Chapter 45: A Shocking Revelation

As they caught their breath after the high-speed chase, Pierre's phone rang. He answered it, listening intently to the person on the other end.

Aurélie watched as Pierre's expression changed from relief to shock. "What is it?" she asked, as he hung up the phone.

Pierre's eyes locked onto hers. "It's about The Phoenix," he said. "I just got a tip from a trusted source. The Phoenix is not who we thought it was."

Aurélie's eyes widened in surprise. "Who is it?" she asked.

Pierre hesitated, as if unsure of how to reveal the information. "It's someone close to us," he said finally. "Someone we trust."

Aurélie's mind was racing. Who could it be? She looked at Léon and Sophie, but they seemed just as shocked as she was.

"Who is it?" Aurélie asked again, her voice firm.

Pierre took a deep breath. "It's... it's Léon's brother, Victor," he said.

Aurélie's eyes widened in shock. Victor? Léon's own brother? It couldn't be.

But as she looked at Léon, she saw the truth in his eyes. He knew. He had known all along.

"Léon, how could you?" Aurélie asked, feeling betrayed.

Léon's face was twisted in anguish. "I didn't know what he was involved in," he said. "I swear, Aurélie. I had no idea."

Aurélie's heart was heavy with sorrow. She didn't know what to believe anymore.

But one thing was certain: they had to stop Victor, no matter what it too.