The Betrayer’s Mask

Chapter 6

“We need to find Christiana,” Dylan ordered with a sharp tone.

“If what Marcus said is true, how can I trust you? You’re part of Christiana’s whole plan.” Angelina said vulnerably.

“I understand Angelina but you have to remember I brought you here for your own good…even if it means putting myself in serious danger.” Dylan explained as he stares Angelina deep in her eyes.

Angelina’s mind raced, calculating her next move. Dylan had always been meticulous, careful to keep his true intentions hidden. But she had to hear the raw truth. She needs to see Christiana face-to-face, but can Dylan truly be trusted now?

“Where is she?” Angelina asked sharply.

"Let's try to catch her at her high-rise apartment," Dylan proposed. "It's a spot where she might feel more relaxed, especially if she notices me there. We can use that to our advantage. Once we arrive, I'll do everything necessary to keep you safe."

"I don't require your protection anymore. I can't trust you. You're dismissed, so get out of my path," Angelina commanded sternly, exiting the confined area and leaving Dylan behind.

"I'm aware of the dangers," Angelina muttered to herself. "But I won't allow Dylan or Christiana to ruin all I've worked for. This confrontation happens tonight."

The vehicle came to a sudden stop outside Christiana's skyscraper, a massive glass building that dominated the skyline like a stronghold. The atmosphere was thick with tension as Angelina got out, the chilly night breeze piercing through her attire.

The lobby was eerily quiet as she entered, the polished marble floors reflecting the dim light. Angelina’s heels clicked against the stone as they made their way to the private elevator that led to Christiana’s penthouse. Her heart was beating fast, and with every step, she got closer to the face-off she both feared and wanted.

Angelina pushed the button for the highest floor, and the elevator doors closed gently with a quiet swoosh. As the elevator went up, the quietness between them felt heavier, with hidden worries and uncertainties floating in the air.

Angelina moved with strong confidence, even though she had a feeling she was stepping into a dangerous situation. The elevator made a soft sound when it reached the top floor, and the doors opened to show a long corridor leading to Angelina's penthouse.

She knew this place well because she had been here before for minor disagreements. But this time, it was different. It was serious.

Walking down the long hallway seemed to take forever, and the tension grew stronger with every step. When she finally got to the door, Angelina stopped for a moment, her hand just above the doorbell. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was about to happen, and then pressed the button.

The door opened right away, and there he was, looking pleasantly surprised. He was wearing a casual suit, which was very different from the chaos inside Angelina.

“How can I help you?” Christiana’s bodyguard asked with a friendly smile, though there was a hint of something more serious in his eyes. “Ms. Bale wasn’t expecting any guests tonight.”

“I wasn’t expecting to come either,” Angelina answered, trying to smile as she walked in. “But I need to talk to Christiana. It’s really important.”

Her bodyguard looked curious and said, “Of course. Please, feel at home.”

The top-floor apartment was spotless, with everything perfectly placed, just like Angelina recalled. However, now the familiar environment seemed overwhelming, filled with an uncomfortable silence. She sat down on the soft leather sofa while the security guard served drinks from the bar, moving slowly, almost as if he was in charge.

He gave Angelina a glass and sat opposite her, his look intense. “So, what’s so important that you had to talk about it right away?”

Angelina sipped her drink, feeling the alcohol burn as she carefully picked her words. “I’ve come across some… troubling information,” she started, closely observing his response. “About Christiana Bale, and who else is connected to her.”

His smile remained, but there was a quick change in his eyes—maybe irritation? “Christiana? That’s just not true,” the bodyguard stated firmly.

"Marcus," Angelina stated directly, her words piercing through the false front. "Before he passed away, he shared everything with me. He told me about Christiana and how she's been causing all the people I care about to turn against me from the start."

The bodyguard's face grew serious, his friendly mask falling away. "Marcus was overly suspicious," he replied sternly. "He was mistaken about everything."

"Was he really?" Angelina retorted, her frustration growing. "He was frightened. He feared what you, Christiana, and possibly the entire United States were plotting. And now he's gone because of it."

For a brief moment, the room fell silent, the tension so strong it felt suffocating. Dylan looked at her, his eyes squinting as he understood that smooth talking wouldn't get him out of this situation. Instead of continuing to deny it, he put down his glass and leaned in, lowering his voice to a threatening whisper.

"You're right," the bodyguard confessed, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Marcus knew too much, and he had to be taken care of. Just like you will be if you don't step back, Angelina. You have no clue who you're up against." His voice was cold.

Angelina's heart raced, but she didn't show any fear. "I'm not stepping back," she declared strongly. "Whatever Christiana is planning, it stops now. I'll ruin everything she's created, and I'll ensure everyone faces the consequences for their actions."

The bodyguard looked at Angelina strangely. "I admire your confidence, Angelina. Your bravery, your courage. However, you put yourself in a lot of danger if I say more."

Before Angelina could reply, her phone vibrated. She looked down at the screen, feeling a chill as she read the message: *Check the news.*

The bodyguard was already pulling out his own phone, his eyes widening in horror as he scanned the headlines. “Angelina, you need to see this.”

She snatched the phone from him, her stomach twisting in dread as she saw the live news feed. A breaking story flashed across the screen: *Vadar Enterprises CEO Under Investigation for Human Trafficking, k********g, Corruption and Fraud.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as Angelina realized the full extent of the trap she had walked into. This wasn’t just about seeing Christiana anymore. They had set her up to take the fall, to ruin everything she had ever worked for.

She looked up at Bodyguard, who was watching her with severe concern, and knew that she was out of time.