The Maserati came to a smooth stop at the entrance to The Underground City.
Sophia Sullivan unbuckled her seatbelt, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
"Your car behaved well today, Mr. Sullivan."
She stepped out and turned at the villa's entrance.
"Care to come in? I promise the power won't go out this time."
Ethan Sullivan chuckled, fingers tapping the steering wheel.
"If this car breaks down again, Ian should start packing for Antarctica."
Lately, Sophia enjoyed teasing him like this, and Ethan had grown accustomed to it.
Strangely, he noticed himself speaking more too.
The invisible wall between them was quietly dissolving.
"Too late tonight. Another time."
"Drive safely then."
Sophia gave a casual wave before disappearing into the villa.
Ethan waited until warm light filled the second-floor windows.
Only when certain of her safety did he drive away.
Fresh from her shower, Sophia entered the study wrapped in a robe.
Damp hair dripping, she locked the door and drew the curtains.
Her fingers pressed a hidden mechanism.
A black panel slid aside, revealing a sophisticated computer setup.
The USB drive clicked into place, bathing the room in eerie blue light.
Files decrypted rapidly until the progress bar hit 100%.
Encrypted folders flooded the screen.
"Just as I thought."
Her eyes turned icy.
Since noticing Charlotte Vance's strange behavior, Sophia had been investigating.
Surveillance showed Caleb Vance often grinning at his private computer.
Now she knew why.
The folders contained countless invasive photos and videos.
Not just of Charlotte, but many unknown women in compromising positions.
"There are more victims than one."
Sophia's fists clenched.
Calling the police would be the easiest solution.
But legal consequences meant nothing to someone like Caleb.
Worse, forcing victims to testify would retraumatize them.
She'd never allow that.
But mercy wasn't in her nature.
"Ryan, find me some underground contacts."
She dialed The Decagon's secure line.
"Target profile sent. I want him broken."
A yawn came through the receiver.
"Now, boss?"
"Wait for my signal."
Sophia had Caleb's game figured out.
His frequent visits to security meant he was plotting something.
She'd let the snake strike first.
After hanging up, Sophia hacked into Caleb's social accounts.
The messages with Chloe Evans made her blood run cold.
[Caleb: This time I'll ruin her completely!]
[Chloe: Triple payment if you succeed.]
"So it's her."
Sophia's eyes narrowed dangerously.
No wonder Caleb targeted her—greed and jealousy combined.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, shredding digital evidence.
The virus she implanted began silently devouring the hard drive.
...
Dawn barely touched the office when Charlotte arrived first as usual.
She often came early, sometimes helping the cleaning staff.
"Brought you some sweet tangerines."
The cleaning lady pressed fruit into her hands.
"Thank you."
Charlotte froze seeing Caleb's predatory stare.
She shuddered, yesterday's humiliation fresh in memory.
"Where's your backbone now? Too scared to report me?"
Caleb breathed malice into her ear.
Biting her lip, Charlotte secretly activated her recorder.
"Last chance."
His whisper slithered like a serpent's tongue.
"Behave, and I'll delete those photos."