Layla froze, her pulse racing as the footsteps outside the door grew louder. She quickly removed Ethan's device from the server, tucking it into her pocket. With no time to leave, she glanced around for a hiding spot. The footsteps stopped, and the sound of a keycard swiping through the lock filled the room.
The door clicked open just as Layla ducked behind Aiden's imposing mahogany desk. She held her breath, her heart hammering in her chest.
"...It's strange," a male voice said. "I thought I saw movement in here earlier."
Layla peeked out from her hiding spot, catching a glimpse of two security guards standing just inside the doorway.
"Could have been the wind moving the blinds," the second guard suggested.
"Maybe," the first guard replied, but his tone was uncertain. "Still, better to double-check."
They began to search the room methodically. Layla's panic grew with each passing second. She pressed herself further into the shadows beneath the desk, praying they wouldn't think to look there.
---
A Narrow Escape
One of the guards moved closer to the desk, and Layla's breath hitched. He paused, his flashlight beam sweeping dangerously close to her hiding spot.
"Anything?" the second guard called from across the room.
"No," the first guard replied after a long moment. "Everything seems normal."
"Let's go, then. We've got other floors to check," the second guard said.
The guards left the office, and the door clicked shut behind them. Layla waited a full minute before daring to move. Her body was trembling as she emerged from her hiding spot, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
She glanced at the server to ensure nothing appeared out of place, then carefully exited the office, locking the door behind her.
---
The Aftermath
When Layla finally reached the parking garage to meet Ethan, she was a bundle of nerves. She practically threw the device into his hands.
"I almost got caught," she hissed. "There were security guards in the office."
"But you weren't caught," Ethan pointed out, his tone calm as he plugged the device into his laptop.
"You don't get it," Layla snapped. "This isn't just a game to Aiden. If he finds out, he won't just fire me. He'll destroy me."
Ethan's expression softened. "I know, Layla. But we're almost there. Once I process this data, we'll have everything we need to take Aiden down for good."
Layla exhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus. "What did we get?"
Ethan's fingers flew over the keyboard as he accessed the files. "Bingo," he said after a moment. "These are Aiden's personal logs. Detailed notes about every deal, every transaction, and every bribe. This is the smoking gun we've been looking for."
Relief washed over Layla, but it was short-lived. "So what's the next step?"
"We need to compile this into a report and send it to the authorities," Ethan replied. "But we have to do it carefully. If Aiden catches wind of this, he'll bury us before we can make our move."
---
Aiden's Discovery
The following morning, Aiden received an urgent call from his head of security.
"Sir, we've reviewed the logs from last night," the man reported. "There was unauthorized access to your office."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "Do we know who it was?"
"Not yet, but we're narrowing it down. Layla Carter's keycard was used to enter the building after hours, but it wasn't logged on your floor. Someone may have cloned her credentials."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "Focus your investigation on her. I want everything she's done in the past week scrutinized. And find out who she's been meeting with outside of work."
"Yes, sir."
As the call ended, Aiden leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Layla had become more than a liability—she was a direct threat.
---
Layla's Growing Doubts
As the days passed, Layla couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Subtle signs were everywhere: her computer running slower than usual, coworkers glancing at her more often, and Emily's sudden eagerness to strike up conversations.
At one point, she overheard a conversation between two IT staffers near the break room.
"...We're running a full audit on all employee activity," one of them said.
"Why? Did something happen?" the other asked.
"Can't say, but Aiden's been on edge lately. He's tightening security across the board."
Layla's stomach dropped. She knew the noose was tightening around her.
That evening, she called Ethan.
"They're onto me," she said, pacing her apartment. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."
"We're almost there," Ethan assured her. "I've compiled the report and sent it to a contact at the FBI. They're reviewing it now. All we need to do is wait for their go-ahead."
"Wait?" Layla repeated, incredulous. "You don't understand—Aiden's not going to wait. He's going to come after me."
"Then you need to stay one step ahead of him," Ethan said. "Stay calm, act normal, and don't give him any reason to suspect you."
Layla sighed, wishing she could share his confidence.
---
Aiden Makes His Move
The next day, Layla was called into Aiden's office. Her heart pounded as she stepped inside, trying to maintain a calm exterior.
Aiden was seated behind his desk, his piercing gaze fixed on her.
"Layla," he began, his tone deceptively casual. "I wanted to discuss your recent performance."
"Of course," she replied, forcing a smile.
"You've been doing exceptional work," Aiden continued, standing and walking around his desk. "But I've noticed some... irregularities in your activity logs. Late nights, unauthorized file access. Care to explain?"
Layla's blood ran cold. She quickly composed herself, meeting his gaze. "I've been putting in extra hours to stay ahead on Project Vanguard. As for the file access, I was reviewing old documents for context. I didn't realize it was an issue."
Aiden studied her for a moment, then smiled—a cold, calculating smile.
"I appreciate your dedication," he said. "But in the future, I'd prefer if you cleared such activities with me first. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings."
"Of course," Layla said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
As she left his office, she knew one thing for certain: Aiden was onto her.
---
The Race Against Time
That night, Ethan called with an update.
"The FBI is moving forward," he said. "They're preparing to raid Donovan Enterprises, but it could take a few days to coordinate everything."
"We don't have a few days," Layla said, her voice trembling. "Aiden knows I'm involved. If we wait, he'll destroy the evidence—and me."
"Then we need to force his hand," Ethan said. "Expose enough of his operation to make him panic. He'll make mistakes, and that's when we'll strike."
Layla took a deep breath, steeling herself. The stakes had never been higher, but she was determined to see this through—no matter the cost.