CHAPTER 8: THE QUEEN'S MOVE

Calanthe stood tall with determination. She knew she had finally uncovered the truth-she was a pawn in Kairos's game, but she refused to be controlled. It was time to take matters into her own hands.

With the confidence that she had captivated, she began to make her move. She started by gathering evidence of Kairos's deceit, documenting every manipulation and every lie. She would use this information to expose him and reclaim her rightful place as the CEO of her family's company.

Calanthe's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Ryder. Why was Ryder calling? She hesitated since she didn't what to respond on the phone. Something about Ryder's involvement in Kairos's game didn't add up. She needed to know more.

"Hello?" Calanthe answered.

"Calanthe, we need to talk," Ryder said. It seemed that it was an urgent call.

Calanthe needed to be careful about the changes that have happened. What did Ryder want? Was he still loyal to Kairos, or was he willing to switch sides.

"I'm listening." She replied with the tension to know the next move.

"I know what Kairos has been doing." His tone lacing with a warning. "I know he's been manipulating you, using you to get to your family's company."

Calanthe's grip on her phone tightened. How did Ryder know? And what did he plan to do with the information?

"What do you want, Ryder?" Calanthe asked cautiously.

"I want to help you," Ryder replied, his words sending a spark of surprise through Calanthe. "I want to help you take down Kairos and reclaim your rightful place as CEO."

Calanthe smiled as she was busy listening to Ryder's words. Could she trust him? Or was this just another manipulation?

"Why would you help me?" Calanthe asked curiously.

Ryder's pause was palpable. "Let's just say I have my reasons," he said finally. "Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th and Main at 2pm. We'll discuss the details.

The line went dead, leaving Calanthe staring at her phone in confusion. What had just happened? And what did Ryder have planned?

Calanthe sat down wondering why would Ryder want to help her? What made Ryder's heart change suddenly? And what did he hope to gain from it?

Despite her reservations, Calanthe had the feeling that Ryder was sincere to her. His voice was speaking only the truth.

The hours ticked by and Calanthe found herself growing more and more anxious. She paced back and forth in her room, trying to calm her nerves.

Finally, the clock struck 1:45pm. Calanthe grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

The coffee shop on 5th and Main was bustling with activity when Calanthe arrived. She scanned the room, and finally her eyes locked onto Ryder's familiar figure.

He was sitting in the corner, sipping on a cup of coffee. His eyes met hers, and he nodded subtly.

Calanthe made her way over to him. What would he reveal? What did the future hold for her?

She approached the table, Ryder stood up but his eyes were not leaving hers. "Calanthe...hmm thanks for coming." he said.

Calanthe smiled as she took a seat." Well, I'm listening."

Ryder was lack of words at that moment. He wondered how Calanthe is such a beautiful, kind woman. Calanthe noticed the serious staring at Ryder that he was giving her. It made her uncomfortable since she is not used to looking at her as much.

In a movement that caught her off guard, he reached out gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

She wondered why Ryder touched her hair and what was he doing exactly? What did he mean to touch her?

Calanthe and Ryder just stared for each other for a moment, the air thick with tension.

Then, without breaking eye contact, Ryder gestured to the chair across from him. "Please, sit down," he said.

The look that they gave to each other made Calanthe hesitate for a moment. Unsure of what to do. Something about Ryder's demeanor put her at ease.

Ryder chuckled, his eyes never leaving Calanthe's face. "What are you laughing at?" She asked. He smiled and replied, "I know I haven't been honest with you, Calanthe," "But I want you to know that my intentions were never malicious. I was trying to protect you."

"Protect me? From what?" She asked.

Ryder leaned forward and said. "Kairos is not what he seems, Calanthe. He's been playing with your mind, using you to get your family's company. But I'm not going to let him win."

Ryder was going to help her take down Kairos? But why? And what did he hope to gain from it? Calanthe looked at Ryder and she saw something like loyalty.

What was he hiding? And why did she get the feeling that he was willing to risk everything to help her?

"I don't understand," Calanthe said. "Why would you help me? What's in it for you?"

Ryder's face changed to anger, but then his expression smoothed out. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing Kairos taken down." he replied.

Calanthe was still confused and she had a lot of questions to ask. Before she asked any question, Ryder leaned forward and pulled out a small folder from his jacket pocket.

"I've gathered evidence of Kairos's wrongdoings," Ryder said. He seemed to be very serious now. "Enough to bring him down and clear your name. But I need your help to make it happen."

Calanthe looked at Ryder as she took the folder from Ryder. She opened it, scanning the documents inside. It was all there-the proof she needed to take down Kairos and reclaim her rightful position as the CEO.

After opening the folder, Calanthe gave a serious look at Ryder, she saw something that looked like an expectation in Ryder's eyes.

"Seriously, Ryder what do you want from me? You worked with Kairos. Suddenly you're appearing to me and claiming that you want to help me?" She asked as she was putting her hands at the table. With a serious expression on her face.

"All I need is your trust," Calanthe. He replied. "I want you to just let me help you to take down that damn...Kairos. He has caused so much pain to you and your brother. Your reputation has to come back. All I want is you to run the company not Kairos."

"I don't know what to say, but if what you're telling is the truth. I will think about it." Calanthe said. She couldn't believe that Ryder wanted to be her partner. But why? And what will he gain from helping Calanthe?