I was too shocked to move, and the look on Ibukun's face wasn't helping. He didn't look surprised-just eerily calm. My chest tightened as the noise around me grew louder.

"Someone call the police!"
"What's happening?"
"Is there a killer here?"

I clenched my fists. Think, Yemisi, think! The man who just ran out-he's the lead. I had to act fast.

I turned toward the elevator but froze. It was swarming with people, shouting and shoving to get in. The stairs? No, not in these heels. Besides, it was ten floors down.

Then it clicked. The roof.

"Yes," I whispered, darting to the staircase. I climbed as fast as I could, my breath heavy in my ears.

When I reached the rooftop, I spotted him. A man bolted out of the lobby below, running toward a motorcycle.

"There you are," I murmured, watching as he climbed onto the bike. My eyes zeroed in on the plate number. I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"Hello, police? There's been a murder at Empire Hotel. The suspect is fleeing on a motorcycle, plate number [XXXXXX]. He's heading toward Asiwaju Road. Please hurry!"

Once I ended the call, I leaned against the railing for a moment, catching my breath. I had done my part. Now, I had to go back. I needed answers, and Ibukun was the only place to start.

---

Back in the Hall, the noise in the hall had simmered into hushed murmurs. Guests lingered in uneasy groups, whispering and glancing toward the spot where the CEO had been shot.

Ibukun stood by the bar, a glass of wine in hand, sipping as though nothing had happened.

"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, storming toward him. "Ibukun!"

He turned, raising a brow. "Yemisi. You look... determined."

"Determined? Your father was just killed, and you're drinking wine?"

Ibukun swirled the glass. "What would you have me do? Cry in public? Cause a scene? That won't bring him back, will it?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, the doors burst open.

"Where is he?"

It was Emeka. He strode in with the police and paramedics, his face twisted with anger and grief. He spotted me almost immediately.

"Yemisi? What are you doing here?" He hurried to me, his voice softer now. "Are you okay? Did you see anything?"

"I-"

Ibukun interrupted, his voice smooth. "Emeka, don't overwhelm her. She's probably still shaken."

Emeka turned to him, his tone sharp. "Oh, now you care about someone's feelings? You were here when Dad was killed, and you did nothing?"

Ibukun smirked. "I wasn't exactly in a position to stop a bullet."

"Bastard!" Emeka snarled, punching him square in the jaw.

"Stop!" I stepped between them as Ibukun staggered back, wiping his lip. "This isn't helping anyone!"

Ibukun glared at his brother. "You always did have a temper."

Before things could escalate further, I heard my name.

"Yemisi!"

I turned to see Olaleye, Claire, and Ireti rushing toward me.

"Where have you been?" Claire asked, her voice trembling. "We were so worried!"

Ireti's eyes flicked to Ibukun, her expression immediately darkening. "Why are you even here?" she snapped at him, then turned to Emeka with a much softer tone. "It's good to see you again, Emeka."

"Ireti," Emeka said, his tone gentler. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Let me take you both home," Emeka said, addressing Ireti and me. "You shouldn't have to deal with this right now."

I shook my head. "We'll be fine. I can drive us."

Emeka hesitated but eventually nodded. As we left, I glanced back at Ibukun. His expression was unreadable, but the memory of that phone call haunted me.

---

Days Later

Ireti and I hadn't returned to work since the murder. The firm was still sorting out the mess, and neither of us had the energy to face the questions that awaited us.

That afternoon, a sharp knock at the door interrupted our silence. I opened it to find Mrs. Johnson, the late CEO's wife, glaring at me.

"Where's Ireti?" she demanded, not even bothering with a greeting.

"Good afternoon to you, too," I said, crossing my arms.

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't play games with me, girl. Fetch her."

"I'm not your servant, Mrs. Johnson. And if you want to talk to Ireti, you can wait."

Ireti appeared behind me, her expression tired but polite. "Mrs. Johnson, how can I help you?"

"You can start by showing me the will," Mrs. Johnson snapped.

"I've told you before," Ireti said, her voice calm but firm. "The will is to be read on Monday. I can't disclose its contents before then."

Mrs. Johnson's lips thinned into a tight line. "I should've known your lot would be useless." She spun on her heel and left without another word.

Ireti sighed heavily, closing the door. "This is the fifth time someone's tried to pressure me about the will. I can't take much more of this."

---
On Monday, Ireti and I attended the reading. Ada, Emeka's sister, greeted us warmly, her presence a small comfort amidst the tension in the room.

Ireti began reading the will, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

Finally, she reached the part everyone was waiting for.

"All assets, properties, and the position of CEO of the firm will go to..."

She paused, glancing at me before continuing.

"...Ibukun Johnson."

Gasps filled the room as all eyes turned to him.

Ibukun leaned back in his chair, a slow, wicked smile spreading across his face.

"Well," he drawled, "looks like I'm in charge now."

I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the growing knot of suspicion in my chest.