Kaelyn's heart still racing from Asher's lingering gaze, she made her way to the exit. The cool night air enveloped her, a welcome respite from the stifling tension. As she stepped onto the sidewalk, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Kaelyn Jenkins?" a low voice asked.
Kaelyn's instincts flared. "Who are you?"
A slender woman, dressed in black, handed Kaelyn an envelope. "Meet me at Café Luna, 9 am. Come alone."
The woman vanished into the night, leaving Kaelyn with more questions. Who was she? What secrets lay within the envelope?
Kaelyn opened it, finding a cryptic message:
"Reed Global's success built on lies. Dig deeper."
The words sent shivers down her spine. What lies?
The next morning, Kaelyn arrived at Café Luna, scanning the crowded room. The mysterious woman sat in the corner, sipping coffee.
"You're brave," the woman said, as Kaelyn approached. "I'm Rachel, Asher's former assistant."
Rachel leaned in, voice barely audible. "Asher's empire crumbles beneath its facade. Financial irregularities, hidden accounts...and something more sinister."
Kaelyn's mind reeled. "What proof do you have?"
Rachel handed Kaelyn a folder. "Documents, recordings...everything."
Kaelyn's eyes widened as she scanned the contents. This changed everything.
"What's your motive?" Kaelyn asked.
Rachel's eyes clouded. "Justice. Asher destroyed my life. Now it's my turn."
Kaelyn hesitated, weighing loyalty against truth. Should she expose Asher or protect him?
As she left Café Luna, Kaelyn knew her decision would alter lives forever.