acquired the building, and I'd rather keep it along with my residence a secret for now.

Besides, BlackAce seems like the perfect place for this. Everything always happens here, and I'm certain Zainab Shamaki makes a ton from it. It's a good thing I get along with both her and her husband...making allies is necessary in the business world.

I could feel Saif's disapproving look on me, clearly wanting to say more about my sudden decision, but he didn't get the chance to do so as we stepped out of the building, and were swamped by a crowd of reporters again.

My guards hastily assembled themselves around me, following Saif's led as they circled me, making sure the reporters get nowhere near. It was hard to keep them at bay, since they are as persistent as they come but my people did just that.

Unfortunately, they weren't able to stop the flashes that threatened to blind me, but I didn't care. I've been in this position countless times that I'm used to it. There was a time in my life that this would've given me a panic attack, but I learned to get accustomed to it the hard way.

The thought of it had my expression turning grave, my mind going back to my dark days. It all flashed right before my eyes, but I was quick to rid my head of those thoughts. Now is not the time to allow myself to be pulled back into that dark abyss.

We reached where the cars were parked, and the back door was hastily opened for me and wordlessly, I got in—the door closed behind me immediately.

The door to my left was opened, just in time the passenger door was pulled open as well. One of the guards stepped into the passenger seat, and Saif got in beside me. I meant it when is said he's more like a brother to me—else he wouldn't have dared to sit beside me.

He's the only one I allow to do so.

The driver revved the car to life and almost immediately, the cars were pulling out of BlackAce; the one I'm in the middle as we drove away from the prying eyes. We knew some would follow since they don't know when to stop. So, when he reached a certain point, all three identical cars went different paths to confuse the ones following.

My car went in the direction of my parents house, where I would stay for the time being. All throughout the drive, I could feel Saif occasional glares—clearly having a lot to say. He held it to himself though considering we have company. But, I know he would talk my ears off the minute we're out of sight, and I'm not sure I want to listen to it.

My phone pinged incessantly, along with the various phone calls that keep coming through. Picking out, my gaze fell on the caller ID that had the corner of my lips quirking up slightly.

Imran Hadi. It read, just in time the call ended, and then his name was displayed along with other missed calls.

He had already called more than five times, and I have no doubt he would've made his way over to my penthouse had it not been for the sudden press conference. I have no doubt he would've given me a piece of his mind, and even now, I am not entirely losing hope in that.

My mind drifted back to my conversation with him just about two hours ago.

I was standing by the windows when I heard footsteps approaching me. I ignored it, knowing it must've been Saif. After all, he was standing by the door last time I recalled. However, when the footsteps stopped and no words came, I found myself turning around to see who it was.

I admit, I was slightly taken aback to see Imran standing there—despite the fact that we had an arrangement just an hour ago. "Mr. Hadi..."

"I'm sorry, I ran into a little problem on my way here." He apologized calmly, seeming sincere. Truth be told, I couldn't care less that he was late though, or that he didn't show up throughout.

I would say it turned out for the best for me. I couldn't have disclosed Nailah's identity in front of him. It's too early for that. Besides, it wouldn't be fair for me to strike without at least giving her a head start.

My lips stretched into a small smile. "Don't worry about it. Such stuff happen."

He didn't make another move to apologize. He simply shifted his gaze around the place, as if seeking for someone...his wife.

"She left." I stated, answering his unvoiced question. "Your wife...she left earlier."

His lips parted slightly, probably surprised that we had finished that early, or maybe without him? I have no idea. He then nodded, not giving much thought to it. "I suppose you've talked everything out then?" He inquired, indicating to the whole business thing. "Are we on the same page here?"

"I can't possibly say." I sighed. "You should check up on your wife though. She seemed unwell when she left." He may try to hide it, but it's pretty obvious to me that the man cares about her a great deal.

Who is he trying to fool?

She is his weakness. And that's what makes her a target to me.

Imran's a smart man. I guess one of the reasons he tries to hide his feeling towards her, aside from that fake 'loving' relationship in the eyes of the public is so people can't tell she's his weakness.

So, in simple words, I've already discovered both their weakness.

For her, it's her true identity. And for him, her.

Even then, he tried to hide his feelings but failed woefully. His brows drew in, lips slanted into a deep frown. "She seemed unwell?" He questioned, seeming to not believe me.

