As Lily sat at her kitchen table, staring blankly at the mysterious text message on her phone, the air in her apartment felt thicker than normal. As she repeated the sentences, her hands shook.
"Lily, you're playing a risky game. Take a step back, or you'll regret it.
The threat's audacity chilled her to the bone. In order to avoid drawing too much attention to herself, she had been cautious. Now, however, someone had taken notice. She was told to cease digging.
She immediately wanted to tell Jack. He'd know how to deal with this. However, the idea of involving him made her stomach turn even more. Jack had already risked his life by assisting her in discovering Daniel's true identity. Jack might also be at risk if the person who sent the message was keeping an eye on her.
Putting her phone down, she inhaled deeply and wished her hands would stop shaking. Now, fear would not assist her. She needed to clear her head.
The next day, Lily headed to the library, a public, neutral place where she could conduct research without raising any red flags. The calm ambiance of the structure was a pleasant diversion from the turmoil in her thoughts.
Determined to solve more of the problem, she signed on to one of the public computers. She received a list of names from Jack that were related to Daniel's activities. A handful evoked a dim memory, but most were unknown. She started reading through news stories, company documents, and social media profiles to find out more about each name.
An hour went by, and then two. She stared at the television until her eyes burned, yet she was unable to stop. She discovered more strands of Daniel's web with each click: a Cayman Islands firm, a well-known art dealer with a dubious reputation, and a real estate magnate connected to fraud.
But her breath didn't catch in her throat until she happened to stumble over Cassandra's name.
Cassandra and Daniel had a professional relationship in addition to a romantic one. She had advised on acquisitions that ultimately proved to be money laundering fronts while working as a consultant for one of his shell corporations. The beginning of their romance coincided exactly with the time she started working.
Lily felt a knot in her stomach. Cassandra had been his collaborator as well as his mistress.
Unable to keep the new information to herself, Lily called Jack that night.
When he picked up, she remarked, "You were right." Cassandra is not your typical mistress. Daniel has been working with her the entire time.
Although Jack spoke calmly, there was a hint of haste in his voice. "What did you discover?"
Lily gave a thorough explanation of all the names, businesses, and transactions. Her voice trembling as she relived the moment she'd read the threat, she also told him about the SMS message.
Jack remained quiet for a while before answering. This supports my suspicions. In this game, Cassandra is more than just a pawn. She plays. And whoever sent you that message is aware that a significant event is imminent.
"Now what do we do?" Lily's question was hardly audible above a whisper.
"We continue," Jack stated resolutely. However, we must exercise caution. That message's sender isn't playing bluffs. They will stop at nothing to safeguard their interests.
Although he couldn't see her, Lily nodded. "Jack, I'm not going to back down. No matter how many threats they make, I won't back down.
His tone grew softer. "I understand. That is what concerns me.
Lily made the decision to confront Cassandra the following day. She had answers that might reveal the truth if she was as deeply connected as Lily thought.
She discovered Cassandra drinking an espresso and browsing through her phone at a hip downtown café. When Lily saw her, her blood began to boil. How could she sit there so cool and at ease while her actions destroyed the lives of others?
With her heart racing, Lily walked over to her table. "Cassandra."
Cassandra's face was a mix of astonishment and contempt as she looked up. "Lily. What a surprise.
Lily didn't make an effort to be nice. In order to keep their chat private, she pulled out the chair across from Cassandra and sat down, leaning forward.
Lily's voice was hard and low as she said, "I know what you've been doing."
Cassandra, trying to look innocent, arched an eyebrow. "I don't understand what you're discussing."
"Don't act foolish," Lily yelled. "I've looked at the documents. I am aware of the businesses and transactions. You're aiding Daniel in money laundering, not simply having sex with him.
Cassandra's mask briefly came off. Something flashed in her eyes that Lily couldn't quite identify—fear? Fury? However, it vanished just as swiftly as it had appeared.
Cassandra sipped her espresso coolly and remarked, "You have no proof."
A sour smirk curved Lily's lips. "Not just yet. However, I'm getting nearer. And you and Daniel will be held accountable for your actions when I do.
Cassandra crossed her arms and sat back in her chair. "Lily, you're playing a risky game. You have no idea who you are interacting with.
"Neither do you," Lily retorted, getting to her feet. "But you will."
Lily could feel Cassandra's gaze piercing her back as she turned to leave. She had been shaken by the incident, but it had also strengthened her resolve.
Lily got another text message that evening. This one was shorter and more straightforward.
"Stop excavating."
Her blood froze.
However, she experienced a wave of resolve rather than fear. The person who sent these texts wanted her to give up and back down. They were merely adding gasoline to her flames without realizing it.
Lily took a long look at the message before erasing it.
She had no intention of stopping. Not right now. Never.