I Inherited Trillions, Now What?-Chapter 186: Rich Man/ Poor Man

"The estate is this way," Kunle said, pointing ahead with a faint smile, his voice slightly raised to compete with the gentle hum of the engine. He sat stiffly in the passenger seat of the sleek 2017 Mercedes G-Wagon, the leather interior hugging his body in a way that felt more like judgment than comfort. The air conditioning was crisp, cold enough to freeze his thoughts in place, but his palms were sweating under the oversized sleeves of the borrowed suit, the one that clearly didn't fit him. Samuel, his roommate, was broader in the shoulders, taller too—and the suit hung on Kunle like a child trying on his father's clothes.

He adjusted the collar for the third time, trying to stop it from brushing awkwardly against his neck, but it only made him more aware of the invisible weight pressing down on him. His heart thudded in that embarrassing rhythm only the poor feel when they sit too close to wealth—like a spotlight was shining on every inch of them, exposing lack.

Kunle glanced to his left. Daniel, the man behind the wheel, looked no older than he was—maybe 25, at most 26—but there was something different in the way Daniel sat, in the relaxed way his left arm hung on the window frame and how his right hand glided effortlessly over the wheel. His white shirt was crisp, ironed flat, and the Rolex on his wrist didn't scream—it whispered. Expensive cologne filled the cabin with a scent Kunle didn't recognize but could never afford.

It was then it struck him again."He's like me… but not like me."

For a brief second, Kunle allowed himself to imagine. What if this was my car? What if I wasn't the one giving directions, but the one buying the house? What if this suit fit because it was mine, not borrowed?But the thought passed, like a cloud too shy to rain.

"Yes, like this," Kunle said, snapping back into the moment. He pointed forward. "Then you'll see a turning to the right—once you take that, we'll be in front of the estate gate."

Daniel grunted slightly and leaned back. "Man, these Nigerian roads are a joke," he said, swerving slightly to avoid a pothole. "How is it that we're in 2024 and the roads still look like this? You'd think after all the taxes and noise, someone would actually fix these things."

Kunle let out a small, awkward laugh, nodding quickly. "That's how things are," he replied, unsure if agreement was enough, or too much.

But Daniel wasn't done.

"Like, seriously. I was in South Africa last month. The roads? Smooth as butter. Here? Every few meters it's like you're playing Mario Kart, dodging traps. The government just behaves terribly, honestly. They don't do anything except embezzle money. It's frustrating."

Kunle chuckled again, this time trying to appear engaged. "What do you expect from them?" he asked, his voice neutral but low. The inside of the car was too nice for shouting.

The car bumped slightly again, but Daniel only sighed and adjusted the wheel like it was second nature.

"So," Daniel said suddenly, his tone lighter now. "Did you watch the Arsenal match yesterday?"

Kunle grinned, momentarily thankful for the shift in topic. "Ah! I did. I still don't understand how your team lost a match like that. You people are not serious at all."

Daniel groaned. "Don't even remind me. Arteta is trying, but sometimes he makes the most ridiculous decisions. Imagine benching Gabriel for no reason!"

Kunle saw his opportunity to tease. "Trying? That man doesn't know what he's doing! He's just lucky the team is where it is. Honestly, they should remove him."

Daniel turned slightly, his tone sharper now, though still casual. "It's not like that. Arteta's building something. It's a process. You'll see next season."

Kunle smiled immediately, folding like cheap paper. "Yes, yes. You're right. He's trying, actually. At least you all are in the top three," he added quickly, softening his earlier critique. There was a pause. He hated how easily his mouth flipped. He wasn't even sure he believed what he just said. But something in Daniel's confidence—his calm ownership of the space—made Kunle feel like disagreeing was dangerous. Not dangerous like a threat—but like it could cost him respect, attention… money.

A silence lingered in the car, but not the comfortable kind. It was the sort of silence where one man's mind raced and the other's simply coasted.

Kunle was just about to give the next direction when Daniel said, without looking at him, "Don't worry."

Kunle blinked. "Sorry?"

Daniel reached forward and tapped the built-in screen of the G-Wagon's dashboard. With a few fluid movements, he activated the car's GPS system.

