Episode 11:The Traitor Within
742 Words
The atmosphere at Carter Global Headquarters turned tense.
Employees who had been preparing to leave stopped in their tracks as security guards quietly locked every entrance and exit.
Within minutes, a company-wide announcement echoed through the building.
> "Attention, all employees. Due to a security investigation, no one is permitted to leave the building until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation."
Whispers spread through every department.
"What happened?"
"Was the company hacked?"
"Did someone steal confidential information?"
---
On the top floor, Ethan stood in the Cybersecurity Operations Center.
Dozens of giant monitors displayed streams of data scrolling across the screens.
A young cybersecurity director turned to Ethan.
"Chairman Carter, the hacker used an internal employee account."
Ethan frowned.
"Meaning?"
"The attack came from inside Carter Global."
Raymond crossed his arms.
"So we have a traitor."
The director nodded.
"And whoever it is knows our security systems extremely well."
Ethan looked at the live network map.
"Can you locate them?"
"We've narrowed it down to one floor."
"The Executive Administration Department."
---
At the same time...
Victor Kane sat in a secluded office on the outskirts of the city.
A man wearing a black hoodie nervously held a laptop.
"Mr. Kane," he said, "Carter Global has started tracing the attack."
Victor remained calm.
"Can they identify you?"
The hacker swallowed.
"I erased most of the evidence..."
"But if they keep digging..."
"They'll find me."
Victor's expression turned cold.
"They must not."
The hacker looked frightened.
"What should I do?"
Victor slid a passport and a thick envelope across the table.
"There are two hundred thousand dollars inside."
"A private jet leaves tonight."
"Disappear."
The hacker stared at the money.
"And if I refuse?"
Victor smiled—a smile with no warmth.
"You won't."
---
Back at Carter Global...
The cybersecurity director suddenly pointed at a flashing monitor.
"Chairman!"
"We've found the source."
Everyone gathered around.
The screen displayed an employee profile.
Name: Kevin Moore
Position: Senior IT Administrator
Access Level: Executive
Raymond recognized the name immediately.
"Kevin has worked here for eight years."
Ethan remained expressionless.
"Bring him here."
---
Security officers rushed to Kevin's office.
They opened the door.
Empty.
His laptop was gone.
His desk had been cleared.
One guard spoke into his radio.
"Chairman..."
"Kevin Moore has disappeared."
The room fell silent.
Raymond clenched his jaw.
"He knew we were coming."
Ethan turned toward the cybersecurity director.
"Track every company vehicle."
"Freeze all employee bank accounts connected to the investigation."
"And notify airport security."
The director nodded immediately.
"Yes, Chairman."
---
Meanwhile...
At the city's private airport...
Kevin hurried toward a sleek white jet, carrying a backpack over one shoulder.
His hands trembled as he looked around.
"I just have to get on the plane," he muttered.
"I'll be safe."
Just as he reached the boarding gate...
Several black SUVs screeched to a stop.
Dozens of security officers jumped out.
"Kevin Moore!"
"Stop!"
Kevin's eyes widened.
He turned and ran.
Passengers screamed as he pushed through the crowd.
He sprinted across the runway toward the waiting jet.
The pilot had already started the engines.
Kevin was only a few meters away when—
"Freeze!"
Airport police surrounded him from every direction.
There was nowhere left to run.
He slowly dropped to his knees.
---
An hour later...
Kevin sat inside Carter Global's interrogation room.
His face was pale.
Across the table sat Ethan and Raymond.
Ethan placed a forged financial document in front of him.
"Did you create this?"
Kevin stared at it silently.
"I..."
"I had no choice."
Raymond slammed his hand on the table.
"You betrayed the company!"
Kevin lowered his head.
"My daughter needed surgery."
"I couldn't afford it."
"Victor Kane offered me money."
"He said no one would get hurt."
Ethan studied him carefully.
"How much did he pay you?"
Kevin whispered,
"Two hundred thousand dollars."
Ethan leaned back.
"So you sold your integrity..."
"...for money."
Kevin burst into tears.
"I'm sorry."
"I made a terrible mistake."
The room fell quiet.
After a long pause, Ethan finally spoke.
"Tell me everything."
Kevin nodded.
"I will."
"But..."
He looked terrified.
"Victor isn't the real mastermind."
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean?"
Kevin took a deep breath.
"Victor works for someone else."
"Someone even more powerful."
"Someone..."
"...who wants the Carter family destroyed."
The room fell silent.
Raymond's face lost all color.
He slowly looked at Ethan.
"Chairman..."
"I think I know who he's talking about."
- Writer
