Chapter four

Iyo's eyes snapped open as her phone buzzed on her nightstand. She groggily reached out to answer it, clearing her throat to sound professional.

“Hello,” her voice was a bit deep from sleep.

“Good morning, Iyo,” Matilda’s voice chimed in. “What is going on, darling? Downstairs is full of investors, the ones your father worked with.”

Iyo's foggy mind quickly cleared, and she sat up in the bed, her gaze snapping at the clock.

“Yes, Mother, I called for them, and I'll be down shortly and will also come and check on you later.” With that, she hung up, realizing she was a bit late. And her mind is already at the task at hand.

Iyo swung her leg over the other side of the bed and stood up, stretching her hands over her head.

The maid, who had been quietly waiting in the wings, quickly swooped in to arrange the bed, smoothing out the sheet and plumping up the pillows.

As Iyo walked towards the mirror, she caught a glimpse of herself and paused, taking a moment to assess her reflection.

She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing out any tangles or knots.

On the dresser in front of her, a steaming cup of coffee awaited her. She picked it up, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip.

The warmth of the coffee spread through her, and she felt a surge of energy and alertness.

As the maid finished arranging the bed, Iyo turned to her and said, “Zoe, please iron my black gown for me; it's hung up in the closet, and I need it immediately.”

The maid nodded and quickly moved to retrieve the gown, her hands moving efficiently as she began to iron out the wrinkles.

Iyo took another sip of her coffee, feeling warmth spread through her hands while holding the cup. “Also, check if my bath is ready,” she added, her voice relaxed and casual.

The doors slowly swung open, and Maya walked in looking a bit disoriented. But as soon as she spotted Iyo, her face lit up with a bright smile.

"Iyo!" She exclaimed, rushing over to her.

Iyo's face broke out into a warm smile as she opened her arms, and Maya flung herself into a tight hug. “Maya! “Good morning, girl.” They embraced each other.

Maya's eyes narrowed across the room as she took in her surroundings. Her expression then changed, and she looked at Iyo with surprise. “Wait…is this your dad’s room?”

Iyo nodded with a chill smile, her eyes filled with warmth and sadness.

“Woah, when you told me you packed to another room, I didn't realize it would be his room,” Maya continued.

Iyo gave a mischievous smile. “Well, I came in to cry and found out it was a good spot to crash.”

They both laughed, but the mood darkened a bit as she thought about the real reason Iyo was there.

“May his soul rest in peace. I am so sorry, iyo,” Maya said with her voice filled with reverence.

Iyo nodded, her heart bleeding again and her eyes welling up with tears.

Maya took a deep breath, trying to shake off the emotions that were welling up inside her friend. And forced a smile onto her face and asked.

“So, what's with the swarm of people I saw downstairs? Are you throwing a party or something?”

Her attempt to change the topic was obvious, and she played along, happy to shift the focus.

“Ha! Not exactly, just some business associate. Now that my dad is gone, I must step up for my family's name.”

Maya giggled as her eyes locked onto Iyo's. “So, I've been meaning to ask, but I didn't know when was the right time.”

“What's that?” Iyo asked.

"Have you heard from Simon, you know, after the wedding incidents?"

Iyo's smile faltered, and she paused. The mention of Simon's name brought up a mix of emotions—pain, headache, and regret.

“I don't want to talk about it, Maya,” she said, her voice gentle and firm.

Maya nodded understandingly, respecting Iyo's boundaries. “Alright darling, I won't push it," Maya voiced out with empathy.

Iyo took a deep breath, squaring up her shoulders. “To be honest, I'm done with love,” she uttered, her voice resolute.

“All I want to do right now is to carry on my father's legacy and build the empire he left behind. That's my focus.”

"Excuse me, ma'am," the maid interrupted. "Your guests are still waiting downstairs,” she reminded Iyo.

Iyo's expression turned serious, and she nodded. “Thank you, Zoe. I'll be down right now.” She turned to Maya. “I'm sorry, but I have to go now. We'll catch up later, okay?” she said, already heading to the bathroom.

Maya nodded in understanding. "Go on, I'll see you later."

Iyo emerged from the bathroom, transformed into a vision of elegance. Her black gown hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and toned physique.

The dark color complemented her smooth, radiant skin, giving her an ethereal glow.

As she slipped into her black heels, Iyo exuded an undeniable sense of glamour and refinement.

As Iyo descended the stairs, her presence commanded attention. Her guests, assembled in the grand foyer, couldn't help but turn towards her.

They watched as she glided down the stairs, her gown rustling softly with each step.

It was clear that they had already accepted her as the acting CEO, their deference a testament to her father's legacy and her own growing reputation.

Aldis and Levy sat at a table, observing the scene as Iyo welcomed the guests. Aldis's eyes followed Iyo's every move; his expression was a mix of resentment and jealousy.

Levy leaned over to Aldis and whispered, “Look at her, privileged bitch.”

Aldis's face twisted into a smirk as he began to speak in a low and condescending tone.

“I've worked with her father for years, before she was even born. I've earned my stripes to be called CEO, not some inexperienced girl who's only here because of her father's name.”

Aldis's tongue curled in bitterness as his eyes continued to monitor her move.

Levy raised an eyebrow, his voice low and inquiring. “What even happened, Aldis? I thought you said you had a plan, “by manipulating the power to us.”

Aldis's expression darkened, his voice taking a bitter tone. “I did; I manipulated Matilda and played on her doubts and fears. I almost had it in the bag, but iyo… she's changed since her father's death.”

Aldis's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "But I do know one thing: the candle doesn't burn forever," he said with a sickening smile, his gaze not leaving Iyo.