The guard's grip on Jake's arm tightened. "You're coming with me," he growled.
But just as Jake was about to be dragged away, the guard's radio crackled to life. "We have a situation at the front gate," a voice said. "Intruders have breached the perimeter."
The guard's eyes flicked towards the door, and Jake saw his chance. With a swift movement, he shook off the guard's grip and made a run for it.
"Alex! Sarah!" he yelled, spotting his friends across the room. "Now!"
Together, they sprinted towards the door, weaving through the stunned guests. They burst through the entrance, gasping for air, and found themselves face to face with a group of masked intruders.
"Who are you?" Jake demanded.
One of the intruders stepped forward, pulling off their mask. It was Jack, the whistleblower.
"We're here to help," Jack said. "We've been tracking the businessman's movements. We know he's hiding something big."
Jake's eyes narrowed. "What do you know?"
Jack hesitated before answering. "I think it's connected to an old case. One that could bring down the entire corrupt network."
Alex's eyes widened. "The Richmond case?"
Jack nodded. "The same one. I have evidence that suggests the businessman was involved in the cover-up."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with determination. "We need to get that evidence."
The group moved swiftly, following Jack through the winding corridors of the mansion. They reached a door hidden behind a tapestry, and Jack produced a key.
"This is it," he said. "The businessman's private office. The evidence is inside."
Jake's heart raced as he pushed open the door. The room was dimly lit, but he could make out a safe in the corner.
"Get to work, Alex," Jake said.
Alex began to work on the safe, her fingers flying over the keypad. Finally, it swung open, revealing a stack of documents and a small USB drive.
Sarah grabbed the documents, scanning them quickly. "This is it," she said. "This is the proof we need."
But as they turned to leave, they were confronted by the businessman himself.
"You fools," he sneered. "You think you can bring me down?"