chapter 9: A step into the shadow

The city pulsed with life, horns blaring and pedestrians weaving through the crowded sidewalks. But Elena barely noticed. Felix's words still echoed in her mind.

"You tell the truth. Whatever that may be."

He had handed her the key to his empire, inviting her to dig as deep as she dared. The confidence no, the arrogance in his tone unsettled her. Felix Donovan wasn't the type of man who handed over control without a reason.

Back at her apartment, the folder sat unopened on the table. She circled it like prey sizing up a predator, the temptation gnawing at her resolve. The truth was within reach, but the price remained unseen.

Finally, with a deep breath, she sank into her chair and flipped the folder open.

The first pages were pristine. Quarterly reports, profit margins, and growth projections all reflecting the staggering success of Donovan Enterprises. A carefully curated trail of accomplishments.

But Elena wasn't interested in the numbers. She wanted what lay beneath them.

She scanned further, her fingers brushing over the pages until a single name caught her eye.

"Ravensgate Holdings."

The name rang faintly in her memory. A shell company. She'd seen it mentioned in passing during her earlier research — a barely noticeable footnote in one of Felix's quieter acquisitions.

But why would he include it here?

Curiosity ignited, Elena opened her laptop and searched the name. The results were sparse — a few legal documents and financial statements, most of which led nowhere.

Until she found it.

A court case. Dismissed two years ago.

The plaintiff's name: Ethan Caldwell.

Elena's pulse quickened. Ethan Caldwell had been the CEO of a small tech startup before it was swallowed whole by Ravensgate Holdings. The lawsuit claimed unethical acquisition tactics — intimidation, sabotage, and financial manipulation.

Felix had denied all accusations, and with the lawsuit dropped, the story had been buried.

But why had he given her this? Why not hide it, like any other CEO would?

There was only one way to find out.

---

The next morning, Elena found herself in the dimly lit confines of a neighborhood café. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the low hum of conversation. She sat in a corner booth, her laptop open, while the city outside moved on without her.

A soft chime at the entrance announced the arrival of a man in his early forties. His lean frame was slightly hunched, his once sharp suit now wrinkled. The shadows beneath his eyes told the story of someone who had fought a losing battle.

Ethan Caldwell.

Elena stood as he approached. "Mr. Caldwell, thank you for meeting with me."

"Call me Ethan," he said with a tight smile, extending a handshake. "Though I'm not sure why you'd want to dig up the past. Most people prefer to leave it buried."

"Maybe," Elena replied, motioning for him to sit. "But I'm not most people."

He studied her for a moment before settling into the seat. "Felix Donovan sent you, didn't he?"

She didn't answer immediately. "Not exactly. But he gave me access. And your name came up."

Ethan scoffed. "Of course it did. That's how he works. He doesn't hide the damage he's done he dares you to look at it. And when you do, he makes sure you realize you can't touch him."

Elena's chest tightened. "Tell me what happened."

Ethan exhaled, his fingers drumming nervously on the table. "My company, Caldwell Tech, was on the verge of something big. A security system designed to protect corporate data against cyberattacks. Investors were lining up. Felix took notice."

"And then?"

"Then came the whispers. Our biggest investor pulled out overnight. My legal team faced harassment claims that never held up but ruined their reputations. Suddenly, doors were shutting. Every opportunity vanished except one."

"Ravensgate Holdings."

Ethan nodded grimly. "They offered to buy us out. For pennies. I refused. And within weeks, we were bankrupt. Felix never showed his face, but it was him. I know it was."

"Why not fight back?"

"I tried. But when you go up against someone like Felix, you're not just fighting a man you're fighting an entire system. My lawyers quit, my credibility was destroyed. In the end, I signed the deal just to survive."

The bitterness in his voice was palpable. Elena's hands clenched beneath the table.

"Why would he want me to find this?" she asked aloud, more to herself than Ethan.

"Because it doesn't matter," Ethan replied, his gaze darkening. "He knows the world has already chosen to believe in the myth of Felix Donovan. The powerful, untouchable CEO. You can write the truth, Elena, but no one will care."

The words stung. But Elena wasn't so sure. Felix may have built an empire of shadows, but shadows only existed when light was absent.

And she intended to shine it.

---

That evening, back in her apartment, Elena stared at the half-written notes on her laptop. Her phone buzzed, vibrating softly against the table.

Unknown Number: Ms. Monroe. I hope your day was productive.

Felix.

She exhaled sharply, fingers hovering over the screen.

Elena: It was. Ethan Caldwell remembers you well.

His reply came almost instantly.

Felix: Good. I hoped he would.

Her pulse quickened. He wasn't denying it. He wanted her to know.

Elena: Why are you so willing to let me see the truth?

A long pause. Then:

Felix: Because I want you to understand.

Understand what?

But before she could ask, another message followed.

Felix: Dinner. Tomorrow night. 8 PM. I'll have answers.