I nodded nonetheless. "Yes, you should check on her." I left out the part that it's because of me. He'll figure that out on his own.

He blinked, going quiet for a few seconds as the wheels in his head turned. When he made up his mind, he focused his gaze back on me again. "I'll take my leave now then. I hope we can reschedule and talk about business again. I'll be sure to be present this time around."

"Try to do so then. It would be unfortunate if you don't show up a second time." I couldn't pretend his absence means nothing even though I don't care truly. That doesn't mean I will give him the impression that he can do whatever he want around me.

I am still a businessman—an important one for that matter.

He didn't say a word more, he simply gave me a curt nod before he turned around and walked out; his strides a bit faster than when he came here.

"Can you now tell me what the hell that was about?" Saif was quick to voice out his question the minute we were out of sight. The driver and guards had drove off to the parking lot, leaving me and Saif to stroll into my parents house together.

I sighed, and took off the suffocating suit. "It's just like I said, I'm setting a trap." The thought had me smiling.

And the action had Saif looking at me as if I had lost a few screws. I don't blame him to be honest, I'm certain I look like that. Perhaps, he's even right to think so.

I just did something crazy.

He reached his hand out to stop me, as he did the same before narrowing his eyes at me. "How can you even afford to smile right now? You just announced on TV that you're partnering up with Hadi Groups. You haven't even discussed it with them yet, much less agreed to anything!"

"Yes, but now we will."

He stared at me for a few seconds more, before he suddenly scoffed—shaking his head in the process as he murmured something along the lines of me losing my mind. When he was done, he threw me another glare. "It's like you still don't understand the extent to what you did."

"I do." I'm not stupid. I won't put my business on the line no matter what.

Every decision I make is for a reason.

Saif ran a frustrated hand down his face, and at this rate, I'm sure he'll age faster than he's supposed to. The poor man is putting himself through quite a lot of stress. "Ayaan, my phone and yours is blowing up. We just announced a business partnership with one of the biggest companies in the country. Do you know what would happen if people know it's a lie?"

"Who said it's a lie?"

"What?"

"It will happen." I know it would. After all, isn't this what they wanted. And no, I didn't forget the promise I made to Basma—she would get what she wants too as long as she stops blowing up my phone with missed calls as well.

A scoff came from Saif, clearly not getting my logic. And, I don't expect him too. "Enlighten me then." He crossed his hands in front of me. "Tell me what your big plan is, Mr. Fadel?"

"AbdulRahman Hadi." I turned around to face him fully. "He's my plan."

Saif's brows drew in suddenly, his expression taking a turn from fury to confusion. "Imran's father? What about him?"

My larking expression disappeared, as it took a sudden turn to a serious one. Now that we're talking business, I'm no longer in a mood to joke around. "Why did you think he sent his daughter-in-law and son to strike a deal with me in his stead?"

Saif's frown deepened as he thought about my question. He must've picked the first thing that crossed his mind and seemed rational enough. "Because they are the future of his business?"

"No." That isn't it. Clicking my tongue, I then voiced out the real reason. "Despite his interest in cooperating with me, he still doesn't believe I'm worth him meeting me in person. He thought I was just like others he could send his minions to get." That isn't my ego speaking, it's facts.

I meant it when I said I did my background check on them all.

AbdulRahman Hadi only personally strike deals with those of the highest caliber—people he sees as potential threats to him that he cannot have as enemies.

He doesn't deem me a worthy opponent, and that's what I wanted to change.

Saif blinked, trying to make sense of my response. "And how is this supposed to change his decision?"

"Do you think just anyone can dare to pull the stunt I did?" I rose a slight brow, already knowing the answer. "I'm not answering any calls, and neither are you if it doesn't come from him. Got it?"

He still didn't seem convinced. However, before he could answer, or before I could realize it, the sound of heavy footsteps reached our ears. And before we could turn around and see who it was, a punch landed squarely on my jaw that had me taking staggering steps back.

I hate to admit it, but it hurts like a bitch.

Reaching my hand to cradle my sore jaw, I flicked my head up only for my gaze to fall on my assaulter.

The one and only Imran Hadi.

Instead of feeling offended and angry, I found myself chuckling at the furious look he's sporting.

Seems like I pulled a nerve.