Chapter 1
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the lush garden of the Adewale Victoria Island mansion as the family gathered for breakfast. Baba Adewale sat at the head of the table, flanked by Mama, Tuade, Adeola, Nkechi, and Mr. Oluwole.
Baba Adewale cleared his throat, his expression solemn. "I have something important to say," he began, his voice tinged with regret. "I want to apologize to all of you for being stupid and spending all the lotto money."
Mama Adewale reached out and gently squeezed Baba's hand, her eyes filled with compassion. "Baba, it's okay," she said softly. "We're here to support you."
Tuade nodded in agreement, his tone reassuring. "Dad, we know you've been struggling," he said. "But you've taken the first step by admitting you have a drinking problem."
Baba Adewale nodded, his eyes downcast. "I need help," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Oluwole placed a hand on Baba's shoulder, his expression supportive. "We'll help you through this, Baba," he said firmly. "You're not alone."
Tuade took a deep breath, steeling himself to share his plan. "Dad, Mom, I have an idea," he said, his voice steady. "I think it's time for you to retire and move into the apartment."
Baba Adewale looked up, surprise evident in his eyes. "But what about the mansion?" he asked, puzzled.
Tuade smiled reassuringly. "The apartment is already in your name, Dad," he explained. "You didn't lose all the lotto money. Remember the first real estate investment I made? I bought the apartment for you and Mom."
Adeola chimed in, her tone confident. "And I already have tenants lined up for the mansion," she added. "I can get $10,000 a month in rental."
Mama Adewale nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at her lips. "That's more than enough for us to live comfortably," she said. "And although it may not sustain Nkechi's shopping habits, it's perfect for us."
Baba Adewale's eyes filled with gratitude as he looked around at his family. "Thank you," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without all of you."
With a sense of unity and hope filling the air, the Adewale family shared a moment of quiet gratitude before digging into their breakfast, ready to face the future together.
Chapter 2
Tuade and Adeola helped Baba and Mama Adewale move into their new apartment, carrying boxes and suitcases up the stairs. As they settled in, the family's excitement was palpable.
Baba Adewale looked around the apartment with a wide grin, his eyes lighting up. "This place is fantastic!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I never imagined we'd have such a cozy home."
Mama Adewale nodded in agreement, her smile radiant. "It's actually better for us than the big mansion," she admitted. "I feel more comfortable here."
Baba walked over to the large TV screen in the living room, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "And look at this TV!" he exclaimed. "I can't wait to invite Tuade and Mr. Oluwole over to watch football."
Mama wandered into the kitchen, her eyes taking in the practical layout. "The kitchen is more manageable," she remarked. "I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by the large mansion kitchen."
She turned to Adeola with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "But now I can't wait to cook family meals for all of us," she said, her tone tinged with excitement. "And maybe, just maybe, for some grandchildren soon."
Adeola laughed, shaking her head affectionately. "Let's not rush things, Mama," she said, her tone playful. "Tuade and I still have to build our careers first."
Changing the subject, Adeola turned to Baba and Mama with a smile. "Speaking of the mansion, I found a tenant willing to pay $11,000 a month for it," she announced.
Baba and Mama exchanged surprised glances, their eyes widening in disbelief. "That's fantastic!" Baba exclaimed, his voice filled with delight.
Mama nodded enthusiastically, her face breaking into a grin. "It's a relief to know the mansion won't be sitting empty," she said. "And the extra income will certainly come in handy."
Chapter 3
Tuade joined Mr. Oluwole at the golf club for a morning game, the sun shining brightly overhead as they walked to the first tee. Mr. Oluwole greeted him with a warm smile.
"How are the golf lessons going, Tuade?" Mr. Oluwole asked, adjusting his grip on his club.
Tuade grinned, adjusting his own grip on his club. "I'm determined not to embarrass myself in front of potential clients on the golf course," he replied, a hint of determination in his voice.
Mr. Oluwole nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit," he said. "Because I invited a business partner to play with us this morning. He's looking for a bigger house, and this could be a great opportunity for you."
Tuade's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's exactly why I've been taking golf lessons," he admitted, his grin widening. "I'm ready to impress."
As they approached the first tee, Mr. Oluwole spotted his business partner, Charles, waiting for them. Charles was a distinguished man with a friendly smile and a firm handshake.
"Charles, meet Tuade Adewale," Mr. Oluwole introduced, gesturing towards Tuade. "He's a rising star in the real estate business here in Lagos."
