Chapter 24: Shadows of Betrayal

The partnership between Wang Li and Dr. Emily Thompson had flourished, bringing groundbreaking advancements to the smart city project. Their collaboration had attracted international investors, and it seemed like nothing could stand in their way. But success often came with unseen enemies lurking in the shadows.

One evening, as Wang Li reviewed the latest project developments in his office, Chen burst in, his expression grim.

"You need to see this," Chen said, handing Wang Li a folder filled with documents and screenshots.

Wang Li flipped through the papers, his sharp eyes scanning each line. What he saw made his blood run cold—financial inconsistencies, diverted funds, and confidential research documents leaked to competitors.

"Where did you get this?" Wang Li asked, his voice calm but edged with controlled fury.

"I've been keeping an eye on our internal network ever since the project gained global attention. Someone has been leaking information, and based on the access logs... it's Dr. Thompson."

Wang Li clenched his jaw. He had trusted Dr. Thompson, had believed in their shared vision. Could it be true?

"She wouldn't do this," he muttered, though doubt crept into his mind. "There must be another explanation."

"Then confront her," Chen urged. "But be careful. If this goes public before we control the narrative, the entire project could collapse."

---

**The Confrontation**

Wang Li arranged a private meeting with Dr. Thompson the next day at their research facility. As he stepped into the glass-walled conference room, she greeted him with a warm smile, but Wang Li could see a flicker of nervousness in her eyes.

"I wasn't expecting a meeting so soon. Something urgent?" she asked, sipping her coffee.

Wang Li placed the folder in front of her. "Care to explain?"

Dr. Thompson frowned, flipping through the pages. "What is this supposed to be?"

"Proof that someone in your department has been leaking information—funds missing, research shared with our competitors. Your credentials were used to access confidential files."

She stiffened. "You think I did this?"

"The evidence says so," Wang Li said, watching her reaction closely.

Dr. Thompson scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "This is absurd! Do you think I'd throw away everything we've built together?"

"Then tell me who else had access," Wang Li pressed.

She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the documents. "My assistant, Mark. He handles my accounts and sometimes accesses files for me. If anyone tampered with my credentials, it's him."

"Then call him in."

She hesitated again. Wang Li didn't like the look in her eyes. It was fear, not anger.

"You already know," he said, his voice low.

"I—" She took a deep breath. "I was pressured, Wang Li. Investors from the Genesis Corporation approached me. They offered funding for my personal research—money that could accelerate our work. But I never intended to betray you."

"Yet you did," Wang Li said coldly.

Dr. Thompson's gaze hardened. "And what about you? Your empire is built on a system no one else understands. You make perfect decisions at the perfect time. What's your secret, Wang Li?"

He felt a chill run down his spine. She was digging too deep.

"I built everything through hard work," he said.

She laughed bitterly. "If that were true, I wouldn't have needed to go behind your back. But don't worry, I didn't give them everything. Just enough to buy us time."

"Time for what?" Wang Li asked, his patience running thin.

"For me to find leverage," she admitted. "I knew you'd come after me if I got caught."

Anger surged within Wang Li. "You used me, you used this project, and now you expect me to let it go?"

Dr. Thompson leaned forward, her expression serious. "We both know business isn't about trust, Wang Li. It's about power. The question is, do you still want me as an ally or as an enemy?"

---

**The Fight**

Before Wang Li could respond, the conference room door burst open. Two men in suits stormed in—representatives from Genesis Corporation.

"You have something that belongs to us, Mr. Wang," one of them said smoothly.

Wang Li stood up. "I don't recall signing any agreements with you."

The man smirked. "Dr. Thompson did, on behalf of your research initiative. And now, we want the rest of the data. Hand it over, and we'll forget this little... misunderstanding."

Wang Li glanced at Dr. Thompson. "Did you really think they'd just fund your research? You sold them a key to my empire, and now they want the whole lock."

Dr. Thompson looked away, guilt flashing in her eyes.

The second man took a step forward. "You have until midnight to give us the files, or this project—and your reputation—goes down."

Wang Li smiled coldly. "I don't take well to threats."

The men exchanged a glance. The first one sighed. "A shame."

The next moment, they lunged.

Wang Li dodged the first punch, sending the man crashing into the conference table. The second one aimed for his ribs, but Wang Li countered, grabbing his wrist and twisting it sharply. A pained grunt filled the room as the attacker dropped to his knees.

Dr. Thompson scrambled away, her eyes wide with shock.

The first man recovered, reaching for something inside his jacket. Wang Li reacted instantly, sweeping his leg and sending him sprawling. A small device—a USB drive—slipped from his grasp.

"Trying to plant evidence?" Wang Li picked up the drive and crushed it under his heel. "You people are pathetic."

The two men struggled to their feet. "This isn't over," one of them spat before they bolted from the room.

Wang Li turned to Dr. Thompson, who had backed into the corner.

"You just put everything at risk for greed," he said, his voice filled with disappointment.

She swallowed. "What are you going to do?"

He exhaled, shaking his head. "What I should have done from the start—clean house."

---

**Aftermath**

That night, Wang Li took immediate action. Dr. Thompson's contract was terminated, and all her research privileges revoked. His security team purged any remaining links to Genesis Corporation, and Chen worked tirelessly to ensure no further leaks.

By morning, the crisis had been contained.

Xiao Li called as Wang Li sat in his office, exhaustion weighing on him.

"Dad, are you okay? You sound tired," Xiao Li said.

Wang Li smiled, his son's voice lifting his spirits. "I'm fine, Xiao Li. Just a long day."

"You always say that," Xiao Li giggled. "But I know you'll win. You always do."

Wang Li chuckled. "That's because I have you to remind me what I'm fighting for."

As he hung up, Wang Li looked out at the city skyline. His journey was far from over, and new enemies would come. But no matter the challenge, he would rise. Because this wasn't just about revenge anymore—it was about building a future no one could steal from him.