CHAPTER 34
(Cassandra's POV)
My father entered my office, his expression softening as he took in my frantic state. "Cassandra, what's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face. I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But the desperation in his eyes made me open up. "Victor… the men… everything's fallen apart," I stammered, fighting back tears. My father's face fell, and he rounded the desk to sit beside me. "I'm sorry, Cassandra. I had no idea." He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "We'll figure this out together. We always do." But I shook my head, pulling away. "No, Father. I did this. I messed up." He tried to reassure me, but I couldn't bear the comfort. Not now. "Leave me alone, Father. I need time to think," I said, my voice cracking. My father nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I'm here for you, Cassandra. Whenever you're ready." He departed, leaving me shattered and alone. The silence was oppressive, my thoughts consumed by failure and betrayal. Who had betrayed me? And why?
The questions swirled, fueling my anger and despair. I sat in darkness, my mind racing with strategies to reclaim control. Xavier's survival was a temporary setback. I would regroup, reassess, and strike again. But who had foiled my plan? Desmond? My father's words echoed in my mind: "We'll figure this out together." Had he known more than he let on? No, I couldn't distrust him now.
My phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
A message from the Government House: "Emergency Meeting. Your Presence Required.
Time: Immediately. Location: Government House, Situation Room" My heart skipped a beat. What emergency? Could it be related to Xavier? I quickly composed myself and made my way to the Government House. As I arrived, the Situation Room was abuzz with anxious chatter. Government officials and high-ranking officers filled the room. At the center, the President stood, grave concern etched on his face. "Cassandra, glad you're here," he said, his voice low. "We have a crisis." "What is it Sir?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities. The President's eyes locked onto mine. "Xavier's incident has triggered a national security threat." My ears perked up. This could be my chance. "I have no idea Sir," I said, calculated interest coloring my tone.
The President's words struck me like a blow. "Xavier was shot, and his condition is uncertain. The international community is taking this as a threat to global stability." My mind reeled. Security measures? Protection for Xavier and his family? This changed everything. "The International Council has deployed elite security teams to ensure Xavier's safety," the President continued. "We cannot afford to lose him." I felt my plans slipping away. How could I get to Xavier now? The President handed me a folder. "Details of the security operation. You're to cooperate fully." I scanned the documents, my anger growing. This was a disaster. "Who authorized this Sir?" I demanded. "The International Council," the President replied firmly. "We have no choice but to comply." I knew I had to adapt, to find a new angle. But for now, my plans were on hold. As I left the Situation Room, my phone buzzed with an encrypted message, I stared at the encrypted message, a spark of determination igniting within me:
"Victor still in custody. Come safe him and let's talk business… I feel this is one of Xavier's plot, It had to be him. Who else could infiltrate my operation? But why reveal Victor's captivity now? A chilling thought crept in: I recalled the previous messages, the cryptic warnings and tantalizing clues. It was all a ruse, designed to keep me off balance. Xavier's endgame became clear: get to me, manipulate me. Fury coursed through my veins. I wouldn't be toyed with. I typed a response, careful to conceal my true intentions, "Prove Victor's alive." A pause, then, "Image attached." A photo loaded, Victor's battered face staring back at me. Rage and helplessness warred within me. Xavier's message followed: "Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone." A trap. But I wouldn't back down. I would play along, for now.