Christine arrived at the office just before noon, carrying a warm lunch wrapped neatly in a basket. As she made her way toward Mandume's cabin, Maria, already at the office and walking the same path, spotted her from a distance. Quick to suspicion, Maria ducked behind a corner, silently observing.
Christine knocked and entered.
"Look at my son, so responsible," she smiled as she placed the food on his desk. "Your father would be proud of you."
"I'm good, Grandma," Mandume said, rising to hug her.
Christine studied his face. "Did you sleep today?"
"No. But I feel different. Usually, I'd be out cold two hours into the shift. Today... I feel fine."
Christine frowned slightly. "Are things running smoothly?"
"My PA handled most tasks, but something's off. The financial reports say we made a 65% profit, yet the payroll disbursed salaries that were 40% short. When I questioned the payroll manager, he said I instructed it."
He paused, the weight of the words sinking in. "He showed me an email. It was my signature—but I never wrote or signed anything like that."
Christine's face darkened. "So your signature was forged?"
Mandume nodded. "I just don't know who would do this."
"It's someone trying to sabotage you. Since your father disappeared, we've run this company with pride. You've held it up so well—of course they want to bring you down."
"You think it could be Kefas?" Mandume asked.
"Maybe him. Maybe someone else. We need to dig deeper. Start with the finance department. Ask for the complete financial catalogue—every invoice, every line item."
"I've looked, but I'll check again. Also, I'm considering paying the missing 40% tonight. We can't let our reputation crumble."
Christine smiled approvingly. "Yes. That's a wise decision. Do it."
Mandume exhaled, nodding. "Thanks, Grandma."
She paused, lowering her voice. "Any word from the court?"
"About...?"
"The company successor, Mandume. You forgot?"
"No—I didn't forget," he said, rubbing his temples. "I still need to convince Star to marry me."
"She's refusing?"
"She hasn't said it, but I feel like she will. At the hospital earlier, I filled out the sonar form as her spouse. She got angry."
Christine stared at him, shocked. "What?! Mandume, of course she got angry. You're her boyfriend, not the father of her child."
"I figured you'd be angry. I know Mom will be too. But I can't explain it, Grandma—I feel so connected to that child. I just… I feel like he's mine."
Christine's voice trembled. "My boy, I know you love Star—but this is beyond love. You're losing yourself."
"It's not just love," Mandume said quietly.
"Then prove it. Ask her to marry you. She won't agree, not while she believes the father of her child might return."
"I'll ask when the time is right. When I know she won't say no."
"Just promise me, you won't lose yourself chasing something that may never be yours," Christine said, her tone soft yet firm.
"I trust her. She's all I've ever loved," he replied. "Please don't be against me."
"I'm not against your love, Mandume," Christine sighed. "But Star is like a pre-ordered parcel. When the rightful owner comes for her, you might have no choice but to let her go."
"No. I won't believe that. And in the meantime, I need to find Dad. Whether he's alive or dead, I need closure."
Christine nodded slowly. "The court will remind us in a month. If your father's not back by then, the government might try to take over. We can't let that happen."
"I won't let it," Mandume said firmly. "There are too many mysteries already—cars going missing, salaries cut... I have work to do."
Christine smiled gently. "Start by eating your lunch."
He chuckled. "Alright, Grandma. Thank you."
As Christine exited the cabin, Maria emerged from the shadows, eyes dark with determination.
"You won't marry Star, my son," she muttered under her breath. "You'll marry the girl I choose. That's the only way I'll get control of this company."
She entered the office casually.
"Mom? When did you arrive?" Mandume asked.
"Just now. I stopped by the garage—your car's fixed. You can drive it today."
"Thanks, Mom. That'll make it easier for Star to meet her father."
Maria's expression tightened at the mention.
"I admire how much you care about her," she said cautiously. "I just hope she doesn't disappoint you."
"She's under our care, Mom."
Maria hesitated, then added, "I want to apologize—for my behavior. I was overwhelmed with stress about the company."
Mandume set his food down. "So... you do know about the salary scandal?"
Maria nodded slowly. "Yes. But I didn't tell you. You were already dealing with Star's condition."
Mandume's voice rose. "So you knew, and said nothing? You care about our family's image—but what about the company's? One rumor, Mom. One whisper that we don't pay full salaries, and it all collapses. I trusted you. I trusted my PA."
"Watch your tone, young man," Maria snapped. "I'm still your mother. You are the one who wrote to payroll. You gave the instruction!"
"I didn't sign anything like that! I only saw the document today."
"Maybe you signed without realizing it," Maria said quickly. "But let's not argue. We'll pay the missing 40% tonight. Please, calm down. You're short-tempered, just like your father."
Mandume's voice broke. "Where is Dad?"
Maria embraced him tightly. "He'll return. I'll find him and bring him to you. Don't worry."
"Mom... I know you asked Mr. Romero for a gun. You're going to find him, aren't you?"
Maria tensed but nodded. "Yes. He's being held somewhere. They demanded a ransom—I paid it. I'm going tomorrow."
"I'm coming with you."
"No, it's not safe."
"Then it's not safe for you either. I'm coming," Mandume insisted.
Maria paused, then nodded. "Alright. We'll go together."