"Nice to meet you, Tuade," Charles said, shaking Tuade's hand warmly. "I hear you're the man to go to when it comes to finding the perfect property."
Tuade smiled confidently. "I do my best," he replied. "So, Charles, I hear you're in the mobile phone business?"
Charles nodded, his interest piqued. "Yes, I own several mobile phone shops across the city," he confirmed.
Tuade's eyes lit up. "That's fascinating. I'm quite knowledgeable about mobile devices myself," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "The technology is always evolving, and it's important to stay up-to-date."
Charles nodded in agreement, impressed by Tuade's knowledge. "Indeed, it is. So, what kind of properties are you dealing with currently?"
Tuade listened intently as Charles described the type of house he was looking for—a spacious, modern home with a garden, located in a safe and prestigious neighborhood. Tuade nodded thoughtfully.
"I have just the house in mind," Tuade said confidently. "It's not currently on the market, but the owner lives in the UK now. I believe I can convince him to sell."
Charles raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? Tell me more."
Tuade went on to describe the features of the house, highlighting its spacious rooms, beautiful garden, and prime location. Charles listened intently, nodding along as Tuade painted a picture of his ideal home.
"That sounds perfect," Charles said, his interest clearly piqued. "If you can make it happen, you'll have a deal."
Tuade smiled. "Consider it done," he replied, shaking Charles' hand firmly. "I'll get started on it right away."
Chapter 4
As Tuade entered the country club, Mr. Oluwole waved him over with a welcoming smile. "Tuade, my favorite future brother-in-law!" he called out jovially.
"Good to see you, Mr. Oluwole," Tuade replied, returning the smile.
Charles stood up and warmly shook Tuade's hand. "Tuade, it's a pleasure," he greeted. "I must say, my wife absolutely loves the house you sold us. You really listened to what we wanted and went above and beyond to find the perfect fit for us."
Tuade's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, Charles. I'm glad to hear that you're happy with your new home."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Tuade got down to business. "Gentlemen, I have something I'd like to discuss with you," he began.
Both Mr. Oluwole and Charles leaned in, their interest piqued.
"I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such experienced business minds," Tuade continued. "And I believe that together, we can do something great."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before revealing his plan.
"I propose we open many mobile shops all across Lagos," Tuade declared. "But these won't be just any mobile shops. The real business here is in property."
He saw the curiosity in their eyes as they waited for him to continue.
"The goal is to secure the most prime corner shop retail properties in Lagos," Tuade explained. "The mobile shops will pay the bills, but the real value lies in the property ownership. We'll be sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in Lagos."
Mr. Oluwole and Charles exchanged glances, clearly impressed by the idea.
"That's a bold plan, Tuade," Mr. Oluwole remarked. "But it just might work."
Charles nodded in agreement. "I like the sound of this plan of yours. Tell me more."
Tuade leaned forward, enthusiasm evident in his voice as he continued to lay out the plan. "Each of us brings something valuable to the table. My expertise lies in property investment. I've been learning the ins and outs of the real estate market."
"Exactly," Charles chimed in. "And with my experience in mobile phone retail, I can ensure that our shops are run efficiently and profitably. Plus, having prime retail locations will give us a significant edge in the competitive mobile device market."
Mr. Oluwole nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Charles. And my expertise in financing and dealing with large banks will come in handy. I can negotiate favorable terms for our loans and manage the financial side of the business effectively."
Tuade nodded in agreement. "Not only will this build us a massive property portfolio with fantastic retail rental income, thanks to your expertise, Mr. Oluwole, but it will also provide huge growth opportunities for your mobile retail business, Charles."
Charles smiled, clearly excited by the prospect. "I can already see how this will give us an edge in the market. With prime locations, we'll attract more customers and increase sales."
Mr. Oluwole's eyes gleamed with approval. "And from my perspective, this venture would diversify our retail rental range beyond Victoria Island. It's a strategic move that could pay off handsomely in the long run."
The three men exchanged looks, the excitement in the air palpable. They could see the potential of the venture and were eager to get started.
"We make a formidable team," Tuade declared, a sense of confidence in his voice. "Together, we'll create something truly extraordinary."
If you enjoyed Fortunes and Follies,
you will also like reading Victoria Island Affair.
The Fortunes and Follies website, including all content, text, images, graphics, logos, designs, and software, are the intellectual property of Vis Nova Holdings Limited. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
