The Embrace of the Trap
[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
The silence in the apartment is deafening. Julien rereads the anonymous email, his hands trembling. The words "You know who I mean" echo in his mind, making his heart race. He glances at Thomas, asleep on the couch, unaware of the looming danger.
JULIEN
(whispering)
I have to end this before she comes after him.
Julien grabs his phone and dials Sophie's number.
SOPHIE
(on the phone, worried)
Julien, what's going on?
JULIEN
Clara just threatened Thomas. I can't wait any longer. We have to act now.
Sophie hesitates for a moment.
SOPHIE
We need to be careful. If we rush, she might gain the upper hand.
JULIEN
(resolute)
She already has the upper hand. I won't let Thomas—or anyone else—become a target.
---
[EXT. COMPANY BUILDING – MORNING]
Julien and Sophie meet at the building entrance, their faces marked by exhaustion. They know Clara will stop at nothing, but they've decided to fight back with the evidence they've gathered.
SOPHIE
(walking beside him)
Are you sure you want to confront her directly? We could go to the authorities with what we have.
JULIEN
(determined)
Not yet. If she feels cornered, she might destroy everything she has on me… and Thomas.
They enter the building and head to a secure meeting room. Sophie spreads the evidence on a table: screenshots, recordings, and details about Clara's shady past.
SOPHIE
(pointing to the documents)
If we show her we know everything, she'll lose control of her own game.
---
[INT. CLARA'S OFFICE – LATER]
Julien enters Clara's office alone. The room is eerily quiet, almost cold. Clara sits behind her desk, an undisguised look of satisfaction on her face.
CLARA
(with a sarcastic smile)
Julien. What a pleasure to see you.
Julien closes the door behind him, fixing her with a piercing gaze.
JULIEN
Your little game ends here, Clara.
She raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence.
CLARA
(ironically)
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Julien lays the evidence on her desk.
JULIEN
(coldly)
The emails, the photos, the videos… It's all here. You orchestrated everything.
Clara looks at the documents without flinching, then chuckles softly.
CLARA
You think this is enough to stop me? Julien, you forget one thing: I have nothing left to lose.
---
[EXT. UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT – EVENING]
Sophie waits in the parking lot, her eyes fixed on her phone. Julien had asked her to stay back, but she knows he's taking a huge risk confronting Clara alone.
The sound of footsteps echoes behind her. Sophie turns, on high alert. A familiar silhouette emerges from the shadows.
CLARA
(coolly)
You didn't think I'd leave you out of this, did you, Sophie?
Sophie instinctively takes a step back, but Clara moves closer, a cruel smile on her lips.
CLARA
You've always been too curious for your own good.
---
[INT. CLARA'S OFFICE – CONTINUED]
Julien feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He glances at it briefly: a message from Clara.
"If you want to see Sophie unharmed, you'll have to make a choice."
His blood runs cold. He looks up at Clara, who wears a satisfied expression.
CLARA
(calmly)
You see, Julien, I control everything. So if you care about your friend, I suggest you cooperate.
JULIEN
(angrily)
What exactly do you want?
CLARA
(intensely)
I want you to suffer. Like I did.
---
[INT. UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT – LATER]
Sophie is tied to a chair, placed in the center of the deserted parking lot. Clara circles her, savoring her victory.
SOPHIE
(defiantly)
You won't win, Clara.
Clara laughs coldly, the sound echoing in the empty space.
CLARA
Do you really think Julien can beat me? He's too weak for that.
Julien arrives at that moment, his face tense with determination.
JULIEN
Let her go, Clara.
Clara turns slowly, her smile widening.
CLARA
(mockingly)
Oh, Julien, always the hero.
She pulls out a phone and holds it up.
CLARA
You see, all I have to do is press this button, and all those compromising videos will be sent to dozens of journalists.
Julien takes a step forward, his hands trembling slightly.
JULIEN
(pleading)
You've won, Clara. I'll resign. But leave Sophie and Thomas out of this.
Clara seems to consider this for a moment, relishing her position of power.
CLARA
It's tempting. But where's the fun in not destroying everything you care about?
---
[INT. PARKING LOT – ESCALATION]
Sophie, despite being tied up, discreetly grabs a pen that's fallen to the floor. She begins loosening the knots while remaining still, giving nothing away.
JULIEN
(firmly)
You think you're untouchable, Clara, but you've overlooked something. You left a trail.
Clara narrows her eyes, her smile faltering slightly.
JULIEN
The cybersecurity team has everything. Your manipulations, your threats. You won't get away with this.
Clara laughs, but a flicker of worry crosses her face.
CLARA
(sarcastically)
And you think that will stop me?
Sophie, now free, suddenly stands and strikes Clara on the shoulder, causing her to drop her phone. Julien lunges for it, but Clara pulls a knife from her jacket, pointing it at him.
CLARA
(threateningly)
Don't take another step.
---
[CLIMAX]
The tension in the air is palpable. Julien stands still, holding the phone in one hand, while Clara advances slowly, the knife glinting under the dim light.
CLARA
(whispering)
All I ever wanted was for you to feel what I felt.
Julien meets her gaze directly.
JULIEN
(calmly)
And all you've done is prove you were better than that. But you chose hate.
Clara falters slightly, as if his words pierce an invisible armor. But before she can react, police sirens blare in the distance.
SOPHIE
(calm but firm)
It's over, Clara.
Clara glances around, realizing her plan is crumbling. She steps back slowly, panic flickering in her eyes.
---
[END OF CHAPTER]
As the police approach, Clara drops the knife and raises her hands. But as she looks at Julien, a sinister smile returns to her lips.
CLARA
(whispering)
This isn't over, Julien. Not yet.