The small living room in Claire’s Lagos apartment was quiet except for the low hum of the television. Alex Jr., now five years old, was curled up beside her on the couch, his head resting on her lap as he played with a toy car. Claire absentmindedly stroked his dark, messy hair while half-watching an international news segment.
Then his face appeared on the screen.
Xander Avila.
The news anchor’s voice was crisp and professional: “Avila Global continues its aggressive expansion under the leadership of CEO Xander Avila, now widely regarded as one of the most powerful, ruthless, and untouchable businessmen in the world. His latest hostile takeover has sent shockwaves through the global markets…”
Claire froze.
Her breath caught in her throat. The remote slipped from her fingers and clatt