"Crestwood Estate, right?" he said, casually entering the name into the search bar. The map lit up with clear directions, a calm robotic voice speaking from the speakers.

Kunle nodded slowly. "Yes… that's it."

Daniel smiled. "Cool. I don't really trust those 'turn left here' instructions from people. Always better to just use tech. More precise. Less stress."

The words weren't meant to sting.But they did.

Kunle smiled thinly, nodding again. He folded his hands in his lap. The voice from the car continued calmly: "In 1.2 kilometers, turn right."

Daniel tapped the screen again, zooming in on the digital roads with an ease that made it seem like he'd done it a thousand times. "See? It even tells you estimated time of arrival. You can't beat this, man."

Kunle looked ahead, eyes on the windshield, but his mind was spinning.He knew the right turn the GPS was talking about wasn't the best route.There was a shorter one.Less traffic. Fewer bumps.

But he didn't say a word.

He didn't want to sound like he was doubting Daniel—or worse, like he was trying to correct him. Something in the car, in the leather, in the Rolex, in Daniel's tone made Kunle feel that his voice was a thing that had to ask for permission to exist.

So he let it go.

The road stretched out in front of them, broken in places, but clear where it mattered. Somewhere beyond that road was the estate gate—and maybe, just maybe, a deal that could change his life.

He sat back slightly, listening to the hum of wealth beside him. In the silence that followed, Kunle didn't speak.

He didn't need to.

He had already folded.

Reaching Lekki Phase 2, Daniel was now talking about why he wanted to buy a new house."I already have a nice place I'm staying at on the mainland," he began, his tone casual, eyes on the road, "but it's just so far from work. Every day I wake up by five just to beat traffic. It's draining. Especially now that work has gotten really hectic—meetings, deadlines, constant calls… it's too much. The drive back and forth is killing me."

Kunle gave a small nod. "Hmm," he said, listening.

"So I was just online one night," Daniel continued, "scrolling through listings—wasn't even planning to buy yet—and then I saw the one you posted. The location was so close to my office, I couldn't believe it. Felt like… I don't know, like something divine. A sign, maybe."

Kunle's eyes flicked to him. "It's a good place," he said simply.

Daniel's phone suddenly lit up on the dashboard. He glanced down and brought it to his hand. Kunle's gaze shifted instinctively. He didn't know exactly which iPhone it was—but it had that sleek pill-shaped animation at the top. The Dynamic Island. That meant it was iPhone 14 or above.

Kunle's eyes widened slightly as he observed the phone, silently calculating how many months of rent it would cost.

Daniel glanced at the caller ID, then scoffed. "This girl," he muttered, silencing the call and tossing the phone aside.

He turned toward Kunle. "All these girls are the same," he said, a hint of cynicism in his voice. "Just show them small money and you'll see them fawning over you, left and right."

Kunle gave a forced chuckle. "Yes… all the same," he echoed, the laughter sitting awkwardly in his throat.

The car's navigation system broke the silence. "Turn right at your next turn. Destination is approximately 800 meters ahead."

And like that, the car ride continued—with Daniel doing most of the talking, moving from topic to topic, while Kunle offered short responses, polite nods, and quiet laughter that never quite reached his eyes.

Minutes passed, and finally, they arrived.

The roads had thinned out, and now the estate appeared before them—unfinished, sandy, and raw. Fine grains of beach-like sand covered much of the street and sidewalks. The navigation system confirmed it with a final note: "You have reached your destination."

Kunle's face lit up with a smile.

He turned to Daniel, expecting some kind of mirrored enthusiasm, but was met with an unimpressed expression. Daniel was scanning the area through the windshield, eyes calm but clearly appraising.

Kunle, noticing, quickly jumped in. "The place is still a new area," he said, voice upbeat and fast. "Right now, only seventeen people are living here, but this—this is the future."

Daniel said nothing, his eyes still wandering.

"This entire estate," Kunle went on, "it's a brand-new project by the same developers who did Victoria Garden City. You know how big that is, right? This—this is their next vision. In a few years, this whole place will be a premium zone. Flooded with development. Roads fixed, proper drainage. And the sand? That's because Landmark Beach is just down the road. Honestly, you can even walk there if you want."

