Chereads / Reclaimed Crown: The Ascension of Aidan Pierce / Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Dark Secrets Unearthed

Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Dark Secrets Unearthed

Learning of Victor's aggression stunned Aidan. 

They were joined by Emily as they dug further into Victor's shady business operations, which turned out to be more sinister than Aidan had imagined. The papers and materials they collected did raise some issues, but what really shocked them was the scope of Victor's illegal operations. Something more complex was at play here than just a power struggle or familial rivalry. They were on the verge of embarking on an exciting and perilous adventure.

After weeks of gathering in dimly lit cafes and coordinating in hidden chat rooms, they succeeded. Emily had this uncanny knack for seeing patterns when no one else could, and she had this natural talent for digging deep into things. Investigating offshore accounts led her to discover other individuals who had transacted with Victor, as well as phony corporations masquerading as real ones.

 

 

 

 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they gathered around a table cluttered with papers, computers, and maps. With her fingers gliding swiftly over the laptop keyboard and her face illuminated by the screen, Emily attentively reviewed her files. The look of confusion on her face indicated that she was hesitant to begin a new document.

With a nudge toward Aidan, she called out, "You're gonna love this."

He curled up and looked at the paper. Nations with questionable records of money laundering were supplied all monetary transactions involving Victor's fictional enterprises, which were carefully documented. For all intents and purposes, every transaction contained a concealed identity. Criminological evidence points to Victor's involvement in various deals with prominent arms traffickers.

Emily muttered under her breath, "This is a trail." For quite some time, Victor has concealed his illegal business transactions behind these front firms. Politicians, drug traffickers, and arms dealers can all be bribed in this area. All of his controls will fall apart if you find out where he is and follow this paper trail to its end.

From happiness to disgust, Aidan felt it all. Although he had long suspected Victor of corruption, he was powerless to prevent Victor from carrying out his schemes. "How strong is this proof?" Is that something that could be done legally?

Even though Emily was nodding, her expression betrayed her irritation. We need to establish a link between these things before we can start to doubt Victor's honesty. The components, however, fall short in this regard. Technical evidence is crucial, because emails or digital signatures may connect him to these crimes.

A feeling of discomfort started to take hold as Aidan considered his possibilities. They will always require evidence that cannot be accounted for by chance or human error, regardless of how far they progress.

Helpful for Aidan was the thought that he could remember the name of one person who could know the key. A lightning bolt hit.To Mr. Andrew and Mr. Andrei Romeo, I say hello. He advises Victor financially and keeps an eye on his offshore holdings. He still doesn't know where the graves are.

Emily had a new appearance. "Is he someone who might be open to talking?"

Aidan was swept away by a wave of anxiety. He feels anxious and uneasy due to his strong distaste for Victor. Our chances of getting what we need from him will be much higher if we can convince him that we will protect him.

Emily drummed her knuckles on the table rapidly as her thoughts raced. Our next move should be to confront him. If he is granted immunity, he will cooperate with Victor's prosecution. Nevertheless, we need to be careful. Before telling Victor, we shall wait for his response from Ivan.

As soon as Aidan nodded, a surge of resolve washed over him. Worry rose as the prospect of deposing Victor's rule became more probable. More and more information led them into a labyrinth of betrayal and chaos. The key to their triumph was their nimbleness and swiftness.

After what felt like an endless wait on the town's outskirts, they finally spotted Ivan at a boring office building. They assumed no one would be actively searching for them, so they searched the area beforehand. Clearly shaken by the events unfolding around him, Ivan entered the room, his worried gaze darting from corner to corner. He was there, even if he was running a bit behind schedule.

Ivan whispered, "Aidan," before shaking his head and giving Emily a short nod. Can you provide some assistance with this? Truly, I am perplexed. What does this mean for Victor?

Aidan reassuringly told him, "He won't find out," after he'd thought of everything else. We shall see to it that you are protected so long as you provide us a helping hand. As soon as this takes place, everyone will look away from you.

Ivan released Aidan and Emily's hands from his jaw as he whispered to them. Holy cow, you couldn't be more wrong. Victor is on the lookout for danger at all times. His powers include the capacity to vanish police and government officers.

