The room was heavy with tension as Kane's imposing figure filled the doorway. His eyes scanned the room, settling on Lucas, who stood protectively in front of Zara and Amelia. The USB drive was hidden in Lucas's pocket, but Kane seemed to know it was there, as if he could sense its presence.
"Well, Lucas," Kane began, his voice smooth but menacing. "You've been a thorn in my side for far too long. But I'm a reasonable man. Let's talk."
Lucas clenched his fists, his muscles taut with anger. "Talk? You've destroyed lives, manipulated my family, and now you want to talk?"
Kane chuckled, a cold, empty sound. "You're young, Lucas, and impulsive. You don't see the bigger picture. Everything I've done has been for a purpose. The question is, are you smart enough to see that purpose or will you let your emotions cloud your judgment?"
Zara shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting toward the window. She was calculating, searching for an escape route. Amelia, however, stood firm, her eyes blazing with defiance. "Whatever you're offering, Kane, we don't want it," she said sharply.
Kane raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Ah, Amelia. Always the moral compass. But morality doesn't win wars it loses them."
Kane stepped further into the room, his movements deliberate and confident. He gestured for Lucas to sit, but Lucas remained standing. Undeterred, Kane leaned against the edge of the desk, his gun resting casually in his hand.
"I'll get straight to the point," Kane said. "You have something I want. And I have something you want."
Lucas narrowed his eyes. "What could you possibly have that I want?"
"Information," Kane replied smoothly. "The truth about your father. The truth about why your family fell apart. And, most importantly, the truth about who you really are."
Lucas froze. The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Despite everything, a part of him still longed for answers, for closure. But he couldn't trust Kane not after everything he'd done.
"You're lying," Lucas said through gritted teeth.
Kane smirked. "Am I? You've been chasing ghosts, Lucas. Following breadcrumbs without understanding the bigger picture. But I can give you the whole story all I ask is for one little thing in return."
Zara stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Let me guess: the USB drive?"
Kane's eyes flicked to Zara, his smile widening. "Ah, the tech genius. Always quick on the uptake. Yes, the drive holds something valuable, but it's not just about the files. It's about trust."
"What kind of trust are you talking about?" Lucas asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Kane spread his arms in a mock gesture of innocence. "An alliance. Join me, Lucas. Together, we can uncover the truths your family has kept hidden for decades. You're fighting a war you don't fully understand, but with my guidance, you could win."
Lucas's stomach churned at the thought. Aligning himself with Kane went against everything he believed in. But the temptation of answers real answers was hard to ignore.
"You think I'd betray my family for you?" Lucas spat.
Kane laughed, the sound echoing through the room. "Your family has already betrayed you, Lucas. You're just too blind to see it. Your mother's lies, your father's secrets they've all been playing you. And now, you're left to clean up their mess."
Lucas's mind raced. Was Kane telling the truth? Or was this just another one of his manipulations? He glanced at Zara and Amelia, their faces a mix of concern and determination. He wasn't alone in this, but the weight of the decision rested squarely on his shoulders.
Before Lucas could respond, Kane's tone shifted, becoming colder. "Of course, if you refuse my offer, I'll have no choice but to take the drive by force. And trust me, Lucas, you don't want to see what I'm capable of when I'm not being reasonable."
The threat hung in the air like a storm cloud. Zara tightened her grip on her hacking device, and Amelia subtly positioned herself closer to Lucas, ready to fight if necessary.
Lucas finally spoke, his voice steady. "You're right about one thing, Kane I want answers. But not from you. You've caused enough damage. I won't let you manipulate me the way you manipulated my family."
Kane's expression darkened, the smug smile fading. "Pity," he said, his voice icy. "I was hoping you'd see reason. But I suppose some lessons have to be learned the hard way."
He raised his gun, pointing it directly at Lucas. Zara and Amelia froze, their eyes wide with fear.
But before Kane could pull the trigger, a loud crash echoed through the room. The door burst open, and a figure stepped inside, their face hidden in the shadows.
"Enough, Kane," the figure said, their voice low and commanding.
Kane turned, his eyes narrowing. "You," he hissed.
Lucas stared at the newcomer, his mind racing. Whoever this person was, they clearly had a history with Kane and they might be the key to turning the tide.
The chapter ends with the figure stepping into the light, revealing their identity. It was someone Lucas never expected to see again someone who could change everything.
"Hello, Lucas," the figure said, their voice filled with both warmth and danger. "It's time we talked."