The Hidden Enemy Returns
315 Words
Ethan couldn't take his eyes off the blank security monitor.
"The traitor is inside Blackwood Tower..." he repeated.
His gaze swept across the room. Maya. Claire. The head of security. Every familiar face suddenly felt like a stranger.
"Lock down the entire building," Ethan ordered. "No one leaves until we know the truth."
"Yes, sir."
Within minutes, every entrance and exit was sealed.
Claire stepped forward, tears filling her eyes.
"I've served this company for five years. I would never betray you."
Ethan studied her expression. For the first time since the accusation, he believed she was telling the truth.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "Someone wanted to frame you."
Just then, Daniel rushed into the office.
"Ethan! I found something."
He placed a laptop on the desk.
"I recovered deleted security footage."
The video began to play.
A hooded figure slipped into the research department just after midnight. Their face was hidden beneath a cap, but as they reached the vault, they removed a black glove to scan a fingerprint.
Everyone leaned closer.
The camera zoomed in.
A silver ring gleamed on the person's hand.
Maya gasped.
"I've seen that ring before."
"Where?" Ethan demanded.
She hesitated.
"It's worn by Victor Stone... your father's former business partner."
Ethan's eyes widened.
"Victor disappeared years ago."
Daniel nodded grimly.
"Not disappeared. He's been hiding."
Before anyone could react, every light in the building suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed the office.
Then a loud explosion echoed from the underground parking garage.
Alarms screamed throughout Blackwood Tower.
Emergency lights flickered on.
Ethan's phone vibrated.
A new message appeared on the screen.
Tick... Tock... Forty-two hours left. Come alone if you ever want to see your sister alive.
Ethan clenched his jaw.
"This ends now."
Without another word, he grabbed his car keys and rushed toward the parking garage, unaware that someone inside the tower was secretly following him.
- Writer
