Ayaan Fadel.

Maroudi, Nigeria.

Nailah Ahmed Zayed.

Heir to Zayed Corporation.

Ranked Number One Youngest Business Woman in Maroudi.

Age; 26.

Relationship status; Married.

Husband; Imran AbdulRahman Hadi.

Heir and CEO of Hadi Groups.

Ranked Number One Youngest Business Man in Maroudi.

Age; 28.

I don't know how many times I've read their information. At this point, I know everything about them that there is on paper—and maybe, a few others that aren't on paper too. I wasn't surprised the two outranked Zainab Shamaki and Hakeem Sunusi—the current Sultan of Maroudi and his wife in the business world this year.

The two are getting older, and with them welcoming their first child, their priorities seemed to have change.

Nailah and Imran though are young, and filled with competitive blood in them. Their aim is to dominate the business in Maroudi and beyond. And it seems, they are doing a good job when it comes to that.

I of course needed to check for any loopholes before meeting them to begin with. It's normal to do such stuff, especially since we might potentially be in business with them. Not to mention, they are hosting this year's Maroudi Summit—an event that will mark the very first for me to attend in the current history of Maroudi.

I released a small sigh, and looked out the window as the jet landed in Maroudi's airport. From there, I could spot more than a few jets scattered there—no doubt belonging to the guests outside Maroudi that are attending the summit.

They truly are going all out this time around—inviting only the wealthiest of them all. An invite here is basically a guaranteed pass for the expansion of ones business. I wouldn't mind making a few new connections tomorrow night too.

After all, I have all the time.

I came here well prepared.

"Mr. Fadel, you can step out now." Announced one of the flight attendants as she stood in front of me. Her voice sounded a bit familiar, and if I'm not mistaken, this isn't the first flight she accompanied me.

Pushing those useless thoughts aside, I offered her a small nod that served as her dismissal. Turning my attention back to the papers in front of me, I closed them and kept them aside just in time I heard another set of footsteps approaching me.

My assistant, and right hand man, Saif, made an appearance then. Contrary to my outfit, he donned a navy Kaftan that fitted him snugly; complimenting his dark skin tone. The dude spotted a stupid grin that I itched to wipe away because I'm yet to understand what could be the cause of his good mood.

"Alright, big man!" He clasped his hands together, seemingly more jovial than ever. "It's time to get down to business." His grin widened.

I released another long sigh, already having an inkling how this would end. The day is already bad enough for me, his cheery mood is the last thing I need at this moment. How can a man even be this cheerful please? I mean, there's no occasion in particular that will bring such.

Pushing those thoughts aside, and choosing to ignore him, I got on my feet. Reaching my hand out, I made a quick move to fix the necktie I donned, though there's nothing wrong with it. It's simply an instinct of mine that I do subconsciously.

But like he said, time to get down to business.

Yawing my expression blank, I watched from the corner of my eyes as Saif picked up the documents I was checking out earlier before he quietly strolled behind me as we both made our way out of the jet. On reaching the last step, I met the Captain of the plane who extended his hand out for a firm handshake.

A few conversation with quite a number of people there, I made my way towards the car that was there to pick me up. Truth be told, I was impressed that I couldn't spot a single press there. I didn't want anyone to make a big deal of me arriving. At least, not yet.

They should save the drama for tonight.

One of the escorts pulled open the back door of the Lexus for me. I slipped into it, and almost immediately, the man had closed the door shut behind me. I wasn't startled when the door on the other side opened and Saif popped in.

I would've cared if it was anyone else, but this is Saif in the equation. I would deny it later, but he's family to me. He could pull a number of things, and I'd turn a blind eye to it because he's that important to me.

In no time, the escort got into the front seat and the driver revved the car to life before driving out of the airport and onto the road. The convoy consisted of five cars, the one I'm in the middle with two escorts each in front, and behind.

And yes, this much security is necessary. My mind would be much more at ease now.

I don't know if you've realized, but I'm not just anyone.

I am Ayaan Fadel, and I'm here to turn the game around. Just you watch, they won't see it coming.

~*~

"She seems determined, Sir. I don't think she'd stop despite what she said."

The corner of my lips tilted upwards slightly, as I brought the tumbler to my lips and took a sip of the water. Releasing a small breath, I tapped the glass with my index finger before voicing my reply out. "I would be disappointed if she does." I truly would. "I'm up for a challenge, and what fun would there be if she just gives up this early?"

The woman that stood beside me sighed, and though I wasn't staring at her, I could tell her shoulders slumped along with the action. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. If she was going to back stab her boss, then she should at least have the guts to go through with it.

