Chapter 46: Serena’s Betrayal?
Ethan stared at Kai's message, the words burning into his brain. *Serena.* The woman who had been his guiding light in the industry. His mentor, his friend. Could she really be part of the Council's conspiracy? The thought twisted like a knife in his chest.
He paced around his apartment, torn between disbelief and paranoia. Kai was trustworthy, always reliable with information, but this? It felt too personal. Too painful.
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**[Ding!]**
*New Task: Confront Serena*
- **Objective:** Uncover the truth about Serena's involvement with The Council.
- **Reward:** Special Skill: *Deception Sense* + 200,000 System Points.
- **Consequence:** Failure to find out the truth will result in a major setback in your career.
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Ethan knew what he had to do, but that didn't make it any easier. He arranged to meet Serena later that evening at their usual spot, a discreet café far from the glitzy lights of Hollywood.
When he arrived, Serena was already there, sitting at a corner table with a glass of wine in hand. She looked calm, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. But Ethan's instincts told him otherwise—something was off. He couldn't shake Kai's warning from his mind.
"Ethan," she smiled warmly, standing to greet him. "It's been a while. How are you holding up?"
He forced a smile as they hugged, her familiar scent triggering a wave of memories. For a moment, he doubted everything. Could Serena really be capable of betraying him?
They sat down, and Serena, as usual, launched into industry talk—discussing deals, upcoming projects, and potential opportunities. But Ethan's focus was elsewhere. He kept watching her, trying to detect any sign, any clue that she was hiding something.
"How's everything with you?" she asked, her eyes searching his face. "You seem a bit distracted."
He leaned back, exhaling. This was it. "I've been hearing some things," he began, careful with his words. "About The Council. About… you."
Serena's smile faltered. She set down her glass, her expression hardening. "What are you talking about, Ethan?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he said, his voice low. "Rumors, manipulation, all of it. People are saying you're involved with The Council's moves against me."
For a moment, the silence between them was deafening. Serena's face was unreadable, but then she let out a short, bitter laugh.
"Is that what you think of me?" she asked, her voice colder than he'd ever heard it. "That I would betray you for some shadow organization?"
Ethan's heart pounded. He needed to know if this was an act or if he'd truly misjudged her. "I don't know what to believe anymore."
Serena stared at him, her eyes full of something Ethan couldn't decipher—hurt? Anger? Betrayal?
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**[Ding!]**
*New Subtask: Analyze Her Reactions*
- **Objective:** Determine whether Serena is lying through body language and emotional cues.
- **Reward:** 50,000 System Points.
- **Consequence:** Misjudgment will lead to further tension in your relationships.
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Ethan focused on her every move. The slight tremble in her hand, the way her eyes narrowed just a bit too much. She wasn't telling the full truth. Something was being concealed. But how much?
"You've always been like family to me, Ethan," Serena continued, her voice softening. "I've only ever wanted to help you succeed. I would never do anything to harm you."
The words sounded genuine, but Ethan's gut told him otherwise. He couldn't trust her—not fully.
"I hope that's true," he said, standing up. "But if I find out you're lying to me… you'll regret it."
Serena's eyes widened, and for a brief moment, he saw something flicker in them—fear? Guilt? He couldn't be sure.
As Ethan walked out of the café, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had confronted Serena, and though the truth remained murky, he knew he had planted the seed of doubt in her mind.
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**[Ding!]**
*Task Completed: Confront Serena*
- **Status: Success**
- **Reward Unlocked: Deception Sense + 200,000 System Points.*
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But the feeling of triumph didn't last long. His phone buzzed again. Another message from Kai.
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**Kai:** *You shouldn't have confronted her. They're moving faster now. Be careful. The Council knows.*
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Ethan's stomach dropped. Had he made a mistake? Was Serena truly innocent, or had he just accelerated the Council's plans? He didn't have time to figure it out. His career, his life—everything was hanging by a thread.
And in this ruthless game, he was running out of moves.
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