Billionaire: Money and Power

Chapter 35: Chapter 35 – "Shadows Move in the Dark"



The Silence Before the Storm

The city of Lagos never truly slept, but tonight, it felt different. The air was thick, heavy with something unseen. Joshua stood on his balcony, his phone in one hand, a whiskey glass in the other. The skyline stretched before him, neon lights blinking like distant signals in a war only a few could see.

Behind him, Tunde sat on the couch, scrolling through the files Zainab had given them. His expression was tight, controlled. But Joshua knew him too well—he was pissed.

"These guys don't just control things," Tunde muttered. "They own them. Banks, politicians, security forces… hell, even the damn media. The Order isn't just a secret society, bro. They're a damn government of their own."

Joshua sipped his drink. "That's what makes it fun."

Tunde shot him a look. "You're actually enjoying this?"

Joshua smirked. "I enjoy the challenge."

Tunde sighed, rubbing his temple. "We should be laying low. Instead, you're talking about playing both sides like this is a game of chess."

Joshua's phone vibrated. A message.

Unknown Number: Meet me at The Black Lotus. Midnight.

Joshua stared at the screen, then slipped the phone into his pocket. "Looks like we're about to make our first move."

The Black Lotus

The Black Lotus wasn't the kind of club you found on Google. It was invitation-only, a place where power moved in whispers and drinks cost more than most people's rent.

Joshua and Tunde walked in, moving past the security without a word. Inside, the music was low, the lighting dim. VIP booths lined the walls, filled with politicians, businessmen, and people who weren't supposed to exist.

A woman sat in the farthest booth, her back to the wall, watching everything. Zainab.

Joshua slid into the seat across from her. Tunde remained standing, arms crossed.

Zainab took a slow sip of her drink. "You actually showed up. Thought you'd be smarter than that."

Joshua smirked. "And miss the chance to see what you really want? Never."

She leaned forward. "The Order thinks they own you. That you're just another piece on their board."

Joshua shrugged. "Let them think that."

Zainab's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand, Joshua. They don't play fair. The moment they think you're out of line, they erase you."

Tunde scoffed. "Let them try."

Zainab exhaled, shaking her head. "You're not listening. The Order isn't just powerful. They're connected. You think Umaru was your biggest problem? He was nothing. A pawn. The real players? They don't fight you. They make sure you never existed in the first place."

Joshua leaned back, studying her. "And yet, here you are, warning me. Why?"

Zainab tapped her fingers against her glass. "Because I know what it's like to be used by them. And because, for the first time, they're actually worried about someone."

Joshua smirked. "Me."

Zainab nodded. "You've made them nervous. But that means you have a small window—one chance—to strike first. Before they decide you're not worth the risk."

Joshua's expression didn't change, but his mind was already moving.

"Then let's make them regret ever touching my name."

The Counterattack Begins

Back at the penthouse, Joshua stood in front of a massive board, covered in names, photos, and red string connecting everything like a web of chaos.

Tunde sat at the bar, watching as Joshua mapped out their next move. "So? What's the play?"

Joshua grabbed a marker, drawing a circle around a specific name.

Senator Ifeanyi Okafor.

Tunde frowned. "Okafor? He's been untouchable for years."

Joshua smirked. "Not anymore."

Zainab had given them everything—the Order's financial movements, blackmail files, hidden accounts. And at the center of it all was Okafor.

Joshua turned to Tunde. "We leak just enough to shake him. Force him to make a mistake. The Order is careful, but even they can't protect someone who's exposed."

Tunde grinned. "I like where this is going."

Joshua's eyes gleamed. "Then let's begin."

The First Domino Falls

The next morning, the internet exploded.

Anonymous sources had leaked confidential documents linking Okafor to offshore accounts, bribery, and political manipulation. News stations ran it non-stop. Social media went wild.

Within hours, Okafor was in full damage control mode. He released statements, denied everything, tried to shift the blame.

But Joshua wasn't done.

That night, a second wave of leaks hit. Photos. Recorded phone calls. Evidence so clear that even the Order couldn't clean it up fast enough.

By morning, Okafor was finished.

Tunde watched the news, shaking his head. "Damn. That was fast."

Joshua sipped his coffee, watching the screen. "When you push the right domino, everything else falls on its own."

Then his phone rang.

Unknown Number.

Joshua answered.

A deep, measured voice spoke. "You've made a mistake, Joshua."

Joshua smirked. "Have I?"

A pause. Then, the voice continued. "You think you understand the game. But you don't. You've only seen the surface."

Joshua leaned back. "Then why don't you educate me?"

A chuckle. Cold. Amused.

"You'll learn soon enough. But remember—there are some battles even kings can't win."

The line went dead.

Tunde frowned. "That didn't sound good."

Joshua exhaled, placing his phone on the table.

"No. It sounded like the real game just started."


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