Mr. Odusote sank to his seat and stared back at him. His eyes said he wasn‘t ready to admit failure. It was the others in their team that declined the vote on Chief Okrika‘s behalf.
Edward laughed inside as he rounded up. “Item seven has therefore been approved by the meeting. This means that we‘ll be mopping up Bestman shares in the coming months and I urge our would-be acquirers to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Thank you very much for your contributions and your cooperation. We have come to the close of the meeting. Normally I would invite you for drinks, but there are no drinks today. I wish you a good day and a safe journey home.”
**********
Chief Okrika was the first to leave the hall, followed close on his heels by Mr. Odusote and the contingent that had accompanied them to the meeting.
He stopped just outside the door. “What was that all about? What sort of humiliation did you bring me here to experience?”
“Chief, don‘t you think I was embarrassed as well? This wasn‘t our plan! Edward…”
“Of course this wasn‘t our plan. You were supposed to get me inside information in exchange for the five percent shares I transferred to you and a seat on the board. What happened?”
“I‘m sorry Chief but I‘m as confused as you are…”
“You correctly informed me that Edward was travelling to the United States and some of his plans…”
“But how could I know he came back so successful?”
“And that Mrs. Dehinde-Ojo woman tricked us! I thought you had confirmed from her brokers that she was on our side?”
“She must have been playing all of us for fools. I sent a text to the broker while inside and he just replied. She is the aunt to Edward‘s fiancée; it was a trap to disgrace us.”
“So it is that stupid girl again! She said she would frustrate my plans. Is she your informant?”
“You mean Edward‘s fiancée? No…it was his secretary…”
“His secretary was your informant?”
“Yes, and has been for over a year now…”
“How were you so sure she was giving you the right information? I personally had my means to cross check the information you brought but still.”
“We‘re from the same place, and I helped her get the job with Bestman Group even before I knew who Edward was. It was while we were talking on one occasion that it occurred to me that access to the MD of the company could be the push I needed for my proposal. She did her best to help but that never worked out. I had to agree to pay her for the sensitive information she gave towards the takeover. I also paid her a lump sum when you gave me the bonus for obtaining those shares.”