Emily arrived at the coffee shop early, her nerves humming with anticipation. Sarah waved from a corner table, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"Spill," Emily said, sliding into the chair.
Sarah leaned in. "I dug into Victor Laurent's past. He's got connections to several shady corporations."
Emily's eyes widened. "What kind of connections?"
"Shell companies, offshore accounts...the works. Victor's involved in some dirty dealings."
Emily's mind reeled. "And Alex knows?"
Sarah nodded. "I think so. But there's more. I found a link between Victor and your father's law firm."
Emily's heart stuttered. "What?"
"James Wilson's firm represented Victor's interests in a high-profile case. There's rumors of a cover-up."
Emily's world tilted. Her father's involvement with Victor?
"What else?" Emily pressed.
Sarah hesitated. "I hacked into Novatech's internal files. Alex has been investigating Victor's dealings, but there's something more...personal."
Emily's curiosity flared. "What?"
Sarah's voice dropped. "Alex's sister, Sophia, was involved with Victor. She disappeared five years ago."
Emily's breath caught. "And Alex thinks Victor's responsible?"
Sarah nodded. "I think Alex is seeking justice, but Victor's not the only one with secrets."
Emily's thoughts swirled. Alex's motivations, her father's involvement...
As Emily left the coffee shop, the city streets seemed darker, more sinister.
Back at Novatech, Emily's phone buzzed with an encrypted message from Alex:
"Meet me at 8 PM. My office. Come alone."
Emily's heart skipped a beat. What did Alex want?
At 8 PM, Emily stood outside Alex's office, her palms sweating.
"Enter," Alex called.
Emily stepped inside, finding Alex pacing beside the window.
"Emily, I need your trust," Alex said, his eyes burning with intensity.
Emily nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have it."
Alex's gaze locked onto hers. "I've been investigating Victor's connections to my sister's disappearance. I think your father's involved."
Emily's world crumbled.
"What do you need from me?" Emily asked, her voice steady.
Alex's expression softened. "Your help. Together, we can uncover the truth."
Emily's heart pounded. Alliance or betrayal?