Madam Celeste, please—I beg you.
The voice came from the floor.
In the wide sitting room of the Wickliffe mansion in Ikoyi, a grown man was on his knees, shaking like a small child. His name was Mr. Benson, the head butler, and he had served rich people for thirty years. But tonight, he looked like he had never served anyone before—because Celeste Wickliffe was standing over him.
She was the trillionaire’s wife.
She was tall and slim, with smooth light-brown skin and sharp cheekbones. Her hair was black and straight, packed into a perfect low bun. Her dress was white and gold, as if she was going to a royal event, not standing in her own home. Her lips were calm, but her eyes were cold.
Behind her, the whole house was silent. The maids, the security men, the kitchen staff—everyone stood stiff like statues. Nobody even blinked. They all feared her, even the trillionaire.
Sir Sebastian Wickliffe sat on the long sofa near the glass wall. He was one of the richest men in Africa. His suit was dark, his wristwatch was heavy, and his face was serious—but his hands were locked together like he was praying.
He did not say a word.
Celeste slowly lifted her hand and snapped her fingers.
A heavy sound followed. It was not thunder. It was not rain. It was a sound that came from inside the house—like a door being slammed in the heart.
Mr. Benson flinched and closed his eyes.
Then Celeste spoke, calm as if she was reading a shopping list.
“I said I want the sitting room perfect,” she said. “Not good. Not fair. Perfect. And you, Benson, allowed dust on my husband’s side table.”
Mr. Benson’s mouth opened, but no words came out.