The conference room at Xenith Global Holdings was filled with quiet conversation until the glass door slid open. Adekunle walked in, tall and composed his expression unreadable. The room fell silent almost immediately.
He took his seat at the head of the table, glanced at his tablet, and said, "Alright team, let's start."
The meeting began with reports from the different departments: finance, marketing, operations. Adekunle listened, tapping his pen occasionally against the table. He wasn't the kind of boss who spoke unnecessarily, but when he did, everyone paid attention.
At thirty-five, Adekunle Adedeji was one of the youngest CEOs in Lagos, and easily one of the most talked about. The son of business magnate Femi Adedeji, Adekunle had not only inherited his father's empire but also elevated it, crafting a reputation that far surpassed the legacy before him.
His sharp instincts, confidence, and presence made him both admired and feared in equal measure.
After the meeting, the HR manager, Oyin Coleman, lingered as others packed their files.
"Sir, a quick update," she said. "A new staff member will be joining the accounting department from our Accra branch in about two weeks. She's being transferred."
Adekunle looked up. "What's her name?"
"Tamara Owusu-Addo."
He nodded once. "Has everything been arranged for her arrival?"
"Yes, sir," Oyin replied. "Accommodation has been secured. Ms. Zara will help her settle in when she gets here."
"Good," he said, already turning back to his tablet. "Keep me updated when she arrives."
"Yes, sir."
Adekunle had a presence that filled any room he entered. He was dark-skinned, and muscular, with a jawline sharp enough to be sculpted, white teeth that flashed in a rare smile, and a neatly shaved beard that framed his face perfectly. Handsome in a way that drew attention without effort, he carried himself with the ease of someone born into power but shaped by discipline.
He held a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration from Oxford University, qualifications that matched his sharp mind and keen instinct for business. As the CEO of Xenith Global Holdings and heir to the Adedeji Empire, he commanded respect with a glance and made decisions that affected thousands.
Adekunle lived in a mansion on Banana Island, one of Lagos's most exclusive neighborhoods. His cars reflected his taste and success: a Cadillac Escalade for daily drives, a Lamborghini and Ferrari for when he wanted to impress or escape the city's routine.
Known as the King of Lagos Parties, he was the life of every gathering. He loved the city's nightlife, boat cruises around Lagos Island, and the company of beautiful women. He avoided committed relationships, valuing freedom over attachment, yet beneath the carefree surface was a man who took life seriously and never left anything to chanceBottom of Form
***
Tamara folded the last of her clothes into her suitcase. In between packing sessions, she dedicated every spare moment to her family. These days were characterized by long, deep conversations and quiet moments that tasted bittersweet. They ate dinner slowly, dragging out the simple rituals they had taken for granted.
"Tammy, have packed everything?" Auntie Kate asked as she came in, wiping her hands on a towel.
"I'm almost done, mummy" Tamara said. "I'll finish tonight.
"I was talking to a course mate," Jemayah said "About Lekki. They say it's enormous, Tammy. I'm pretty sure you're going to love it." "You'll be fine, sis. Lagos people just like noise and show-off. You'll fit in after a week or two."
Tamara paused, and looked at her sister and gave a faint smile.
"You're the smartest person I know. You got a First Class, you handle Mr. Koomson's temper, and you keep this whole family afloat. You will master Lagos too."
Jemayah's faith was absolute, and it was the strongest antidote to Tamara's fear.
***
The scent of roasted chicken and fried rice drifted through the dining room. Adekunle sat at the polished table, fork hovering over his plate, glancing briefly at the spacious living area beside him before focusing on the meal in front of him. Just then, soft footsteps echoed from the staircase that led down from the upper floor.
Adebimpe appeared, descending the stairs with effortless grace. She wore a red bodycon halter-neck dress that hugged her curves, a bone-straight wig framing her face, Louboutin heels clicking against the steps, and a sleek clutch in hand. Her makeup was flawless, highlighting every feature perfectly.
Adebimpe was Adekunle's younger sister, a proper Lagos baddie with style and confidence. She had graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Business Administration to please their father, but her real passion was music. She dreamed of becoming a star like Tiwa Savage, and she had already signed a record deal with Tosin, her brother's best friend who was also her boyfriend. Living with Adekunle after a fight with their parents over her choice of career, she embraced every opportunity to slay, whether at home, on social media, or out in Lagos.
"Hi, baby girl," Adekunle said, eyes lighting up. "You're looking absolutely stunning. Where are you off to?"
"Hi, boo," she replied with a grin, a hint of mischief in her tone. "I have a date with Tosin."
Adekunle chuckled and waved a hand. "Give me a full 360."
