The morning sun cut through the glass walls of Reed Global, but the brightness did nothing to ease the tension in Ava's chest. She had spent the night replaying Adrian's moves, trying to anticipate his next strike, but every scenario led to danger.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Ava turned. A woman stood at the door tall, confident, eyes sharp like a hawk. Her black suit was impeccable, but it was the aura of control around her that made Ava instinctively step back.
"I'm Selene Gray," the woman said, her voice calm but commanding. "And I know exactly what Adrian Blackwood is capable of."
Ava narrowed her eyes. "And why are you here?"
Selene's gaze was unwavering. "Because I've been tracking him for years. I worked for him once. I know his patterns, his obsessions… and I know he's escalating."
Ethan entered quietly behind Ava, arms crossed, suspicion etched on his face. "How do we know we can trust her?"
Selene smiled faintly, almost knowingly. "You don't. And you shouldn't. But if you want to survive, you'll listen. Adrian has allies inside Blackwood and he isn't alone this time. Someone is funding every move he makes, waiting for him to crush you completely."
Ava's mind raced. Insider betrayal, hidden investors, and a relentless Adrian - it was a storm she hadn't fully imagined. But something else caught her attention — Selene wasn't afraid. Fearless. Calm.
"Why help us?" Ava asked, suspicion sharpening her tone.
Selene leaned closer. "Because I failed him once. I let ambition cloud my judgment. And I will not watch history repeat itself — especially not with someone like you and him in the crosshairs."
Ethan stepped forward, studying her carefully. "If you're lying, it will cost you everything."
"I'm not lying," Selene said, eyes flicking to Ava. "I know exactly how Adrian thinks. He wants to destroy you emotionally, financially, and physically. But there's a way to turn his own obsession against him — and I can show you how."
Ava exchanged a glance with Ethan. Trusting her was dangerous, yes. But ignoring her could be deadlier.
"Alright," Ava said finally, her voice steady, "show us what you know. Every detail."
Selene's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Good. The game is about to change — and from now on, you'll be playing to win. Or you'll lose everything."
Ava's stomach tightened. She realized just how high the stakes had become. Adrian wasn't just a threat — he was a force of nature. And Selene might be the only way to survive it.