Daniel's expression didn't change, but Kunle pushed forward, riding the momentum of his own words. "Don't let me talk too much—let me show you instead. Let me open the gate."

He pushed open the car door and stepped out, his polished shoes sinking immediately into the soft sand. He didn't flinch. He walked briskly toward the gate, brushing dust off his trousers as he went.

Arriving at the security post, he cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted, "Musa! Musa!"

He turned around briefly to look at the car parked behind him. Its windows were tinted dark, obscuring Daniel completely. Still, Kunle smiled at the car, as if to assure Daniel that all was under control.

Then he turned back again. "Musa!" he called.

A voice responded from inside the small security room, thick with a northern accent. "Who is that?"

Kunle frowned slightly. "Musa, open the door quickly—we have a big customer here!"

From within, the guard emerged. Musa, a tall, dark-skinned Hausa man, looked a little worn from the sun. His shirt was slightly oversized and his trousers stained with dust. His gait was relaxed, his presence humble.

"Uncle Kunle, is that you?" Musa called out.

Kunle rolled his eyes. "No, it's not me. It's Jesus. Open the gate, my friend!"

He turned quickly, walking back toward the car. Over his shoulder he added, "I'm going to House B4. Bring a cold bottle from the kiosk. Don't worry—I'll pay you later."

From behind him, Musa's voice called out, grumbling with quiet protest. "Just because you're wearing a nice suit doesn't mean you should shout at me anyhow. That's not right."

Kunle ignored the comment, dusted sand off his blazer, and slipped back into the passenger seat.

"Sorry about that," he said with a laugh. "The guard was… washing his face. Probably just woke up."

Daniel didn't look at him. "It's okay," he said, voice flat, starting the car again and slowly driving into the estate.

Kunle sat still, glancing at Daniel's profile as the car moved. He knew from his posture, from the quiet tone, that Daniel wasn't impressed. His heart beat faster. What am I going to do? he thought, anxiety twisting quietly in his chest.

As they drove further in, Kunle leaned forward, pointing out landmarks with renewed energy. "That's the community field over there," he said. "It's great for kids. We're planning football matches, inter-estate competitions, Christmas carnivals—everything. It's already in the works." freewebnσvel.cøm

Daniel gave a half glance but said nothing.

"You know Demas Nwoko, right?" Kunle added quickly. "Or maybe you've seen some of his work? This estate's design is inspired by his principles. The architectural planning is world-class. All the houses follow that standard. Honestly, you're going to love the one I want to show you."

He turned to Daniel with a flicker of hope. "Just take the next right."

The car rolled forward, then turned.

There, ahead of them, stood a house.

Massive, proud, and unmistakably Nigerian in style—its cream-colored walls stretched wide with tall gates and ornate balconies. Marble columns lined the entrance, and the compound was large enough to host a wedding.

Even Daniel—who had remained unreadable all this while—allowed himself a small smile.

Kunle caught it and laughed softly, pointing with both hands like a magician revealing his final trick.

"This is it. The Monarch."

Kunle stepped out of the house and saw Musa approaching. His mind was preoccupied, hoping Musa was bringing the drinks he'd promised. Turning back to Daniel, Kunle flashed a smile, trying to mask the slight unease he felt. "Just check out the area while I handle something real quick. I'll be right back," he said, already stepping away to meet Musa.

As Kunle walked toward him, Musa's voice echoed through the air, sharp and serious. "Uncle Kunle, the woman selling the drinks said you should pay now. She won't give you another one for free. You already owe them three thousand naira, and with this, the total is four thousand five hundred."

Kunle's stomach tightened at the mention of the debt. His thoughts rushed through his mind—he had meant to pay them earlier, but things had slipped through the cracks. He swallowed hard before speaking. "Tell her not to worry. I'll pay. I won't forget," Kunle said, his voice calm but laced with underlying frustration.

He paused for a moment, his thoughts shifting. "By the way, where is Mr. Gbenga? Isn't he supposed to be here by now?"

