CHAPTER 12

The tension in the room was palpable. The faint hum of the laptop and the rustling of papers were the only sounds, but it felt as though the walls themselves were closing in. I sat at the dining table, my fingers running along the edges of a file Marcus had just handed me. 

The file was thick, its contents a damning chronicle of my family's sins. Inside were contracts, coded messages, and photographs that painted a horrifying picture of what my father had tried to dismantle—and what my mother had built. 

Marcus leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on me as if he were trying to gauge my reaction. "Elena," he said after a long silence, his voice carefully measured, "this is the kind of evidence that could bring them all down. But it's also the kind of thing that will make us their top targets."

I swallowed hard, my mouth dry. "I already feel like I've been their target my entire life," I replied. "I'm not afraid of them anymore."

Marcus stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Not being afraid doesn't mean you won't get hurt. These people don't play fair, Elena. They don't stop until there's nothing left of you."

"I can't afford to stop either," I said, meeting his gaze. "Not now. Not after everything they've done."

That night, Marcus and I stayed up, poring over the file, piece by piece. It was a grueling process, but each new discovery felt like another puzzle piece falling into place. 

One name kept resurfacing: Jonathan Kane. I didn't recognize it at first, but Marcus explained he was one of my mother's key allies—an investor and fixer who handled the dirtiest aspects of her empire. If anyone had insight into where my father's database might be, it was him. 

"We have to get to him," I said. 

Marcus frowned. "He's dangerous, Elena. If we tip him off, he'll run straight to Isabel—or worse, he'll make us disappear before we can get anything out of him." 

I clenched my fists. "Then we can't give him the chance. We need a plan." 

By the following evening, we had one—a plan that was as risky as it was necessary. Jonathan Kane was scheduled to attend a private gala in the city, an event known for its exclusivity and opulence. Marcus had contacts who could get us inside, but it wouldn't be easy. 

The gala was at the Silver Crest Hotel, a sprawling venue with tight security and a guest list that read like a who's who of the city's elite. The plan was simple in theory: blend in, find Kane, and extract whatever information we could without causing a scene. 

"Are you sure about this?" Marcus asked as we prepared to leave. 

"I don't have a choice," I said firmly, adjusting the sleek black dress I wore. "This is our best shot." 

The hotel was breathtaking, its marble floors gleaming under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. I forced myself to stay calm, even as the weight of what we were about to do pressed down on me. 

Marcus stayed close, his tailored suit helping him blend in effortlessly. He looked the part of a confident attendee, but his sharp eyes scanned the room constantly, watching for any signs of danger. 

It didn't take long to spot Jonathan Kane. He was at the center of a group near the bar, his booming laughter cutting through the murmur of conversation. He was older than I expected, with sharp features and a calculating gaze that made my stomach churn. 

"Wait for my signal," Marcus whispered. 

I nodded, my heart pounding as I approached the bar, feigning a casual air. Marcus moved to intercept Kane's companions, drawing them into conversation to give us the opening we needed. 

When I reached Kane, he turned to me with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I don't believe we've met," he said, his tone smooth but guarded. 

"Elena," I said, offering my hand. 

"Jonathan," he replied, shaking it briefly. "And what brings you here tonight, Elena?" 

I forced a smile, my mind racing. "Networking. But I have to admit, I'm more interested in meeting people who know how to get things done. People like you." 

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. "And what exactly do you think I get done?" 

"Things that matter," I said, lowering my voice. "Things people like my mother couldn't accomplish without help." 

His expression darkened, and for a moment, I thought I'd gone too far. But then he smiled again, this time with genuine interest. 

"Why don't we take this conversation somewhere more private?" he suggested. 

Kane led me to a quieter corner of the venue, away from prying eyes. My heart raced as I realized I was now face-to-face with one of the most dangerous men in my mother's world. 

"I don't know who you are, Elena," he said, his tone sharp, "but I know when someone's fishing for information. So why don't you tell me who sent you, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here." 

"I'm not working for anyone," I said quickly. "I'm trying to stop my mother. And you're going to help me." 

Kane laughed, a harsh sound that made my skin crawl. "You think you can stop Isabel? You're more naïve than I thought." 

"Maybe," I said, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at me. "But I know my father left something behind. Something that could destroy her. And I know you know where it is." 

His laughter died, replaced by a dangerous glare. "You don't know what you're talking about." 

"I think I do," I said, stepping closer. "And if you don't help me, I'll make sure you go down with her." 

For a moment, I thought he might strike me, his hand twitching at his side. But then he leaned in, his voice a low growl. 

"You don't know who you're dealing with, little girl. But I'll tell you this—your father wasn't as clean as you think. He made deals, took risks, and paid the price. If you keep digging, you'll end up just like him." 

I didn't flinch, meeting his gaze head-on. "Maybe. But I'd rather go down fighting than let her win." 

He stared at me for a long moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then he stepped back, his lips curling into a cruel smile. 

"You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're playing a game you can't win." 

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me shaken but more determined than ever. 

Back at the safe house, Marcus was furious. "That was reckless, Elena. He could've killed you." 

"I got what we needed," I said, holding up a slip of paper Kane had slipped into my hand before he walked away. On it was a single address. 

"Or he could've set a trap," Marcus countered. 

"Maybe," I said, meeting his gaze. "But we don't have a choice. This is the next step, Marcus. We have to take it." 

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're going to get yourself killed." 

"Then you'd better make sure I don't," I said, my voice steady. 

The room fell silent, the weight of our next move pressing down on us. For better or worse, we were in this together. And there was no turning back.