Aria sat at her desk, her thoughts racing. The weight of what she had discovered pressed heavily on her, but there was no time to falter. She had to act quickly and decisively.
Victor Hale wasn't just Damon's partner—he was the mastermind. Exposing him would require precision and cunning, especially since his reputation shielded him like armor.
Aria opened her laptop and began drafting an anonymous dossier. It had to be thorough, undeniable, and damning—a collection of evidence that would tie Hale directly to the Zenith project, as well as Damon's web of corruption.
The stolen files were a goldmine. With detailed financial transactions, encrypted communications, and the contingency plans, she had all the proof she needed. But releasing it without a strategy could backfire. If Hale caught wind of her intentions, he'd destroy her before the truth ever reached the public.
Aria needed a platform. She needed reach.
---
That evening, she reached out to an investigative journalist she had followed for years, one known for taking down untouchable figures. The journalist, Nina Leclerc, was infamous for her no-nonsense approach and her fearlessness in exposing corruption.
Using an encrypted email account, Aria sent Nina a sample of the evidence. She kept her message brief:
"Victor Hale isn't who you think he is. Attached is proof. If you want more, contact me here."
She hit send, her heart pounding.
---
The next morning, Aria received a reply.
"This is explosive. I want everything you've got. Meet me tonight—7 PM, Riverview Café. Come alone."
Aria stared at the screen. Meeting Nina in person was a risk, but it was also necessary. She needed someone who could help her navigate the storm that would come once Hale's empire started to fall.
---
Later that day, she noticed Liam watching her more closely than usual. He lingered near her desk, his eyes narrowing whenever she moved.
"Everything okay?" she asked, forcing a smile.
Liam tilted his head. "You seem... distracted lately."
"Just busy," she replied, keeping her tone light.
"Busy doing what?"
His question was pointed, and Aria knew she had to tread carefully. "Damon's projects are demanding. You know how it is."
Liam didn't respond, but his silence spoke volumes.
---
That evening, Aria arrived at the Riverview Café. The warm lights and soft hum of conversation did little to calm her nerves. She scanned the room until she spotted Nina sitting in a corner booth, her sharp features framed by dark glasses and a leather jacket.
Aria approached cautiously, sliding into the seat across from her.
"You're braver than I expected," Nina said, her voice low but firm.
Aria shrugged, masking her unease. "I don't have a choice."
Nina leaned forward, her expression serious. "You're going after Victor Hale. Do you know what that means?"
"I know exactly what it means," Aria replied. "He's been hiding behind his charity work while orchestrating something monstrous. He needs to be stopped."
Nina studied her for a moment before nodding. "Show me what you've got."
Aria handed over a second USB drive, this one containing the complete Zenith Agreement, along with the contingency plans and other incriminating documents.
Nina plugged it into her laptop, her eyes scanning the screen as she absorbed the information.
"This is... huge," she said finally. "If this goes public, it'll destroy him."
"That's the idea," Aria said, her voice firm.
"But it won't be easy," Nina warned. "Hale has connections everywhere—media, law enforcement, even the courts. Once we release this, he'll come after both of us."
Aria's jaw tightened. "Let him. I'm not afraid."
---
As Aria left the café, her phone buzzed. It was another message from H:
"You're making the right move. But be ready—Hale won't go down without a fight."
She stared at the message, her determination hardening.
Hale's empire was about to crumble, and she would make sure of it.