Chapter 4: A Dangerous Offer

The holding cell was little more than a concrete box with no windows and a single metal door. Adrian sat on the cold floor, his hands still bound behind his back. His mind raced as he replayed the events of the past few hours. How had things escalated so quickly? One moment, he was an investigative journalist chasing leads; the next, he was a prisoner in some underground facility run by people who didn't even bother to introduce themselves properly.

Victor Langley's words echoed in his head: "Work with us, and we'll ensure your safety." It sounded like a threat wrapped in a promise—a classic tactic used by those who thrived in the gray areas of morality. Adrian knew better than to trust such offers, but he also knew that playing along might buy him time. Time to think, to plan, to find a way out.

The door creaked open, interrupting his thoughts. Victor stepped inside, followed by two guards who lingered near the entrance. He carried a folder in one hand and a chair in the other. Placing the chair opposite Adrian, he sat down and opened the folder, revealing a stack of documents.

"Let's cut to the chase, Mr. Carter," Victor said, his tone businesslike. "You've seen the Black Files. You know what they contain. Now, you have two choices."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, feigning calm despite the knot tightening in his stomach. "And what are those?"

Victor slid a document across the floor toward him. "Option one: cooperate with us. Help us contain the fallout from the Black Files. In return, we'll protect you and give you access to resources you could only dream of. Money, influence, freedom—all yours for the taking."

"And option two?" Adrian asked, his voice steady.

Victor leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. "Option two is simple. Refuse, and you become a liability. And liabilities…" He paused, letting the implication sink in. "Liabilities get eliminated."

Adrian clenched his jaw. He'd expected nothing less. These people weren't here to negotiate—they were here to control. To manipulate. But Adrian wasn't about to roll over and play their game.

"You're asking me to betray everything I stand for," Adrian said, his voice low but firm. "I'm a journalist. My job is to uncover the truth, not bury it."

Victor chuckled, a cold, humorless sound. "Idealism will get you killed, Mr. Carter. The world isn't black and white. Sometimes, the truth needs to be… managed. For the greater good."

"The greater good?" Adrian shot back, his anger bubbling to the surface. "You mean for your benefit. Don't insult my intelligence."

Victor's smile faded, replaced by a steely glare. "Suit yourself. But know this—if you refuse, you won't live long enough to regret it."

He stood up, signaling to the guards. "Take him back to his cell. We'll give him some time to reconsider."

As the guards dragged him away, Adrian's mind raced. He needed a plan—and fast.