It's pathetic to see she's scared, though in a way I could understand where she's coming from.

"I would try to stop her, or mislead--"

"Don't bother." I dropped the tumbler on the coffee table beside me, after downing down the liquid in there. "You can go now."

"B-but...Sir--"

"Go."

She didn't argue. I guess she isn't completely stupid. Anyone could tell from my tone that I'm in no mood to listen to whatever it is she wants to spew next. I've already heard what I wanted to, and that was it.

She was light on her feet as she turned around and walked out—the door closing softly behind her and then I was engulfed by the silence. It only lasted a while, because soon enough the door was opened again—this time with so little gentility.

It didn't take a genius to know who it is that graced the room with his not so pleasant presence.

"Fire her." I stated.

I couldn't see his face, but I could he was giving me a look of disbelief. Why should he react that way though? He of all people should know what I'm capable of. "I guess she wasn't of much help."

I pressed my lips together, before I turned around to face Saif. Shaking my head slightly, I settled down on the swivel chair behind the huge mahogany desk, my gaze pinned on him. "The only use she was of was letting Nailah know I've got my people around her."

"Huh?"

"Her." I tipped my finger in the direction where Nailah's assistant just left. "Nailah figured her out." I stated casually, because it was that obvious.

I could tell the woman is unaware, but I knew. Anyone with mind could tell.

If she came here, shaking as she delivered useless information, who's to say she hadn't reacted that way in front of Nailah. Even though I'm yet to meet the woman personally, I know she's smart.

After all, she wouldn't be where she is if she isn't.

This is the survival of the fittest, and only the qualified would last this long.

Saif looked over his shoulder, as if the woman would make an appearance again miraculously. He then shook his head, before his gaze met mine again. "I thought she would've been of some help at least."

Unable to help myself, my lips stretched into a small, ghost smile. "I knew she wouldn't." I waved it off, not giving much care to what just happened.

His head tilted to the side slightly, eyes narrowed at me as if trying to comprehend what's in my head. We both know that's close to impossible though, and he too knew because he gave up without stressing himself over something he has no control over. "You used her." He stated the obvious.

I shrugged slightly. I wouldn't exactly call it 'use'. I mean, I did pay her to do something—even though she was unaware that it isn't what I truly wanted from her.

"Nailah is trying to keep tabs on me. She's already digging, wanting to get some dirt on me." I don't blame her for that, even I'm doing the same thing. However, she's gravely mistaken if she thinks she could easily get something from me. "I thought I would show her a tip of the iceberg. You know, a little showcase of just how easily I could infiltrate whatever she's planning."

Call it a starter, recruiting her assistant that is.

"You knew she would realize it."

"Come on, it was that obvious." Anyone would if they have the same expertise she does. What she's yet to know though, is that I already have people surrounding her. That is something she won't easily figure out. And even if she does, there's more where that comes from.

"That's how they conduct business." Saif stated, his expression yawing grave—the look contrasting his earlier look. "They dig up dirt on someone and use it to blackmail them."

Of course I know that. No one's really a saint in this business.

We all conduct some shady acts, and use whatever means to get what we want. No one gets this far with a clean slate. At least, not where I come from.

One thing I can confidentially say though, is that she will never get what she wants from me using that tactic. On the contrary, how about I turn the tables around on them?

The thought already had me grinning. I won't lie, this is the one thing I love more than anything. For the first time in forever, I am doing what I truly love, and the thought alone excites me.

"I don't know what to take that grin of yours as." Saif stated, eying me warily. "What about Imran? You seem to be focused on Nailah more than him. And in case you've forgotten—which I know you haven't, his family is number one. Even Nailah's family are benefiting from them."

The mention of them had my grin falling, my mood dampening instantly.

"I have that covered, trust me." I didn't need to elaborate. My change of tone and demeanor was enough for him to understand what I mean. As much as Saif is close to me, there's still a hell lot he doesn't know.

If I dare say, he doesn't even know who I truly am.

Keep this facade aside, he doesn't know the other side I keep tucked away. And I wasn't ready to let him see it. If I ever will that is. He's much safer not knowing. There's no telling what would happen if he gets involved.

Reaching out to take a single paper from one of the folders I came with, I placed the paper on the table and shifted it towards him. "For now, I'm starting with her."

He took a few steps towards the table, before picking up the paper—his eyes skimming over the words written there. His brows then drew in, lips slanted into a deep frown. "Basma Wambai?"

I nodded, the wheels in my head turning in a rate faster than normal. "A nemesis of Nailah, and a very close friend of Imran."

He quirked a brow, and in response, my smirk only widened.

Now, the game begins.

And in case you didn't get it before, this is personal to me.