The chat with Damien Blackwood was still weighing heavily on Emily as she sat in the conference room. She was chilled—not by the frigid chamber, but by the unmistakable feeling that he was concealing something—a dark, perilous secret. She tried to concentrate by massaging her temples. The easy part was supposed to be the interview. It felt different than the tense she had anticipated. She skimmed through her notes once more. His final words, "You have no idea what you're getting into," stuck in her head even though nothing in his actions indicated shame or worry. Every second dragged on, and the wall clock ticked louder than usual.
Emily's phone buzzed with an email notice just as she was ready to depart. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at the screen.
Subject: Request for Interview Follow-Up
Emily's hands trembled a little as she opened the email. Damien sent it.
Dear Ms. Chase,
Regarding the accusations you brought up during our discussion, I have nothing further to say. But I've gone ahead and scheduled a private tour of Blackwood Tower for you for tomorrow. I'm counting on you to be here on time at 9:00 AM.
Regards,
Blackwood, Damien
Her stomach churned. Why would he ask her to return? She was uneasy about how suddenly everything happened. Was this a chance to be nearer to him? Or a trap? She was too busy to be self-conscious. Her research might come to an end if she rejected this.
Emily's thoughts were racing when she arrived early at Blackwood Tower the following morning. The glass shell of the sleek edifice reflected the clear sky as it loomed ahead. With her heels clicking on the shiny floors, she entered the lobby. She was greeted by a sharply smiling receptionist.
"Greetings, Ms. Chase. Mr. Blackwood is anticipating your arrival."
Emily's pulse accelerated. She was escorted to the top floors using a private elevator. With a gentle chime, the elevator doors opened, revealing a hallway lined with dark wood paneling and abstract artwork. The silence seemed uncanny. The receptionist led Emily past several striking offices with floor-to-ceiling windows without saying a word. Then, however, they came to a pair of doors. The front desk agent hesitated. After saying, "Mr. Blackwood will be with you shortly," she turned and walked away without saying anything else.
Emily stood by herself in a large room with a broad view of the city in front of her. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a big desk with tidy stacks of papers sat in the middle. Everything shouted power and money.
After a few minutes, Damien entered through the open door. His voice was calm and silky as ever as he said, "Ms. Chase." Despite his impeccable attire, he appeared slightly softer this time, as though he were lowering his defenses just enough for the occasion.
Emily tried to remain calm as she added, "Thank you for inviting me back."
With a nod, Damien offered her a place at the central table. He pointed to the chair on the other side. "Please sit down." In a neutral but not rude tone, he said, "I thought you might appreciate a tour of the building. A peek behind the scenes, as it were."
Emily sat down, although she wasn't sure if she should be cautious or impressed. Was he putting her in danger by inviting her here? Although she was unsure, she felt compelled to be vigilant. She leaned closer and said, "So, tell me. Why make such an offer? You don't want me to go into your past. Why take a tour now?"
With his gaze fixed on hers, Damien reclined in his chair. "A tour doesn't cause any harm. I hope it might help you comprehend what I have created here. Perhaps your perspective will change." He didn't appear to be responding to her. More obscure phrases, that is.
Emily persisted, though. "Now, let's discuss the whistleblower."
Even though Damien's countenance scarcely changed, Emily could still see it. Although he didn't flinch, his eyes twitched. She briefly believed she saw a glimpse of guilt, but it quickly disappeared. His voice was harder now as he questioned, "Do you like trying to ruin people's lives?"
Emily's heartbeat accelerated. "I'm not attempting to destroy anyone's life. My goal is to find the truth."
"The reality?" His hands were clasped in front of him as he leaned forward. "You have already decided on me, haven't you? You've already made up your mind about me."
In an attempt to hide how deeply his remarks affected her, she bit her lip. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm just asking questions."
He got up suddenly. "And I've provided enough responses. You have no idea what you're up against. I'll do everything it takes to keep this empire safe because I started it from nothing. People are unaware of that."
Emily was also resolved not to be intimidated by him, so she stood up. "So why do you think it's so important that I and others don't know your secrets?"
The room felt considerably colder for a minute as Damien's eyes darkened. "Because the questions you're asking are incorrect. And those inquiries will cause you pain."
Emily's throat tightened with breath. The air was heavy with danger as the disguised menace hung there. However, the tension in the room was abruptly cut off as the door banged open before she could reply. A man in a dark suit entered, his expression severe and strained.
The man said, "Mr. Blackwood, we must speak."
Damien's expression tensed. "We'll discuss it later. I'm occupied."
However, the man refused to give up. "Sir, this is urgent. A situation has arisen."
Damien squinted his eyes. He looked back to Emily. His tone abruptly became angry as he continued, "You should go."
Feeling like a stranger at the moment, Emily hesitated. She was aware that she had no other option. She gave Damien one more quick look before leaving the room, her thoughts racing.
Emily's phone buzzed as the elevator doors closed. The message came from an unidentified number.
"Ms. Chase, you've gone too far. Don't claim that we didn't alert you."