Chapter 4: Networking Night
2057words
My phone vibrated on the small table where I put coffee, interrupting the heavy quiet. It was Ayo, who is like my closest friend; her voice was full of excitement that spread as she quickly talked about a fancy party she wished for me to go to with her.
"Eki! Come on, girl," Ayo pleaded. You have the opportunity to meet and spend time with the important people of Lagos. Think about all the possible clients you could meet, and how much networking you can do!
Ayo, she has bright red hair and her laughter is so loud it could be heard across a big stadium. She is very different from my quiet personality. Ayo loves being at social events where she moves among groups of people with ease, and her charm works like a magic key that opens up opportunities. While I deeply desired to express my creative ideas through innovative architecture, Ayo was passionate about pursuing the excitement found in making business deals, her drive as limitless as the skyline of Lagos.
"I am not sure, Ayo," I said quietly, feeling very tired. "Following what happened last night, I do not feel like going to grand parties."
"Exactly why you need to go!" she countered. "Distract yourself! Mingle! Additionally, you can't predict the individuals you might encounter. Perhaps even a person capable of assisting with understanding this complicated situation related to the Moonlight Lease.
Her speech touched something inside. The agreement called Moonlight Lease, which Yemi had hinted at before felt like a weight in the atmosphere. Maybe the important people at this Lagos gathering could have a way to unlock its mysteries. I gave in with a breath of giving up.
"Alright, alright," I conceded. "You win. But only because you promised the most breathtaking sunset views and free-flowing champagne."
Ayo made a happy sound, her excitement catching and very much appreciated. Time went quickly with lots of things happening while Ayo changed my look from a worried architect to someone who looked simply but beautifully dressed.
The place was a big house on the edge of a cliff with views over the Atlantic Ocean. The smell in the air was like costly perfume and rare flowers while four musicians played string instruments to welcome those who were coming. Ladies wearing sparkling dresses moved smoothly past, their laughter sounded like little bells. Gentlemen in suits that fit just right were deep in lively talks, their talking sounds mixing with the noise of glasses touching each other.
Ayo, very good at socializing, moved through the people with ease. She introduced me to important individuals like those who collect art, leaders in building businesses and a famous architect known for challenging norms. When I shared my ideas about the Moonlight Glow project and talked of adding Oshun's spirit into it, their encouraging reactions caught me off guard. The concept of a cultural centre that celebrated Lagos' vibrant heritage resonated with them.
All at once, my heart missed a beat when I saw someone on the other side of the room. It was Dapo, looking different with a serious face, talking to some older men who looked very influential and rich. My belly tightened, feeling both nervous and interested. Why was he present here?
Ayo, seeing where I was looking, turned her head the same way. Her forehead got wrinkled when she saw it was Dapo.
"Eki, that's…" she began, her voice a low murmur.
"Dapo Olumide," I completed her sentence, the name creating a sour feeling on my tongue.
"He is not a person you should involve yourself with," Ayo cautioned, her tone filled with worry. "His family has control over almost half of Lagos." And rumour has it, they have a… complicated history."
Curious even though I didn't expect to be, I observed Dapo from a distance. He looked nervous, his gaze moving over the people like he was looking for a particular person. Our gazes crossed very briefly, a small sign of knowing each other was there. He nodded shortly then looked away fast.
A shiver ran down my spine. Was his presence here a coincidence? Was he looking for me? A feeling of discomfort came over me, driven by the lasting shadows from last night.
All at once, I noticed a disturbance close to where the food was served. A woman with bright red hair and an expression full of anger and surprise seemed to be in a very intense discussion with some men. It was Yemi, her meticulously maintained facade crumbling under the weight of her frustration.
"This is outrageous!" she spat, her voice barely above a whisper. This project belongs to me just as much as it does to Dapo; you will not succeed in doing this.
My heart jumped to my throat. Yemi's words were repeating the talk we had on top of the building, making clear what I suspected about Moonlight Lease and some secret partnership. But what was the nature of this partnership? And how was Yemi being excluded?
Before I had time to think more about it, Ayo, who is always very sociable, took my arm and guided me to where the drama was happening.
"Come on," she hissed. "Let's see what the gossip is all about."
We moved closer carefully, the sound from the people becoming quieter while everyone looked at Yemi and the men. A man with a large body and a big gold chain on his neck made a mocking face towards her.
"Don't be a fool, Yemi," he scoffed. "You know the terms of the agreement. One year. After that, the project reverts to the consortium."
His speech made me suddenly understand. The Moonlight Lease – it was not a deal between the Olumide family and Lagos officials. There was an agreement between Dapo and a team of investors, a powerful group that influenced the project significantly. It seemed as if Yemi had been excluded from this arrangement somehow.
