language, the mentions of specific financial accounts, and the tone of urgency all pointed to one

number. It rang twice before his sharp

ies of encrypted messages in the internal records. They're between Evelyn an

e. Then Alex's voice, cold and controlled, ca

at her desk, surrounded by stacks of documents and her laptop glowing with incriminating

ex said, his

p within your company's internal servers. Whoever sent them knew how to cover their tracks, but

le, but Charlotte could see the flicker of pain in his eyes. "This doesn'

r file, showing bank transfers that traced back to Kane's overseas accounts. "These transactions

"She said she wasn't involved. She

e don't know the full story yet. But if she's not the one

acking for the first time. "She's my sister, Bennett

ust about family. It's about your company, your future. If Evelyn is pa

"You're right. But before I confront her, I

rlotte said. "But there's on

es narrow

on your inner team is hiding things. I came across re

oze. "M

, but it looks like he's been keeping tabs on the inv

g in his eyes. "Marcus has been my friend and

volved, you need to handle it carefully. He knows

cus. But I want you to keep digging. Fi

s, and travel history, piecing together a timeline that painted a disturbing picture. Marcus had been meeting with Vic

us's company laptop. It took hours for Charlotte to crack the passw

egal documents-all pointing to a coordinated effort to frame Alex fo

den noise behind her made her freeze. She turned slowly, her

react, the figu

ly avoiding the man's outstretched hand. "What the hell-!" she shouted, b

w and threatening. He was wearing a ski mas

a grunt of pain, loosening his grip just enough for her to break free. She grabbe

You're making this harder than it needs to

he managed to hit the emergency speed dial for Alex befor

he demanded, her voic

ldly. "You're digging where you sho

ieces. Charlotte felt a surge of anger and fear as she lunged forward, trying to st

eet, the man turned and bolted out the

e a mask of fury and concern. "Charlotte!" he call

from the floor. She winced as pain shot throug

yes scanning her for injuries.

voice wavered. "Someone broke in. He tr

enched. "Did

g on her arm told a different story. "But he destro

"We'll recover it. I'll get

les, Alex. It was a message. Whoever's behind this, they're

they've made a mistake. No one threat

, tired smile. "I didn't r

rmly. "And I'm not going to

, her phone buzzed on the floor where it had fallen. She picked

r your head. Back off, or next

o Alex, her expression grim.

read the message. "Then w

eady despite the fear in her chest.

ith determination. "