Emily's phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Sarah's text flashed on the screen:
"Meet me at 7 PM. I have news."
Emily's pulse quickened. What had Sarah discovered?
As Emily arrived at the agreed meeting point, Sarah's expression was grim.
"What is it?" Emily asked.
"I dug deeper into Alex's past," Sarah said. "There's something fishy about his sister's disappearance."
Emily's heart stuttered. "What do you mean?"
"Sources indicate Sophia Thompson was involved with some shady characters," Sarah said. "And Alex's alibi for the night she disappeared is shaky."
Emily's mind reeled. Could Alex be hiding something?
"I need to know more," Emily said.
Sarah nodded. "I'll keep digging."
As Emily returned to Novatech, doubts crept in. Was Alex using her?
Emily's phone buzzed again, an encrypted message from an unknown sender:
"Meet me at 10 PM. Come alone."
Emily's instincts screamed caution, but she had to know the truth.
At 10 PM, Emily stood outside the abandoned warehouse, her heart pounding.
A figure emerged from the shadows.
"Who are you?" Emily demanded.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a shocking face.
"Victor Laurent," Emily whispered.
Victor's eyes locked onto hers. "You're in danger, Emily."
Emily's mind reeled. What did Victor want?
"I know you're working with Alex," Victor said. "But do you know why?"
Emily's heart skipped a beat. "Tell me."
Victor's smile was cold. "Alex wants revenge for his sister's disappearance."
Emily's world tilted. Was Alex using her?
As Emily left the warehouse, the city streets seemed darker.
Emily's thoughts swirled. What to believe?
Back at her apartment, Emily's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Alex.
"Emily, where are you?" Alex asked.
Emily hesitated. "I know the truth."
Alex's voice turned cold. "What truth?"
Emily's heart pounded. "About Sophia."
The line went dead.
Emily's doubts had grown. Was Alex trustworthy?
The night wore on, Emily's anxiety growing.
She needed answers.