Chapter 9: A Dangerous Gamble

Sheila's fingers hovered over the keyboard, her heart pounding in her chest. The names in Donovan's file stared back at her, each one more powerful than the last.

These were the men who had protected Betheul. The ones who had used her. The ones who now wanted her silenced.

She exhaled sharply. If she wanted to take them down, she had to be smart. Careful.

One wrong move, and she wouldn't just be fighting Betheul—she'd be fighting an entire system built to protect men like him.

But she had no choice.

She had to act before they did.

---

A Plan in Motion

By the time Roy woke up, Sheila was already dressed, her laptop open on the dining table.

He frowned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "You didn't sleep, did you?"

Sheila shook her head. "I couldn't. There's too much at stake."

Roy sighed, walking over and sitting beside her. He glanced at the screen. "What are you working on?"

She turned the laptop toward him. "Evidence."

Roy's brows furrowed. "What kind of evidence?"

She took a deep breath. "Everything I know about these men. Their secrets. Their connections to Betheul. Their ties to illegal deals. If I can expose them, they won't be able to protect him."

Roy studied her carefully. "Sheila… this is dangerous."

She nodded. "I know."

"But you're doing it anyway?"

She met his gaze, determination burning in her eyes. "I have to, Roy. This is my only chance to finally be free from them."

Roy exhaled, leaning back. "So what's the plan?"

Sheila clicked on a folder labeled "Insurance" and opened it.

"I'm sending this to a journalist I trust. If anything happens to me, she'll publish everything."

Roy's jaw tightened. "You think they'll come after you?"

Sheila didn't hesitate. "I know they will."

Roy was silent for a long moment. Then, he reached for his phone.

"If we're doing this, we need backup."

Sheila frowned. "Who are you calling?"

Roy's lips pressed into a thin line. "Someone who can help."

---

An Unexpected Ally

An hour later, a knock sounded at the door.

Sheila's heart jumped.

Roy stood up and opened it.

A tall, well-dressed man stepped inside. His face was sharp, his eyes calculating.

Sheila recognized him instantly.

"Detective Harris," she breathed.

Harris nodded. "I heard you're looking for a way to bring Betheul down for good."

Sheila exchanged a glance with Roy.

"How do we know we can trust you?" she asked cautiously.

Harris smirked. "You don't. But if you want Betheul out of your life, you're going to need someone who knows how men like him operate."

Roy crossed his arms. "And why do you care?"

Harris's smirk faded. "Because I've been trying to take down Betheul and his people for years. And now, thanks to you, I finally have a chance."

Sheila hesitated. She wanted to believe him.

But trusting the wrong person could cost them everything.

Harris seemed to sense her hesitation. "Look, I know you've been burned before. But I have just as much to lose as you do. You want Betheul gone? I do too. So let's work together."

Sheila exchanged a glance with Roy.

Then, slowly, she nodded.

"Alright, Detective," she said. "Let's bring him down."

---

Betheul's Next Move

Meanwhile, inside a dimly lit prison cell, Betheul leaned against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips.

A man in a suit sat across from him, his expression unreadable.

"They're making moves against you," the man said. "Sheila and Roy. They're gathering evidence."

Betheul chuckled. "Sheila's always been ambitious. That's what I liked about her."

The man sighed. "You should be worried."

Betheul's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm not worried."

The man frowned. "Why not?"

Betheul leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous.

"Because they have no idea what's coming."