The gateman's response was straightforward, though tinged with a hint of impatience. "Mr. Gbenga had another person come by this morning. He told me to let you know you should address your own matters. He's on his way soon."

Kunle nodded, his mind racing with the weight of all that was happening. "Okay, okay, no problem," he muttered, waving his hand dismissively. "Let this go through first. I'll handle it. Don't worry, Musa. I'll find something for you later," he added, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Musa gave him a knowing smile, nodding before turning and walking away, his figure gradually disappearing into the distance.

Kunle, now alone, took a deep breath, his hands momentarily hanging at his sides. He turned and walked back toward the house, his mind still tangled with worries.

Inside, he found Daniel standing at the window, gazing out over the compound. There was a quiet awe in Daniel's expression as he took in the view of the sprawling grounds. Kunle, trying to lift his spirits, smiled broadly, his pride and hope for the future reflected in the curve of his lips.

"It's beautiful, right?" Kunle asked, his voice light and enthusiastic, desperate for some affirmation.

Daniel turned to look at him, his face lighting up as he looked back at the property. "Oh, yes. It's exactly like it was in the pictures," Daniel said, his excitement clear. "This house... it's wonderful."

Kunle's chest swelled with a mix of relief and satisfaction. Finally, something to go right, he thought. His smile grew wider as he allowed himself to bask in the brief moment of success. "I knew you'd like it," he said, his voice filled with pride. "It's the kind of place that... that feels right, you know? This is the one."

His mind, however, didn't have the luxury of lingering on that small victory. "My, uh, boss isn't here yet, but come on, let me show you around. Let's get you familiar with the place," Kunle said, forcing himself to move forward despite the weight of everything pressing on his mind.

He moved toward the table where the drink was waiting, lifting it and offering it to Daniel. "Here, take this. You must be very thirsty from the ride. It's a milk drink. Very nice. It'll cool you down."

Daniel glanced at the drink, his face momentarily scrunching in disapproval. "I don't really drink things like that," he said, his voice polite but firm.

Kunle, however, wasn't about to let this slip away. "Come on, just try it. It's good. I promise," he said, trying to sound convincing, but there was an edge of desperation in his voice. Don't let this be another thing that falls flat, he thought. Just let him take it.

After a moment of hesitation, Daniel reluctantly accepted the drink, his eyes still wary as he brought the bottle to his lips. He took a sip, and immediately his face contorted with displeasure.

"Ugh, that's too sweet," he said, his voice flat as he quickly set the bottle down. His eyes glanced around for somewhere to dispose of it, and with little thought, he spotted a nearby garbage can. Without a second glance, Daniel tossed the drink in, and it landed with a soft clink inside.

Kunle's eyes widened in shock as he watched, his chest tightening. He opened his mouth to say something—Wait! Don't do that!—but the words caught in his throat. Daniel didn't even seem to notice his reaction as he turned away, muttering to himself.

"Awnn, too sweet," Daniel remarked, shaking his head as he moved forward, clearly unfazed.

Kunle stood frozen for a moment, staring at the garbage can where the drink had landed. His fingers twitched, and a sinking feeling took over him. The unease in his stomach grew, that small sense of disappointment turning into something heavier. I was trying to impress him, he thought bitterly, but it felt as though the small gesture had fallen apart so quickly.

The moment stretched in Kunle's mind, each second feeling like an eternity. His gaze stayed fixed on the discarded bottle, the sweetness of the drink now the bitter taste of failure in his mouth. The house, which had seemed like a beacon of hope moments ago, now felt like a distant dream.

And then, Daniel's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Well, let's go check out the house," Daniel said, his voice more neutral now, as if everything had already moved on.

Kunle blinked, his heart still caught in the knot of disappointment. He slowly nodded, his body stiff as he tore his gaze from the discarded drink.

"Yeah, I'm coming," Kunle murmured, his voice softer now, his energy still wrapped up in the weight of what had just happened.

As he followed Daniel toward the house, Kunle couldn't shake the feeling that something was slipping through his fingers. But there was still time. There had to be. He couldn't let this opportunity go.

And so, with a faint hope lingering in his chest, Kunle walked forward—one step at a time.