The Final Betrayal
225 Words
Victor was led away in handcuffs, but his final words echoed through Ethan's mind.
"You've won nothing. The real enemy is still watching."
Silence settled over the boardroom. Daniel exchanged a worried glance with Maya.
"What did he mean?" Maya asked.
Ethan's expression darkened. "Victor never makes empty threats."
Before anyone could respond, Daniel's phone rang. He answered, and the colour drained from his face.
"Sir... someone has broken into the company's central server."
Ethan immediately rushed to the security room.
Every monitor displayed the same message.
CHECKMATE.
Within seconds, confidential company files began leaking online. Stock prices crashed, investors flooded the office with calls, and panic spread through Hale Enterprises.
"This wasn't Victor," Daniel said. "He couldn't have done this while in custody."
Ethan clenched his fists.
"Someone else has been pulling the strings all along."
Just then, Maya noticed a small envelope on Ethan's desk.
"There wasn't anything here a minute ago."
Inside was a single black chess piece—the king—and a handwritten note.
The game has only just begun. Meet me at Blackstone Manor tonight... if you want the whole truth. Come alone.
Ethan folded the note slowly.
"I've ended one battle," he said. "Now it's time to face the mastermind."
Outside, dark clouds gathered over the city as thunder rolled across the sky.
The final game had begun.
- Writer