Emily leaned forward and spoke with an exuding confidence. We release you from all responsibility by doing this. We will protect you if you assist us in gathering evidence against Victor. Regardless of what is ahead, you should confidently distance yourself from him.

While his hands quivered a little, Ivan cast a glance downward. After being under Victor's shadow for so long, Aidan could feel his fear. Even still, he held on to the hope that Victor might release him.

Whatever is it that you need me to accomplish? This question needs to be asked of me. Ivan asked in a whisper that was scarcely audible.

The primary objective was to collect evidence for Aidan. Anything that could connect Victor to these front firms and their illicit operations, including documents, letters, and other similar items. You likely know something that might bring him down, given your involvement with his finances.

In order for Ivan to completely commit to the idea, he had to do some nervous chewing. "There are..... records." His last words came at the same moment he started to cry. Breathe out slowly and deeply. "Deals After I had started, Victor told me to stop. I find myself utterly influenced by their persuasiveness. Only Victor and I have encrypted the files that contain them.

They met eyes, and Aidan appeared utterly engrossed.

"Would you be able to open those files?" Emily responded to her query with an approachable yet forceful tone.

Ivan gave a subtle nod. Nevertheless, I must exercise caution. Victor is keeping a close eye on everything. When he notices anything out of the ordinary, he can identify the warning indications.

Aidan went on to clarify that they would gladly offer assistance. The first choice is to carry on as if nothing is wrong. These documents are the key to unlocking the mystery of Victor's unlawful activities.

Lost in thought, Ivan gazed down at the floor. He gave a firm nod as a wave of resolve washed over him. I am hoping for that outcome. I need you to tell me that when this nightmare is over, I will be completely protected. I would rather vanish than deal with you in any way.

Aidan reached out his hand, his expression determined. Ivan, I will honor my promise. I am someone you can trust. Once this is finished, you will be given permission to go.

Their tenuous connection may have been strengthened with only a simple handshake. A watershed moment in Aidan's journey would be reached when the truth about Victor's empire would be exposed.

In order to recover the files, Ivan, Aidan, and Emily worked together for a week. Careful preparation is required in order to remain hidden. The undercover operatives' goal was to link Victor to a network of bribery, money laundering, weapon sales, and political corruption. The last straw was when fresh evidence connected Victor to a criminal group.

However, a worse picture emerged as they continued to make links.

Emily was the first to notice the pattern in the files due to her remarkable pattern detection ability. She carried a stack of documents and brought Aidan to a private room one evening with an air of seriousness.

"Look at this," she said to Aidan, presenting a document that detailed a financial transaction.More than one factor lends credence to these moves. According to some of the stories that Victor has been spreading, terrorist groups from all over the world are involved.

Aidan furrowed his face as he stared at the paperwork. Am I dreaming? I was hoping you were aware of Victor's exact bank balance.

Emily said, "Militants," in a scarcely audible whisper. There is still fighting, even in the areas that Victor seems to have controlled. He has been benefiting himself financially and militarily at the expense of terrorist organizations.

The knowledge hit Aidan like a ton of bricks. His worst fears had been realized—Victory had shown an unprecedented level of aggression. It wasn't enough that Victor was a shady businessman; he also planned to exploit weak communities by sowing chaos and strife.

"This changes everything," Aidan said, his voice concealing a hint of sadness. The scope of our hunt for a businessman has expanded. Someone is willing to let Earth burn to fulfill their terrible goal.

As her gaze turned enraged, Emily absentmindedly nodded. Just thinking about that should be enough to make us work harder than ever to get the word out. Once news gets out about what Victor did, he will be free to roam this city.

Over the course of the following days, they would collect evidence that would reveal Victor for the monster he truly was. Deals with terrorist organizations, narcotics dealers, and offshore accounts were meticulously recorded. They were able to sue Victor and cast doubt on his integrity after they had gathered enough information.

Regardless, they could tell that exposing this reality would need courage. A small group of powerful people were willing to support Victor in whatever way they could if it meant protecting themselves. They needed to be vigilant since Victor was attempting to take advantage of them; else, they might end up in the same boat.

As they went about their daily routine, Aidan quivered, as if he were on the verge of falling.