Tiffanie hugged Bonita tightly.
"Dad told me I had a sister... that I'd meet her when the time was right. And here we are."
Bonita pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with realization.
"You're not joking, are you? This... this explains everything. Why I could never move on... why I always felt like something was missing. The universe was just waiting to connect us — truly."
"And all thanks to Star," Tiffanie smiled.
But Bonita's face hardened.
"Star betrayed my brother. She's... she's making out with Rudra — his best friend."
Tiffanie blinked in shock.
"That's not true, Boni!. And your mom? She's holding Star captive, right? Your grandma has her phone — some girl gave it to her."
"Olivia," Bonita said grimly. "You remember her?"
"Olivia? Wait… Olivia from Harlods Primary?!"
Bonita nodded, remembering her old friend's warning.
"Damn. She's the one who confirmed it. Star and Rudra were together yesterday. We need to find her before it's too late."
They rushed out.
"Star thinks she's here for a wedding — to marry Mandume. He's getting married this year to inherit my father's company..."
"Mandume's getting married? Whew — I dodged a bullet. I wouldn't marry at twenty anyway," Tiffanie scoffed.
Bonita stopped.
"Wait. We need to separate. Only Daniels and I know you're here. You need to stay hidden — no one can suspect a thing, okay?"
"Who's Daniels?" Tiffanie asked.
"My crush. Long story. You'll hear it all later. Come on."
At Central Hospital…
Star's condition had worsened. Her breathing was shallow — too much oxygen, not enough blood.
Doctors rushed in, urgency thick in the air.
"She's slipping. I don't know how much longer she has," one doctor said.
"Can't we just give her the remaining blood?" another asked.
"No. It's not enough. She's A+, but the fetus is AB negative. We need both types to save them. If we risk it... we lose them both."
"We need consent. None of her family is here."
"Call Mr. Rudra. We'll have to adjust the oxygen levels — stall for time."
Meanwhile… Rudra
Rudra stood outside Tomas's workplace when his phone buzzed.
"Mr. Rudra," the doctor's voice trembled. "Time's ticking. I changed her oxygen levels. You have one hour to save your friend's girlfriend."
"I've got the father. We're on our way."
Work called. He declined.
"No. I'm not showing up. I'm trying to save a woman's life — and if she dies, it's on me. Please... just don't call again."
He cut the line and ran to the reception.
"Rudrof Malakia, Namibia Intelligence Agency. I need to see Mr. Tomas."
"I think he just left — changing job sites. Try the parking lot!"
"Thank you!" Rudra sprinted.
"Mr. Tomas!" he yelled, spotting the man entering a car.
Tomas turned, startled.
"Your daughter — she's in the hospital. She needs you. Only your blood can save her!"
"What? What happened?!"
"Long story — but please. She needs your A+ blood."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's go!"
They rushed off. Rudra, still breathless, sent Mandume a desperate text:
"Star's at Central Hospital. Needs blood — A+ and AB-. I know you can get the AB-. The baby needs it too. Please."
"Hope you read this in time," he muttered.
At the Party…
Bonita glowed in her birthday mint-green gown. Mandume took the stage.
"Hi!"
"Hello!" the crowd responded.
"Today's special! Let's eat cake, right?"
Laughter rose. He smiled.
"It's my baby sister's birthday. Guess how old she is — get it right, and I've got a gift!"
Guests shouted guesses: 21! 22! 19!
Backstage, Maria had snuck out. She had a spare key. Meanwhile, Tiffanie trailed Olivia through the crowd, unnoticed. Olivia answered a call and veered off.
"Where is he? What do you mean, he left?! He'll ruin everything... Guard the gate. If Tomas or Rudra show up, don't let them in. And find the body... we need to be sure."
"Don't worry, we'll handle it. Party's almost done."
Tiffanie gasped.
"The body... no. Star can't be…"
She backed into the shadows, heart racing.
"I have to tell Bonita — but I can't be seen…"
Back on stage…
Mandume grinned at the crowd.
"You're all terrible at guessing. Can't you see her?"
He extended his hand dramatically.
"Let's welcome the princess of the Davids Empire… Bonita Angel Davids!"
Cheers erupted as Bonita stepped up, radiant.
"Now, how old is she?" he teased.
Voices shouted.
"She's 20! Look at her!" Mandume declared.
"But God did me dirty. I'm 23 and look 31 — but if I ask a girl my age out, she looks like she's in high school!"
The crowd roared with laughter.
"We need to protest!"
"Okay, before cake — let's do gifts. Right, Boni?"
She nodded, tearing up.
"Here's mine first," Mandume said, handing her a small box.
Bonita opened it — inside was a car key.
"No… you didn't…"
"I did. You can finally drive."
Tears spilled down her cheeks as applause erupted.
Lazarus appeared and whispered something to Mandume.
"Mom, take over for me — I'll be back," Mandume told Maria, and she stepped up.
Meanwhile, Lufus signaled to a boy in the crowd.