Adebimpe spun slowly, letting him admire the movement, and he giggled softly, unable to hide his amusement.
She stopped and leaned casually against the table. "By the way, can I borrow your Ferrari tonight?"
He leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "No problem. The keys are on the console. Try not to destroy it."
Adebimpe laughed, leaned in, and pecked him on the cheek. "I'll be careful, big brother." She grabbed the keys. When she returned a few moments later, Adekunle called after her. "Drive safe and come back early."
"Okay, bro," she said, flashing him a playful smile before leaving.
***
Tamara hugged her mother tightly, as her chest was filled with emotion. Jemayah held her hand, not letting go.
"Promise me you'll call as soon as you land," Auntie Kate said. "And watch yourself, okay?"
"I will, mummy," Tamara said, voice shaking. "I promise."
Jemayah grinned, teasing despite the worry in her eyes. "Tammy, you have to loosen up. Lagos isn't the end of the world. Everything will be okay."
Tamara forced a weak smile. "Easy for you to say. You're not in my shoes."
Jemayah laughed. "True. But you'll survive. And if anything goes wrong, I'll come for you. Don't forget, I'm the little sister with backup skills."
Tamara shook her head, laughing through her nerves. "You're impossible Jem."
She lifted her suitcase and climbed into the company car. The driver started the engine, and they pulled away, leaving the quiet streets of Oyarifa behind.
At the airport, she checked in and took a seat in the departure hall. An announcement said her flight was delayed for an hour because of bad weather. She exhaled and leaned back, watching travelers bustle around her.
Finally, the plane was boarded. Tamara pressed her hand against the window as the engines roared to life. The takeoff made her stomach flip, but she forced herself to breathe steadily.
After just over an hour, the plane touched down in Lagos. She walked into the arrivals hall and spotted four people waiting. One held a sign with her name on it.
"Hi, you must be Tamara," a woman said warmly. "I'm Zara, senior accountant here, and this is Oyin, our HR associate."
Oyin gave a small wave. "Welcome to Lagos, Miss Tamara."
"I'm glad to meet you both," Tamara said, trying so much to hide her nerves.
"We'll take you to your apartment now," Zara said. "It's fully furnished in Ikoyi, close to the office. I'm sure you're going to like it."
"Thank you," Tamara replied, sliding into the car.
The streets of Lagos were alive with honking horns, shouting vendors, and people moving in every direction. Tamara gripped her bag tightly, letting the city's energy wash over her.
"So, how long have you been working with Xenith?" she asked.
"Five years," Zara replied. "I started as a junior accountant like you. It's been amazing throughout these years."
"And Oyin? What about you?" Tamara asked.
"I handle HR for the office," Oyin said. "Mostly staff matters and onboarding. I've been working with the company for close to ten years."
"I see," Tamara nodded. The conversation eased some of her anxiety.
Soon, they arrived at a modern, fully furnished apartment. Zara unlocked the door and gestured inside.
Inside, everything looked new, a one-bedroom space with cream walls, polished tiled floors, and a faint scent of lemon air freshener. The living area held a soft grey couch, a small glass table, and a flat-screen TV mounted neatly on the wall. A sliding door led to a narrow balcony overlooking a cluster of palm trees and rooftops.
The kitchen was compact but well-equipped with a microwave, kettle, and a small fridge that hummed softly. The bedroom had a queen-sized bed dressed in white sheets, a wardrobe, and a large glass window that caught the evening light just right.
"Here we are," she said. "Take a look around and get settled. There's everything you need. The fridge has also been stocked with some foodstuff."
Tamara set down her bag and looked around. "It's perfect. I love it. Thank you."
"Once you're settled," Zara said, "a driver will pick you up tomorrow morning to bring you to the office. That way, you can meet the staff properly and get oriented."
"That's good to know," Tamara said, nodding her head twice.
Oyin added, "We'll also show you where to shop, eat, and get around. Lagos can be confusing at first, but you'll manage."
"I appreciate that," Tamara said. "I was nervous about coming here. I've lived in Accra all my life and I've never for once travelled out of Ghana."
Zara patted her hand. "You won't be alone. You'll get used to this city, faster than you think."
"Thank you so much, really," Tamara said as they stood at the door.
"You're welcome," Zara replied. "We'll check in on you tomorrow. Get some rest, okay?"
"I will," Tamara said softly, watching as they left. The silence that followed was heavy but comforting.
When they left, Tamara called her mother.
"Mummy, I've arrived safely," she said.
"Oh, thank God," Auntie Kate said, her voice filled with relief. "May God protect you and guide your steps."
"Amen, Mummy," Tamara whispered, feeling calmer.