Chapter 10: A Storm Unleashed
Isabel remained motionless in Alexander's penthouse, feeling the weight of the unknown bearing down on her. It was all too much: the mysterious messages, the unexpected departure of the important witness, and now the knowledge that something far scarier was approaching. Before, she had believed that Marcus Drake was the worst of their issues, but now, even darker shadows were looming over them.
Alexander worriedly observed her, his face tight. His eyes had shifted from the panic she'd seen in them seconds earlier to the calculating expression she'd seen in his gaze so many times before, when he was getting ready for battle. However, this was distinct. This was more than a failed business transaction or an adversary attempting to undermine him. This was something far more dangerous.
Isabel added in a steadier voice, "You need to tell me everything," even though her heart was still racing. Give up trying to shield me by lying to me. I must know the true identities of our enemies if we are to survive this. Alexander fixed his tight jaw on her for a long moment. Then, turning to face his desk, he sighed and pulled up a big folder to reveal a thick folder. She received it from him. Then he quietly stated, "These are the files I didn't want you to see." "The investments and the offshore accounts connected to the individuals Marcus has been blackmailing." However, it isn't the worst of it.
Isabel took the folder and opened it with a tiny tremor in her hand. Pages of financial records, contracts, and emails were found inside, all of which connected Alexander's business to several shell companies and unidentified investors. However, as she quickly perused the documents, she noticed something—a name.
She frowned and whispered under her breath, "Leland Chase." That was a name she had seen before.
Alexander became gloomy-faced. "Isabel, he poses the true threat? He is much more than a pawn to Marcus. Leland has ties to dishonest politicians, global crime organizations, and more. Behind the scenes, he is the one holding the strings.
Isabel felt her blood freeze. Leland Chase's name was not new to the media; it was always connected to the periphery of authority but never directly linked to any misconduct. He was the kind of person who stayed out of the spotlight, quietly influencing events.
With her voice hardly audible above a whisper, she questioned, "How is he involved in this?"
Alexander's face was serious as he leaned against the desk. "Leland was the one who initially set up the offshore accounts, but Marcus was using them as a form of blackmail." I had no idea how close his links were until I started the company years ago. He gave me connections, investments, and other things I felt I needed to grow. "But I was unaware that I was getting entangled in his web."
Isabel was devastated. "So you've been with him for the entire time?"
Alexander muttered, "I cut ties with him years ago, or so I thought." But Leland finds it difficult to let go. He has been observing from the sidelines, biding his time to turn his knowledge against me. And now that Marcus is involved, he has influence.
A shiver went down Isabel's spine. "So, what is his desire?"
Alexander's expression hardened as he paused. "He's after power. Of all things. The business, the institution, our relationships. He intends to conceal his activities behind us.
Isabel gasped for air. "And if you refuse to comply?"
Alexander spoke in a bland tone and continued, "He'll destroy us." He's not bluffing either. He has already made moves to erase people who could stand in his way. That's why our witness disappeared. Leland got to him first."
The air in the room seemed to thicken as Isabel felt the full weight of the situation. It was no longer just Marcus Drake they were up against. They were confronting an even more fearsome foe: an uncharted empire controlled by an unrestrained man."How do we proceed?" Isabel asked, her voice barely steady.Alexander gave her a long, clearly passionate stare. We strike back in retaliation. But we must tackle it sensibly. Leland is not reachable in the conventional sense. We can't just expose him and then expect him to exact revenge. We need to determine his weak points. Fear gripped Isabel's heart. "How do we go about doing that?"
With a tight face, Alexander cast a quick glance at the wall clock. Someone may be able to assist us, I believe. Someone who used to work for Leland—he's a hacker, brilliant but dangerous. He disappeared off the grid years ago, but I've kept tabs on him. If we can identify him, he might know where Leland's vulnerabilities are."
Isabel's heartbeat accelerated. "And where do we find this hacker?"
Alexander paused. Although he has been hiding in Europe, I know someone who can help us find him. Though dangerous, this is our best option.
There was a tremendous bang in the room before Isabel could reply. Her heart leaped into her throat as she abruptly turned. Two masked people charged in, their actions quick, shattering the enormous glass windows, their movements swift and precise. Isabel barely had time to react before one of them lunged at her, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the ground.
"We have to get out of here. Now." Isabel thought to herself as the second attacker was already on her and pinning Alexander to the wall. Nevertheless, instinct took over, and she grabbed the nearest object, a heavy metal lamp, and swung it at the man holding Alexander. The blow landed, and the man crumpled to the floor. Despite his heavy breathing, Alexander was able to grab Isabel's arm and pull her toward the door.
The sounds of the attackers behind them were becoming progressively quieter as they neared the stairway, and the two of them ran along the corridor. After they had sprinted down several flights of stairs, Alexander stopped them with a pale but determined face. He said in a tight voice, "They're not just small-time criminals." "Leland issued that warning. " Isabel's heart began to pound in her chest. Where we are is not safe. "No, we're not," Alexander responded, his eyes darting around the stairwell as if he were expecting more attackers to arrive at any moment. We have to turn off the internet. If we stay here, Leland will find us, and it won't be just a warning the next time. Isabel nodded, her palms quivering. She had known the stakes were high, but now it was clear just how ruthless their enemies were. This wasn't a game anymore—it was a battle for survival.
She asked, her voice shaking but determined, "What's the plan?"
Alexander gave her a look as his determined demeanor hardened. "The hacker is located. We discover Leland's flaw. And we defeat him before he eliminates us.
Isabel nodded, a steely determination replacing her terror. Even though they were being pursued, they had no intention of giving up easily.
The burden of their goal weighed heavily on them as they rushed into the night, but Isabel experienced an odd sense of clarity for the first time. They were caught in the midst of the approaching storm. But they could stand a chance if they could identify Leland's weak point.
She was aware that there would be a price, though. The real question was: how high a price were they willing to pay to survive?