CHAPTER 23
– Xavier's POV
I watch as our suspected insider, Alex, leaves the mansion on the fake errand. I've known Alex for years, but Eni's warning has me questioning everything. I turn to Dami. "Get me everything on Alex's background, finances, everything. I want to know if they're dirty."
Dami nods and starts typing away on his laptop. I turn to Eni, who's sitting on the couch, looking anxious. "We'll find out who's working with Cassandra, I promise. Dami suddenly said Cassandra has gone dark."
– Xavier's POV
"Cassandra's gone dark?" I repeat, my mind racing. "What do you mean?" Luna hesitates. "We can't track her phone, her emails, nothing. It's like she vanished." I feel a chill run down my spine. This isn't like Cassandra. She's always been loud, flashy, attention-seeking. "Get me Desmond on the line," I demand. "Now."
Dami quickly dials Desmond's number, and I pace back and forth, my mind racing. When Desmond answers, I don't waste time. "Cassandra's gone dark. What do you know?" Desmond's voice is grim. "I've heard rumors, Xavier. Whispers of a plan, something big. But I don't know what it is."
I curse under my breath. We're running out of time. Suddenly, Eni speaks up, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I know what Cassandra's planning."
We all turn to her, waiting.
– Xavier's POV
"What is it, Eni?" I ask, my heart racing. Eni's eyes are wide with fear. "Cassandra's been talking about… about taking control of Country D's government. She wants to overthrow the current leaders and take power for herself." I feel like I've been punched in the gut. This is worse than I thought. Dami's face is grim. "We can't let that happen," he says. I nod. "We need to act fast. Desmond, can you get us more information on Cassandra's plan?"
Desmond's voice is tight. "I'll do what I can, Xavier. But be warned, Cassandra's got a lot of connections. This won't be easy."
I glance at Eni, who's watching me with a determined look. "We'll stop her. But as I say the words, I know it won't be easy. Cassandra's got a head start, and we're running out of time.
Xavier's POV
I turn to Dami. "Get the team together. We need to come up with a plan to stop Cassandra." Dami nods and starts making calls.
Luna walks over to Eni, who's still looking shaken. "Hey, are you okay?" she asks. Eni nods, but her eyes are still wide with fear. I walk over to them. "Eni, I need you to tell me everything you know about Cassandra's plan. Every detail counts."
Eni takes a deep breath and starts talking. "Cassandra's been gathering supporters, people who are loyal only to her. She's got a small army at her disposal." I grit my teeth. This is worse than I thought.
"And what about the government?" I ask. "Does she have anyone on the inside?" Eni hesitates. "I don't know for sure, but I think she might have a mole in the palace."
My heart sinks. If Cassandra's got someone on the inside, we're in trouble.
– Xavier's POV
I feel a surge of adrenaline. We need to act fast. "Dami, get me the head of palace security on the line. Now." Dami quickly dials the number, and I pace back and forth, my mind racing. When the head of security answers, I don't waste time. "We have reason to believe Cassandra has a mole in the palace. I need you to investigate and find out who it is." The head of security's voice is serious. "I'll do what I can, Xavier. But I'll need access to all palace staff."
I nod, even though he can't see me. "Do whatever it takes. We can't let Cassandra get her hands on the government."
I hang up the phone and turn to Eni. "You're safe now. Eni nods, but her eyes are still filled with fear. Suddenly, Luna speaks up. "Xavier, I think I know who the mole might be." My heart skips a beat. "Who?"
Luna hesitates. "It's someone close to us, Xavier.
– Mrs. Maria's POV
I'm in my room, sipping tea and reading a book, when I hear a knock at the door. It's Dami. "Mrs. Maria, please can I discuss something with you," he says, looking worried. I put down my book. "What is it, Dami?" "It's about Alex, the new security guard," Dami says. "I think he might be the mole." My heart skips a beat. I've always thought Alex was a bit suspicious, but I never thought he'd be working with Cassandra. "What makes you think that?" I ask. Dami hesitates. "We've been investigating, and we found some suspicious activity on his part. He's been accessing restricted areas, talking to unknown numbers…"
I feel a chill run down my spine. How could I have let this happen? "We need to tell Xavier," I say, standing up. But Dami's expression is grim. "We can't, not yet. We need proof. And we need to be careful. If Alex is the mole, he could be dangerous." I nod, my mind racing. We need to protect
Alex's POV
I walk through the halls of Xavier's mansion, trying to look nonchalant. My heart is racing with excitement. I've been working for Cassandra for months now, feeding her information about Xavier's security. I approach one of the guards, a friendly guy named Jake. "Hey, man, how's it going?" I ask. Jake smiles. "Not bad, Alex. Just trying to stay alert. We've had some weird activity lately." My ears perk up. "Weird activity?"
Jake leans in. "Yeah, some of the cameras have been malfunctioning. And we've had some strange noises at night." I nod, taking mental notes. This is exactly what Cassandra wants to know. "I'll make sure to keep an eye out," I say, trying to sound concerned. As I walk away, I quickly text the information to Cassandra. She responds immediately. "Good work, Alex. Get me more. Xavier's schedule, security details, everything." I nod, even though she can't see me. I'll get her everything she needs.
– Jake's POV
I find Dami in the security room, monitoring the cameras. "Hello Dami, I need to tell you something," I say. Dami looks up. "What is it?" I hesitate. "I just talked to Alex, and I think he might be fishing for information." Dami's expression turns serious. "What did he ask you?" I repeat our conversation, and Dami's face grows more and more concerned. "We need to change the security cameras," Dami says. "Now. If Alex is working with Cassandra, we can't let him see our security layout." I nod. "I'm on it. But what about Alex? We can't just let him roam free." Dami's jaw clenches. "We'll take care of Alex. But first, let's secure the mansion."
We quickly get to work, replacing the cameras and re-routing the feeds. It's a race against time. We don't know what Cassandra's planning, but we know it can't be good.bAs we work, I glance at Dami. "You think Boss knows about Alex?" Dami's expression is grim. "Not yet. But he will soon."
Alex's POV
I walk away from my meeting with Jake, feeling confident. I got some good information out of him, and I know Cassandra will be pleased. I go about my day, trying to act normal, but I can sense that something is off. Dami and the others seem to be watching me more closely than usual. I try to shake off the feeling, telling myself I'm just being paranoid. But I know I need to be careful.
I make my way to my usual spot to text Cassandra, trying to blend in. "Got some good info," I type. "Will send details tonight." Cassandra responds immediately. "Good work. Be careful. Something feels off." I nod, even though she can't see me. I know I need to be careful. I delete the messages and cover my tracks, trying to stay one step ahead of Xavier's security team.
But little do I know, they're closing in on me…
I go about my routine, trying to act normal, but I can sense that something is off. Dami and the others seem to be watching me more closely than usual. I try to focus on my work, but my mind keeps wandering. What if I get caught? What if Cassandra's plan falls apart? I push the thoughts aside and try to stay focused. I need to get through this day without arousing any more suspicion. As the day goes on, I notice that the security team is making changes to the cameras and alarms. I try to act nonchalant, but inside, I'm panicking. Do they know something? Are they onto me?
I try to text Cassandra, but my phone is dead. I'll have to wait until tonight to reach her. As the day finally comes to a close, I breathe a sigh of relief. I made it through without being caught. But as I'm leaving, I see Dami talking to Jake strictly as though giving him a warning. His eyes narrow, and I know I'm running out of time.