Chapter 22

Betrayal's Price

The cold metal of the handcuffs dug into my wrists as I sat in the dimly lit holding cell. My heartbeat was steady, but inside, a storm was brewing. I had the evidence—the truth that could destroy the Shadows—but none of it would matter if I couldn't escape.

Victor had made it clear: I was nothing more than a loose end he intended to cut.

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor. I stiffened, bracing myself. The door creaked open, and to my surprise, Olivia stepped inside. Her usual cold confidence was gone—replaced by something else. Guilt.

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I didn't sign up for this," she murmured, pulling a small key from her pocket. "I thought we were building something… not destroying people."

Her words stirred something deep inside me—rage and confusion tangled together. "You stood by while they ruined lives. Why help me now?"

She knelt beside me, her hands shaking as she unlocked the cuffs. "Because I know how this ends if I don't. And… I owe you."

I didn't ask what she meant. Time was running out. As soon as my wrists were free, I stood, rubbing the raw skin. "How do I get out?"

Olivia handed me a keycard. "This will get you through most doors. There's a service exit near the archives. Go through there." Her voice dropped lower. "But once you leave… you're on your own. I can't protect you anymore."

I hesitated. For all her betrayals, Olivia was risking everything now. "Come with me," I urged. "You don't have to stay in their shadow."

A bitter smile curved her lips. "It's too late for me. But you—if anyone can bring them down, it's you." She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small flash drive. "I made a copy of their financials. It's not everything, but it's enough to start a war."

I swallowed hard, accepting the drive. "Thank you."

A distant alarm blared, cutting through the silence. Olivia's face tightened. "Go. Now."

I didn't wait. Clutching the drive, I slipped into the dark hallway. Each step I took felt like walking a razor's edge. If I failed, they would bury me along with the truth.

But if I succeeded—the Shadows would fall.

And I was ready to watch them burn.