Yemi's face hardened, her voice laced with defiance. "We had a deal, Henry. Don't think you can rewrite the rules now."
"Deals can change, Yemi," Henry replied, his voice full of self-satisfied smugness. "Especially if another person comes with a... more interesting proposal."
He looked at Dapo, who was quiet on the other side of the room with a face that showed no emotion. Is it because Dapo likes my design? Is it acting like this, to make these investors take over control of our work?
A surge of annoyance flooded through me. These influential individuals were toying with my dreams and enthusiasm as if they were mere pawns in a game that was beyond my comprehension. I wasn't just an architect anymore; I was a pawn in their power struggle.
A new voice broke the quiet all at once. A woman, both tall and graceful, with a face of noble qualities and sharp eyes that hold your gaze, walked into the middle of it all.
"Stop this now," she said with a strong voice. "We are here to socialize, not to talk about work." Take your squabbles elsewhere."
The people separated, making a way for the lady. All appeared to recognize her, with expressions that combined admiration and a bit of fright. Ayo gasped beside me.
"That's… that's Madam Olumide," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "Dapo's grandmother."
Madam Olumide looked at Yemi, her expression becoming very serious. "Yemi Ajayi," she called out to her with a formal tone that was not warm. I believe you will make the Moonlight Glow project go without any problems. Your good name has already reached me before this.
Yemi lowered her head, a hint of something like defeat passing over her face. Then she looked at Henry and his friends one more time with determination before she turned around and walked away from the group quickly.
Madam Olumide turned her look to Dapo, her eyes going over his face. They had a quiet talk without speaking, one that went beyond words. Next, she gave him a quick nod and then turned to the other people in the room, putting back on her kind smile.
The feeling of tension that was in the room went away as fast as it had appeared. People at the party started talking again, and their voices of happiness were heard around once more. But for me, the mood remained heavy with unspoken truths and hidden agendas.
Ayo, feeling my distress, pressed my arm to comfort me and whispered, "We should leave this place." "This place is giving me bad vibes."
While we were moving through the many people to get out, I had to look one more time at Dapo. He was by himself now, just one person surrounded by lots of others. Once again our gazes connected, and his face showed a mix of many feelings. Could it be that I saw a small sign of sorry in his look? Or was it something else entirely?
The uncovering of the Moonlight Lease and the visible fight for control it showed made the project's situation more complex. The first enthusiasm I had for Moonlight Glow got less bright when I learned about secret individuals manipulating things behind the scenes. Can I keep being involved with this project morally, when I know it's just a tool in their strategy?
When I walked outside into the chilly evening atmosphere, the importance of my choice felt heavy upon me. Far away, the city lights were shining little spots, like they were showing what could be possible with our Moonlight Glow plan. As time went on, the dream began to fade and a feeling of discomfort took its place. The event for upper-class networking turned into a field full of secrets and concealed plans.
"Eki, are you okay?" Ayo's concerned voice broke through my thoughts.
I am not sure, I confessed. Feeling confused and without direction. This Moonlight Glow project... has turned into something more than just design work. It's a power struggle, a game I don't even understand the rules of."
Ayo let out a sigh, her face showing a small amount of sadness. "Look," she started to say in a soft voice. Your way of seeing things is special, Eki. It's a vision that connects well with the Lagos people. Don't let these power players hijack your dream."
Her speech ignited a small flame of resolve inside me. Although I did not fully grasp Moonlight Lease's depths or why the consortium acted as they did, one truth stood out – I needed to keep my creative vision free from their influence.
"You are correct," I spoke, my voice stronger. "Perhaps this event was not completely negative in the end." It made me see the larger view. They won't manipulate my design as a simple piece in their game. I will discover a method to turn the Moonlight Glow project into an authentic festivity of Lagos, according to my conditions.
Ayo's face lit up with a smile. "That's the Eki I know!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a hug. "Now, come on. Let's get some real food and figure out your next move."
As we moved from the grand house, the night air in Lagos seemed not so heavy. The road forward was unclear yet, but inside me, there sparked a fresh determination. I would find my way through the complex paths of Moonlight Lease, reveal its secret plans and make sure that Oshun's spirit runs through the centre of my design, showing the lively essence of Lagos.
Still, a small worry stayed in my mind. I wondered what part Dapo had in the whole situation. Is he really with a consortium or just another piece moved by bigger things he does not control? I understand this answer, it is like one more puzzle part for me to figure out. Maybe, understanding it isn't only about the conflicts of powerful people but also the hidden stories of the Olumide family, which could connect to Oshun's heritage and what the Orisha quietly say.
