The lion never suspects the jackal lying at its feet.
Vusi sat across from Mokoena in a private lounge tucked away behind the campaign headquarters. Bodyguards stood outside, music played faintly, and the air reeked of Cuban cigars.
> "She's rattled," Vusi said, cool as ice. "That stunt with the video was desperation."
Mokoena nodded, eyes narrowed. "She wants war. Let's give it to her."
Vusi smiled — not for his boss, but for himself.
Because while Mokoena planned revenge, Vusi had already passed Lynn the layout of the entire compound, the security schedules, and the secret vault codes via an encrypted flash drive hidden inside a box of herbal tea.
---
Three Days Earlier…
Lynn opened the tea box and smiled. Vusi had kept his word.
Inside the flash drive were blueprints, passcodes, financial trails — everything they needed to burn Mokoena's empire from the inside.
Lwandile ran his fingers over the drive. "This could bury him."
> "Not yet," Lynn said. "Let's bleed him first. One leak at a time."
They launched Phase One that night.
---
Back at Mokoena's Office...
> "We have a leak!" screamed Mokoena, slamming a folder on the table. "The press knows about the land scandal!"
Vusi acted shocked. "How? Only your inner circle knew—"
> "Exactly," Mokoena hissed. "And you're the only one I trust."
Vusi leaned in. "Then let me handle it. I'll find your rat."
Mokoena hesitated, then nodded.
> "You have 48 hours. If this spreads, I'm done."
Vusi walked out, phone already buzzing in his pocket — a silent Morse tap from Lynn's burner.
> Drop site moved. New pickup: Rusty Alley, 7pm.
He slipped the phone back and kept walking. Calm. Controlled. Dangerous.
Because in this game, Vusi wasn't just betraying Mokoena.
He was becoming Lynn's shadow.
---
Meanwhile, Lynn received the next piece from Vusi — names of judges Mokoena had bribed, politicians he'd blackmailed, and a list of his offshore accounts.
> "The house of cards is shaking," she said.
Michael looked at her. "And when it falls?"
> "We'll be standing at the top."