Chapter 7: The Stranger With an Offer

Amara read Victor's message for the third time before placing her phone on the bed.

She didn't know him. She had never heard Mama Grace mention his name, and she couldn't understand how a stranger had suddenly become interested in her.

A business opportunity?

It sounded exciting, but something about the message made her cautious.

She had spent too many nights worrying about money to let desperation make decisions for her.

The following morning, she arrived at Mama Grace's shop earlier than usual.

"Mama, please, can I ask you something?" she said as she arranged the products on the counter.

"Of course, my daughter. What is it?"

Amara brought out her phone and showed her Victor's message.

Mama Grace adjusted her glasses and read it carefully.

"Victor," she murmured. "I know someone by that name, but I'm not certain this is the same person."

"Do you think I should meet him, ma?"

"Not until you know exactly who he is and what he wants. Never allow excitement to make you forget caution."

Amara nodded.

She replied to Victor, asking him to explain the opportunity in more detail.

His response arrived almost immediately.

I work with people who supply goods to shops and online sellers. I have contacts with wholesalers who offer products at lower prices. I saw the items you posted and believe we could do something profitable together.

Amara read the message slowly.

It sounded reasonable. If she could find affordable suppliers, Mama Grace might be able to increase her profit and attract more customers.

But she needed to be sure.

She showed the message to Mama Grace.

"Ask him for the name of his business and where he operates," the older woman advised. "A serious businessperson shouldn't be offended by reasonable questions."

Amara did exactly that.

Victor sent the name of a business and suggested meeting at its office the following afternoon. He also offered to show them samples of the products.

This time, Mama Grace seemed interested.

"We can go together," she said. "We'll listen to what he has to say, inspect the goods, and ask questions. We won't pay for anything until we're satisfied."

Amara smiled.

"Thank you, ma."

"Don't thank me yet. We haven't made a single naira from this man."

They both laughed.

The next afternoon, Amara and Mama Grace met Victor at the address he had provided.

He was a neatly dressed man in his early thirties. He greeted Mama Grace respectfully before turning to Amara.

"So you're the young woman behind the online page," he said with a smile.

"Yes, sir."

"I've seen your product pictures. You're doing well for someone just starting."

Amara felt a little proud.

"Thank you. I'm still learning."

Victor showed them several products and explained how his proposed supply arrangement would work. According to him, they could buy goods in bulk at a lower price and resell them for a profit.

He also showed them a list of prices.

Mama Grace studied the figures carefully.

"These prices are attractive," she admitted. "But how do we verify your suppliers?"

Victor smiled confidently.

"I understand your concern. I can provide the necessary details."

He brought out some documents and answered their questions. Mama Grace asked about delivery, damaged goods, payment terms, and what would happen if an order did not arrive as promised.

Victor answered politely, although Amara noticed that he seemed eager to move the conversation towards payment.

"There's one special offer available this week," he said. "If you pay for a large order today, you'll receive an extra discount."

Mama Grace closed the notebook she had been using.

"We don't make business decisions in a hurry."

Victor laughed lightly.

"Of course. But opportunities don't wait forever."

On their way home, Amara was unusually quiet.

"What are you thinking about?" Mama Grace asked.

"The prices are good, ma. Imagine how much we could earn if we bought the products cheaply and sold them online."

"Yes, imagine," Mama Grace replied. "But also imagine what would happen if we paid and the goods never arrived."

Amara looked at her.

"So you don't trust him?"

"Trust is not something you give a stranger because he smiles nicely. It is something a person earns through evidence and consistent actions."

Those words stayed with Amara throughout the evening.

She wanted the opportunity to be real. She wanted the business to grow. She wanted to stop worrying about every small expense and begin building something meaningful.

But she also knew that wanting something badly did not make it safe.

The next morning, Victor sent another message.

Good morning, Amara. I've reserved the special offer for you until noon. If you want to secure it, let me know as soon as possible.

Amara stared at the message.

She had not agreed to buy anything.

She forwarded it to Mama Grace, who called her a few minutes later.

"Amara, don't send money because someone gives you a deadline. If this is a genuine opportunity, we should be able to verify the business, the suppliers, and the terms before paying."

"Yes, ma."

"Good. I'll make some enquiries."

Later that afternoon, Mama Grace returned from a meeting with a fellow trader.

Her expression was serious.

"Amara, I need you to sit down."

Amara's heart began to race.

"What's wrong, ma?"

"I spoke to someone who knows the business Victor mentioned. The information he gave us needs to be checked carefully. We shouldn't proceed until we have independently confirmed his claims."

Amara felt disappointment wash over her.

For a moment, she had imagined their little online business growing into something much bigger. She had imagined earning enough to save money, support herself, and eventually open a shop of her own.

Now she was afraid that she might have been too quick to hope.

Mama Grace placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Listen to me, my daughter. Being careful does not mean you're afraid of success. It means you're protecting the future you're working so hard to build."

Amara took a deep breath.

She understood.

She would not allow the fear of remaining poor to push her into a decision she might regret.

That evening, she replied to Victor.

Thank you for the offer. We need time to verify the details and review the terms before making any payment. If everything checks out, we can discuss the next steps.

Victor did not reply immediately.

Hours passed.

Then, just before bedtime, his response finally arrived.

I understand. But I need to be honest with you, Amara. I was hoping we could discuss something else, too. Something that concerns you personally.

Amara frowned at the screen.

Something that concerned her personally?

She read the message again, wondering what business had to do with her private life.

Then another message appeared.

I think you deserve to know who recommended you to me.

Amara sat up in bed.

Who had recommended her?

Mama Grace?

Daniel?

Or someone she had never expected?

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she typed one question.

Who recommended me to you?

Victor's reply came a minute later.

Daniel.

Amara's heart skipped.

Daniel?

Why would the man who had once looked down on her be discussing her with a stranger?

And what exactly had he told Victor about her?

For the first time since receiving the offer, Amara felt that the real story might have nothing to do with business at all.

To be continued…