Chapter 2

The loud clang of my alarm broke the early morning silence, dragging me out of bed by 5:30 AM. My heart pounded—not from the sound, but from anticipation. Today marked the start of something new. My first day at Jeremy Law Firm—a place where dreams either rose or crashed. I took a deep breath, said a short prayer, and got ready.

By 7:30 AM, I was dressed in a navy-blue skirt suit. My bun was neat, makeup subtle, and my heels clicked confidently on the pavement. The law firm was just a fifteen-minute walk from my house. I arrived ten minutes early, determined to make a strong first impression.

Inside, the reception area gleamed with professionalism. I approached the front desk with a polite smile.

“Good morning, ma’am,” I greeted.

The secretary looked up. “Good morning. How may I help you?”

“I’m the new lawyer in the criminal division, Miss Lily Adebayo.”

Her face brightened. “Oh! Welcome. You’re expected. Please head to the CEO’s office—top floor, first door on your right.”

“Thank you,” I replied warmly.

I stepped into the elevator and found a tall lady in a tight red dress already inside. She glanced at me coldly.

“Good morning,” I offered.

She rolled her eyes and looked away. Rude.

The elevator doors opened on the top floor, and before I could step out, she pushed past me like she owned the building. I brushed it off and located the CEO’s office. Knocking gently, I waited.

“Come in!” a firm voice called.

I stepped inside, slightly taken aback. The CEO was a middle-aged woman seated confidently behind a mahogany desk, a pair of reading glasses perched on her nose.

“Good day, ma,” I greeted.

She gestured toward a seat. “You’re Lily Adebayo?”

“Yes, ma.”

“You’ve been assigned to the criminal division. It’s one of the most demanding departments. I hope you’re ready.”

“I am, ma.”

“Good. Be sharp, focused, and above all—confidentiality is non-negotiable. This firm thrives on trust.”

“Yes, ma. I understand.”

She handed me an envelope. “Here’s your appointment letter and a copy of the firm’s policies. Read and adhere strictly.”

“Thank you so much.”

Just as I stood to leave, the door burst open.

“Mum! That foolish secretary refused to approve my shopping allowance!” The same lady from the elevator stormed in.

I froze. Mum?

The CEO sighed. “Stella, not now.”

“But why? I want to go shopping with my friends!”

“Leave my office, Stella.”

“Mum!”

“Now!”

With a loud hiss, Stella turned and slammed the door behind her.

The CEO shook her head. “Sorry about that. That’s my daughter. Try not to let her distract you.”

I forced a smile. “Yes, ma.”

I left her office, mentally preparing myself for the chaos I had just witnessed. What a dramatic welcome.

At the criminal division, I was greeted by a serious-looking woman named Miss Flora who barely acknowledged me. The orientation was brisk and firm. No lateness, no disrespect, proper dress code—and confidentiality was sacred. Violating it meant immediate dismissal.

Without delay, I was assigned my first case: a high-profile land dispute involving a powerful businessman—Mr. Samuel Tejumola. The case had already led to several deaths. I was to meet him the following Monday.

By 5 PM, work was done. I returned home exhausted. After freshening up, I cooked a simple meal and called Mama.

“My flower, how was your day?” her warm voice filled my ears.

“I’ve started work, Mama. It was... interesting.”

“God will bless your hustle. Greet Papa and Kemi for me.”

“I will. Goodnight, Mama.”

That night, I drifted off to sleep smiling. For the first time in a long while, things seemed to be falling into place.

The next morning, I arrived early again. Miss Flora barely responded when I greeted her. I ignored it and focused on studying Mr. Tejumola’s case file. It was messy—layers of land fraud, suspicious deaths, political ties, and intense public scrutiny. Still, I was determined to stand out.

On Friday after work, I visited my thrift store to restock. Oyinlola, the young girl managing it, had done well. Sales were up, and the shop was neat and organized. I tipped her generously, sent money home, and cleared my monthly taxes.

By Monday morning, I found myself standing in front of Tejumola Tech & Co., a towering glass skyscraper that loomed above the city. The security at the front desk called ahead, then directed me to the top floor.

I knocked on the polished wooden door.

“Come in,” a deep voice replied.

I stepped inside—and paused.

Mr. Samuel Tejumola stood by the window, tall and broad-shouldered, his dark skin glowing under soft light. He wore a tailored navy-blue suit that hugged his form with precision. His Rolex gleamed. His cologne whispered wealth and power.

“You must be Miss Lily,” he said, turning to face me.

“Yes. Lily Adebayo. From Jeremy Law Firm.”

He extended a hand. “Ah. My lawyer.”

As our hands met, his grip was firm. His eyes studied me—intense and unreadable. There was something in that gaze. Something unsettling. A quiet warning wrapped in charm.

“Please, sit,” he said, gesturing to a chair.

We discussed the case, but it was difficult to focus. His words were clear, his voice calm, but a flicker of darkness lurked behind his smile.

After thirty minutes, he leaned back, a slight smile on his lips. “You’re sharp. I like that.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I have a feeling this partnership will be... interesting.”

I forced a polite smile. “I’m here to do my job, sir.”

“Of course. But be careful, Miss Lily. In this game, truth and lies look alike. Only the smart ones survive.”

His words hung in the air like smoke.

I stood, shook his hand once more, and walked out. My heart pounded as the elevator doors closed behind me.

In the mirrored wall, I caught my reflection—composed on the outside, but trembling inside.

This wasn’t just another case.

This was something deeper.

Something darker.

And deep down, I knew—I had just walked into a lion’s den.