Scorned Son-In-Law:System of the Forgotten Heir

Chapter 5: Enemies in the Shadows

The news spread like wildfire.

“Son-in-law of Billionaire Okoye Clocks ₦1 Million in 7 Days.”

“Street Boy Turned CEO? TradeNet App Gains Over 1,000 Users in First Week.”

“The Shame of the Okoyes Might Be Their Rising Star.”

Henry sat on a park bench in front of Ibadan Mall, his phone buzzing non-stop with interview requests and investor inquiries. His inbox overflowed.

He’d done it.

But this wasn’t the end.

This was just the beginning.

System Notification:

Skill Progression: Business Intuition (Lv. 1 → Lv. 2)

You now instinctively sense profitable markets and weak competitors.

**Passive Bonus Activated: Market Vision – Analyze trends 24 hours ahead of media._

Henry watched people stroll past—students, workers, traders. Each one a potential user, customer, ally… or obstacle.

The success had earned him power.

But it had also drawn attention.

And not all of it was good.

That afternoon, Henry returned to the mansion to find the family gathered in the living room—Veronica pacing, Adaora tense, and Chief Okoye sitting calmly, as though waiting for a storm to pass.

There was a visitor.

A man dressed in sleek navy blue, his shoes polished, wrist gleaming with a diamond-studded Rolex.

He turned slowly as Henry walked in.

Cyril Okonkwo.

The name hit Henry like a punch.

Cyril was Adaora’s ex-fiancé. The one the family had wanted her to marry before her grandfather forced the arranged wedding with Henry.

Wealthy, connected, arrogant—and cruel.

Very cruel.

“Ah, the houseboy who stumbled into luck,” Cyril said with a tight grin. “Still smells like hustle, doesn’t he?”

Henry said nothing.

He glanced briefly at Adaora, but she avoided his eyes.

Chief Okoye cleared his throat. “Cyril came to discuss a potential partnership with the Okoye Group. He also… expressed renewed interest in Adaora.”

Henry’s fists clenched, but he kept his expression still.

“She’s married,” he said coolly.

Veronica jumped in. “A marriage in name only! And one that can be undone.”

Cyril stepped closer. “Let’s not play games, Henry. You had your fun. ₦1 million is impressive… for a beggar. But this family needs legacy. Prestige. Not internet stunts.”

He leaned in.

“You’re still not one of us.”

System Alert:

Threat Level: High – Cyril Okonkwo (Charisma: A, Wealth: A, Morality: D)

Rival Tag Detected: Power Contender

New Quest Unlocked: Outshine the Rival

Objective: Surpass Cyril’s net worth within 60 days.

Bonus Reward: Exclusive Skill – Dominance Aura (Lv. 1)

Henry offered a slow smile. “We’ll see.”

Later that evening, Henry sat outside on the mansion’s second-floor balcony, the city lights glittering in the distance like fallen stars.

Footsteps approached.

Adaora.

She didn’t say anything for a while. Just stood beside him, her arms crossed, watching the skyline.

“You handled yourself well today,” she finally said.

Henry raised a brow. “Is that a compliment?”

“An observation,” she replied.

Henry chuckled quietly. “Cyril’s back. And he wants you.”

“I know.”

“And what do you want?”

Adaora looked away. “I don’t know yet.”

Her honesty caught him off guard.

He studied her face—still cold, still guarded, but no longer hateful.

Just… conflicted.

System Notification:

Bond Development: Adaora Okoye – Status: Thawing

Affection: 23/100 | Curiosity: 55/100 | Regret: 32/100

She turned to leave, but paused.

“I never believed you’d survive here. I thought you’d break.”

Henry’s voice was low. “I did. Just not the way you expected.”

She didn’t reply.

But when she walked away, there was no contempt in her steps.

Only thought.

Day 9.

Henry was back in Kalu’s office.

The TradeNet app now had 2,100 users and over 100 small vendors listing products. The servers were slowing. The backend was lagging.

“We’re growing faster than expected,” Kalu said, wiping sweat from his brow. “We need a hosting upgrade. And new security patches.”

Henry nodded. “How much?”

“₦750,000 minimum.”

Henry didn’t flinch.

He was ready to reinvest.

System Decision Point:

Option 1: Upgrade servers & secure data → High cost, stability

Option 2: Delay upgrades → Risk of data breach or crash

Option 3: Outsource to third-party shady firm → Low cost, high legal risk

Henry chose Option 1 without hesitation.

He wired the money by noon.

System Notification:

Strategic Move Made: Long-Term Gain Priority Chosen

+5 Investor Credibility | -15 Liquid Cash | +20 Product Stability

New Stat Unlocked: Market Integrity (Lv. 1)

Day 10.

Veronica made her next move.

A private meeting.

Henry walked into the mansion study to find her seated with two lawyers and an envelope already prepared.

“A divorce proposal,” she said simply. “Adaora signs it, you walk away with ₦3 million. No strings attached. No more humiliation. You start over somewhere else, far from here.”

Henry opened the envelope.

The offer was real.

₦3 million cash. Immediate exit. Confidentiality clause.

System Alert:

Betrayal Opportunity Detected.

Reward if Accepted: +₦3 million, -Respect, -System Progression

Penalty if Refused: War Escalation with Veronica. Public Smear Risk: 60%.

Henry set the envelope down.

“I’ll walk out when Adaora tells me to. Not you.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re going to regret that.”

Henry smiled coldly. “You already do.”

Grudge Surge: Veronica Okoye – 82% Resentment, 71% Fear

Quest Progress: Humiliate a Doubter – 65% Complete

Next Phase: Public Victory Required

That night, Henry received an anonymous message:

“Be careful. Cyril is planning something. He’s not just after Adaora. He wants to crush you publicly. Watch your accounts. – Unknown.”

Henry’s heart pounded.

The system pulsed in his head, as if confirming the threat.

System Notification:

Shadow Conflict Approaching

Enemy: Cyril Okonkwo – Intent: Sabotage

Defend TradeNet. Prepare for digital and reputation warfare.

Henry stood at his window, overlooking the dark garden once more.

The war had started.

And it wouldn’t be won with fists or pride.

It would be won with strategy, precision… and power.