Angela sat in her parked car, the glow of the laptop screen illuminating her tear-streaked face. She stared at the files on the flash drive, her hands trembling. Her fingers hovered over the touchpad as the files on the flash drive painted a horrifying portrait of betrayal. The images of stolen artifacts, secret transactions, and shady meetings were overwhelming. Each document and photo painted a picture more damning than the last.
But it was Edmund's involvement, his double life as "Edward Collins" that gnawed at her insides. The man she'd allowed herself to care for, to dream about, wasn't just a liar; he was a puppet master, pulling strings she hadn't even known existed. The realization hit her like a physical blow, leaving her breathless.
Her phone buzzed again, startling her. The screen displayed a single cryptic message.
Unknown Number: Time is running out. Julie is meeting Michael tonight. Play your move.