My Friendly Enemy Chp XIII

Chapter Thirteen: The Seed of Discontent The business flourished beyond our expectations.Every quarter brought another record-breaking report. Our company completed luxury estates, shopping complexes, and commercial developments across several states in Nigeria. Investors queued to partner with us, banks competed to finance our projects, and our reputation continued to grow.Although I owned ninety percent of the company, I never made Andrew feel like a subordinate.Every major decision was discussed together.Whenever we attended board meetings, I introduced him as more than my business partner."This company stands today because of Barrister Andrew Ikebukwu," I would often say. "His expertise and commitment have been invaluable."Andrew would smile appreciatively.At least, that was what I believed.One Friday evening, Andrew returned home later than usual after a series of meetings in Lagos.His wife, Chinelo, was waiting for him in the dining room.She had already served dinner."You look exhausted," she said as he loosened his tie.Andrew sighed and sat down."It has been a long day."She placed a plate before him."How did the meeting go?""Very well. We just secured another major commercial project.""That's good."Andrew smiled."It'll be one of the biggest developments we've ever handled."For a while, they ate in silence.Then Chinelo spoke again."Andrew...""Hmm?""Can I ask you something?""Of course."She looked directly at him."How much of the company do you actually own?"Andrew answered without hesitation."Ten percent.""And Clement?""Ninety."She nodded slowly."So... you're doing most of the work."Andrew looked up."What do you mean?""You supervise the projects.""Yes.""You negotiate with government agencies.""That's part of my job.""You handle legal matters.""Yes.""You travel almost every week.""I do.""You hardly spend time with your family because you're constantly working."Andrew smiled faintly."That's business."Chinelo folded her arms."No."Andrew frowned."What do you mean, no?""I mean you're working yourself to the bone to build another man's empire."The words hung heavily in the air.Andrew set down his spoon."Clement isn't 'another man.' He's my friend.""Friend or not, he owns ninety percent of everything."Andrew remained silent.She continued."Tell me honestly... if you hadn't brought him the idea, would this company even exist?"Andrew hesitated."I was the one who conceived it.""And who manages it every day?""I do.""So why are you satisfied with only ten percent?"Andrew sighed."Because Clement provided the capital.""I know that.""And without that capital, none of this would have been possible."Chinelo leaned forward."But look at where the company is today.""It has grown.""It has grown because of both of you."Andrew looked away.She softened her tone."I'm not saying Clement doesn't deserve his share.""I'm only saying..."She paused."...don't you think it's time to ask him to increase your percentage?"Andrew looked back at her."Increase it?""Yes."She shrugged."He's already a billionaire.""Another ten or twenty percent won't make him poor."Andrew gave a short laugh."You make it sound so easy.""Why shouldn't it be?""He trusts you.""You're practically brothers.""If anyone deserves a larger stake in that company, it's you."Andrew didn't answer.He simply stared at his untouched food.Chinelo reached across the table and held his hand."My husband...... I don't want you to spend your entire life building wealth that belongs mostly to someone else.""You deserve more."Andrew forced a smile."We'll see."Later that night, after Chinelo had fallen asleep, Andrew remained awake.He walked onto the balcony and looked out into the quiet streets below.Her words replayed over and over in his mind."You're building another man's empire.""You deserve more.""Ask him to increase your percentage."He tried to dismiss them.After all, Clement had trusted him when no one else needed to.Clement had never treated him like an employee.He had treated him like a brother.Yet...The thought refused to leave his mind.For the first time since the partnership began, Andrew found himself wondering whether ten percent was truly enough.It was only a question. A harmless question.But questions have a way of becoming desires...And desires, when fed long enough...Can become dangerous.

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