Chapter 33: A New Beginning, A Darker Threat

News outlets were already buzzing with the leak. Every corner of the internet seemed to be discussing Richard's empire, exposing the underworld connections he'd worked so hard to hide. It felt like a victory, but the tension in the air remained thick.

They sat in a small café, waiting for their next contact—a journalist who would help them go public with their story, protecting them in exchange for an exclusive.

"We've done it," Jay said, sipping his coffee. "Richard's going down. He'll have no place to hide now."

Marriam nodded but didn't smile. She could feel the weight of the storm still brewing on the horizon. "This is only the beginning. Richard won't stop. He'll come after us harder than before."

Ellen leaned back in her chair, a knowing look on her face. "We'll handle it. We've made it this far."

As if on cue, Marriam's phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced down, expecting a message from their contact, but instead saw an unknown number. A sense of dread crept over her as she answered the call.

The voice on the other end was cold and familiar.

"Marriam. I know what you've done."

Her blood ran cold. Richard.

"You think you're safe, don't you?" Richard continued, his voice low and menacing. "You think exposing me will bring you peace. But this is far from over."

Marriam's hand tightened around the phone, her heart pounding in her chest. "You can't scare me, Richard. It's too late. Everyone knows."

A dark chuckle echoed through the line. "You've only scratched the surface. You've made yourself a target, and now you're playing my game."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Marriam in silence. She stared at the phone, a sinking feeling twisting in her gut.

"What was that?" Jay asked, noticing her expression.

"Richard," she said quietly. "He's not going to back down."

Before they could respond, the sound of distant sirens filled the air. Ellen's face went pale as she looked out the window. "We need to leave. Now."

They scrambled to their feet, grabbing their bags and rushing out the back door, disappearing into the night.

The final scene shifts to Richard, sitting in a dark room, a smirk on his face as he watches a news broadcast about his exposure.

"They think they've won," Richard said, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. "But I always have the final move."

He stood and turned to face the window, overlooking the city below.

"They're in deeper than they realize. And now…it's time to teach them a lesson."

Ending of Volume 1:

As Marriam, Jay, and Ellen disappear into the night, they have no idea of the next wave of danger coming their way. Richard may be exposed, but he's more dangerous than ever—and the game is far from over.