The glass doors of the Vane-Ugochukwu Tower hissed open, and a young man stepped in who looked like a younger, hungrier version of Xavier. He wore a simple denim jacket and carried a worn duffel bag, but he walked with the same predatory grace that defined the Ogochukwu bloodline. This was Amobi, Xavier's younger brother, finally arriving from the family compound in Abatete.
Xavier was standing at the reception desk, finishing a call, when he saw the reflection in the polished marble. He turned, a rare, genuine smile breaking across his face.
"Amobi," Xavier said, his voice thick with the sound of home.
"Brother," Amobi replied, dropping his bag and pulling Xavier into a bone-crushing hug. "I saw the news on the local stations back in Anambra. They're saying you've conquered the West. I had to see it for myself."
Xavier pulled back, looking at his brother. Amobi's eyes were sharp, filled with the same fire their father had. "The West isn't conquered yet, Amobi. We've just secured the perimeter. I need you here. I need someone I can trust with my life to manage the new Ugochukwu Institute."
Seraphina stepped out of the elevator, her heels clicking on the floor. She stopped, looking at the two men who stood like twin pillars in her lobby.
"Seraphina, this is Amobi," Xavier said, pride swelling in his chest. "The best engineer I know and the only man who can outrun a lion."
Amobi took Seraphina's hand, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect that was traditional back home. "It's an honor, Madam. My brother's letters didn't do your beauty justice. No wonder he fought so hard for this empire."
"Welcome to the family, Amobi," Seraphina said, her smile warm. "I hope you're ready to work. Your brother is a very demanding Chairman."
As they walked toward the private elevator, Xavier felt the last piece of the puzzle click into place. He had the money, he had the woman he loved, and now, he had his blood by his side. The Syndicate thought they had dealt with one man, but they were about to realize they were dealing with a dynasty.