His face didn’t change, but his fingers tightened on the file. Where did you find them? He asked. In the streets, begging for food. He slammed the file shut. And you brought them into this house. Just like that. They are Femy’s children. He pointed at her. That doesn’t mean they’re yours. Naomi stood. They carry the same blood that runs through his veins.
That means they carry part of mine, too. The other man stepped forward. Madame Naomi, with all due respect, we understand you’re hurting, but this is a very serious matter. I know exactly how serious it is, she said, her voice low. Chief Whale dropped into a chair finally. Do you know what people are saying? That you’ve lost your mind.
That you want to hand over everything to strangers? They are not strangers, Naomi snapped. They are his children. The ones he hid from me. The ones none of you cared to find after his death. The room was quiet. Then Chief Whale leaned forward. You’re about to destroy everything. The board is already asking questions.
The shareholders are restless, bringing in children from nowhere. That’s not how things are done in our family. Naomi folded her arms. What you mean is you were planning to take everything. He didn’t deny it. You have no children, he said plainly. No way. That means the family takes over. It’s how things are done. Not anymore, she replied.
The youngest cousin raised his voice. So you want to name the boys as heirs. A mad woman’s children. Anita is not a mad woman, she said firmly. She is Femy’s mistress, the mother of his sons, which he abandoned before he died, which makes them more of an heir than any of you. The cousin laughed bitterly. They don’t even know how to hold a spoon. You’re making a mistake.
Naomi took a step closer. I made one before. I trusted Fei. I let him lead everything while I played the quiet wife. Not anymore. He pointed at her one last time. You’ll regret this. She raised her chin. No, you’ll regret underestimating me. After they left, Naomi sat back down and took a deep breath.
She was shaking slightly, not from fear, but from fury, the nerve, the boldness. The way they walked into her house like she was the one who needed permission. She heard footsteps and turned. Anita was standing at the hallway entrance. She had heard everything. Her face was tight. Her hands were clenched. I can go if you want, she said softly.
Naomi stood up slowly. Go away, she shrugged. Anywhere. I don’t want to cause trouble. Naomi walked to her and placed both hands on her shoulders. You’re not going anywhere. But they’re angry. They’ve always been angry. They were angry when I married Fei. They were angry when I took over the company. Now they’re angry because your sons exist.
She looked into her eyes. I’m not trying to take anything from them. I know. I just want them. She looked down the hallway where the twins were playing in their crib. She wanted them to have a future. Naomi nodded. And they will. I will become legal guardian to the twins so they can have my last name.
