CHAPTER 38
Cassandra's eyes flashed with anger, but she maintained her composure. "You're making a grave mistake," she spat, turning to flee.
Dami and Desmond gave chase, but Cassandra had planned her escape. She vanished into the crowded hospital corridors. As they lost sight of her, Dami cursed. "She had this planned." Desmond's face set in a determined expression. "We'll find her." Suddenly, Cassandra's voice echoed from the intercom, sending chills down their spines.
"You think you've won, but this isn't over. Xavier will pay for his betrayal. And you, Dami and Desmond, will suffer for interfering." The intercom fell silent, leaving an unsettling silence. Dami's jaw clenched. "We need to increase security around Xavier." Desmond nodded. "And find Cassandra before she strikes again." Jessica approached, worry etched on her face. "Xavier's safety is compromised. We should move him to a secure location."
Luna stood beside her, determination in her eyes. "We won't let Cassandra harm him. Dami nodded decisively. "Let's move Xavier to his mansion. We'll organize a private room for his treatment and ensure maximum security." Desmond agreed. "I'll coordinate with the security team. We'll make sure Cassandra can't breach the perimeter." Jessica and Luna helped transfer Xavier to his mansion, where a medical team awaited. As Xavier settled into his new surroundings, Dami contacted International Securities, requesting additional protection.
"Xavier's life is at risk," Dami emphasized. "We need expert operatives to safeguard him. "The agency's director, Rachel, assured Dami of immediate assistance. "We'll deploy a team to Xavier's mansion. Our best agents will protect him." Within hours, the mansion transformed into a fortress, with heavily armed guards and state-of-the-art surveillance. Xavier, despite his weakness, smiled gratefully. "Thank you, friends. I'm in good hands. "But Cassandra's threat lingered, a constant reminder of the danger that loomed.
Luna's POV:
I sat in the mansion's security room, scanning the feeds from the newly installed cameras. Xavier's safety depended on our vigilance. As I reviewed the guards' rotations, a discrepancy caught my eye. One agent, Alexei, seemed to be accessing restricted areas without clearance. My instincts screamed warning. I immediately contacted Desmond. "Desmond, I need to show you something," I said, my voice low.
He arrived promptly, his expression serious. "What is it, Luna? I pointed to the screen. "Alexei, one of the International Securities agents. He's been accessing sensitive areas without authorization." Desmond's eyes narrowed. "Can you get me everything on Alexei.." I swiftly compiled the data, and Desmond's expression darkened as he scanned it.
"Rachel needs to know," he said, already dialing the International Securities director. "This could be Cassandra's inside help," I whispered, fear creeping in. Desmond's jaw clenched. "We'll investigate quietly. Can't risk alerting the mole." As Desmond began his probe, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were running out of time.
Dami's POV:
Desmond pulled me aside, his voice low. "Dami, I need you to play a side game. We can't confront Alexei directly, not yet." I nodded, intrigued. "What's the plan?" "Make contact with Alexei, gain his trust. We need to know what he's reporting to Cassandra."
I understood. "You want me to pretend to be friendly, get him to spill." Desmond's eyes locked onto mine. "Be careful. Alexei's likely to be desperate." I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself. As I approached Alexei, he looked up, wary. "Dami. What can I do for you?" I forced a smile. "Just wanting to thank you for keeping Xavier safe. You're doing great work."
Alexei's expression softened, slightly. "Appreciate that, Dami." I leaned in, conspiratorially. "Listen, I heard rumors of internal conflicts within International Securities. You hear anything?" Alexei's eyes darted around before focusing on me. "Nothing concrete, but... there's tension." I nodded sympathetically. "Must be tough, caught in the middle." Alexei's voice dropped to a whisper. "To be honest, Dami, I'm not sure whose side I'm on anymore." I maintained my friendly demeanor, while internally celebrating. This was exactly what we needed – a crack in Alexei's armor. Alexei leaned in closer, his voice barely audible. "Cassandra's been pushing me for intel on Xavier's recovery. She wants to know when he'll be strong enough to access his files."
I kept my expression neutral, encouraging Alexei to continue. "Thing is, Dami, I don't know what she wants with those files. But I do know she's willing to do whatever it takes to get them." My mind racing, I probed gently. "What files are we talking about? "Alexei hesitated before answering. "Xavier's research on the NeuroRegen project. Cassandra thinks it holds the key to her own plans." Desmond's words echoed in my mind: "Cassandra's hidden agenda."
I pushed for more information. "What's Cassandra's endgame?"Alexei's eyes darted around nervously before focusing on me. "I'm not entirely sure, but... I've heard whispers of a global takeover. Cassandra wants to control the NeuroRegen tech."
My blood ran cold. This was bigger than we'd thought.