Chapter 13: Shadows in the Gold

Billy Roy's breath hitched as the door swung open. The dim emergency lights cast eerie shadows across the room. He gripped the golden paperweight, his knuckles white.

A figure stepped into view.

"Billy."

Billy exhaled sharply, relief and exasperation mixing into one frustrated groan. "Rin?! You scared the life out of me! What the hell?"

His sister crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You weren't answering your phone."

"Because I was busy almost having a heart attack! And what's with the horror movie entrance?"

Rin glanced around, her expression serious. "The security feed glitched. Cameras went down for exactly three minutes. Someone was in the building."

Billy's previous irritation vanished. "Wait… you mean someone was actually here?"

Rin nodded. "And I don't think they were here for friendly conversation."

A chill ran down Billy's spine. He quickly checked his phone—the ominous message still glowed on the screen: You should have listened.

Rin's eyes narrowed as she caught a glimpse. "You got another warning?"

Billy ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "Yup. Seems I'm getting popular."

Rin frowned. "This isn't funny, Billy. If someone got into the building, they could have done more than just send messages."

As if on cue, Billy's computer screen flickered back to life, displaying an error message: FILE CORRUPTED. ACCESS DENIED.

Billy's stomach dropped. "Oh, that can't be good."

Rin moved quickly, grabbing a spare tablet and accessing Roy Industries' encrypted data vault. "Damn it. Our files are compromised."

Billy rubbed his temples. "So let me get this straight: A mystery villain is warning me to back off, they just infiltrated our headquarters, and now our company data is toast? Wonderful. Just wonderful."

Rin clenched her jaw. "This was planned. They wanted us to know they're watching. This isn't just about corporate sabotage anymore."

Billy nodded grimly. "It's personal."

The Hunt Begins

The next morning, Billy found himself in his father's office, staring at Omio Roy's unreadable expression. The patriarch sat behind his grand mahogany desk, fingers steepled as he listened to Rin's report.

When she finished, Omio leaned back. "This is a direct attack. Not just on the company, but on this family."

Billy sighed. "So… what's the play?"

Omio's gaze hardened. "We fight back. You leave for the supplier investigation today. Rin will handle the internal audit. We're going to find out who is behind this, and we're going to crush them."

Billy blinked. "You're sending me now? What if our mysterious villain sends me an 'unfriendly' greeting?"

Omio's lips curled into a rare smirk. "Then I suggest you start acting like a Roy and handle it."

Rin snickered. "Good luck, Golden Falcon."

Billy groaned. "I regret that nickname already."

A City of Secrets

Billy's flight took him to an undisclosed location in Southeast Asia, where one of Roy Industries' key gold suppliers operated. As he stepped off the private jet, the city's humid air wrapped around him like a thick cloak.

A sleek black car waited for him at the tarmac. As Billy slid into the leather seat, the driver, an older man with sharp eyes, turned to him. "Mr. Roy, I was told to ensure your safety."

Billy raised an eyebrow. "Told by who?"

The driver smirked. "A friend who wants to make you to succeed."

Billy's instincts buzzed. He was being watched—again. But by whom?

As the car sped through the bustling streets, Billy mentally prepared himself. He was about to walk into a world of shadow deals, double agents, and cutthroat business tactics.

And for once, he was ready.

The First Clue

The supplier's office was an extravagant blend of traditional architecture and modern luxury. Billy was ushered into a private meeting room where an older businessman, Mr. Liang, awaited him.

Mr. Liang smiled tightly. "Mr. Roy, I was not expecting your personal visit."

Billy leaned back, all charm. "Surprise inspections are all the rage these days."

Liang chuckled but didn't relax. "What can I do for you?"

Billy pulled out his tablet. "We've been experiencing… issues. Leaked contracts, missing shipments. Any idea who might be interested in our business?"

Mr. Liang's smile faltered. "We honor our agreements, Mr. Roy."

Billy watched him closely. "That's not what I asked."

A flicker of hesitation. Then, Mr. Liang sighed. "There was… an offer. A competitor wanted us to switch loyalties. They had inside information—details no outsider should have."

Billy's pulse quickened. "Who?"

Mr. Liang hesitated before sliding a small envelope across the table. Billy opened it, revealing a single name written in perfect calligraphy.

His breath caught.

"Impossible," Billy whispered.

Rin's name was on the paper.

The Betrayal?

Billy paced his hotel room, the note burning in his pocket. He reread the name over and over again, but it didn't change.

His own sister.

No. It couldn't be.

But if someone wanted to break the Roy family apart, planting a seed of doubt between him and Rin was a brilliant move.

Or… what if there was truth in it?

Billy shook his head, trying to push the thought away. But as he did, two more names flashed in his mind—Ron and William. They might have joined forced.

His phone buzzed.

Unknown Number.

Billy answered, his voice tight. "Who are you?"

A chuckle. "Ah, Billy Roy. Always the reluctant hero."

Billy's grip tightened. "You've got my attention. Now tell me why the hell you're targeting my family."

A pause. Then, the voice spoke with amusement. "Because, Billy… the real traitor isn't who you think."

The line went dead.

Billy exhaled sharply. This was bigger than he'd thought. Someone was playing a dangerous game.

And he was right in the middle of it.

With renewed determination, he grabbed his jacket.

It was time to find out who was really pulling the strings.

The hunt was on.