As the night stretched on, Jillian and her group combed through the abandoned warehouse, searching for what could be their greatest weapon against Victor—the list. A record of names, deals, and alliances that Victor would kill to protect.
Leo worked on his laptop, hacking into encrypted files, while Dante searched through old cabinets and hidden compartments. The tension in the air was thick. Jonathan and Camilla, still recovering from their escape, sat nearby, their expressions uneasy.
"If this list is real, it could turn the whole game upside down," Dante muttered, flipping through a stack of old documents.
Jillian crossed her arms. "Then we need to find it before Victor realizes we're onto it."
Just then, Leo's fingers stilled on the keyboard. A slow smirk crept onto his face.
"I think I just found something."
Everyone gathered around as Leo turned the laptop screen toward them. A folder labeled "Project Black Ledger" appeared.
"This is it," Jonathan whispered.
Jillian took a deep breath. "Then let's crack it open and see what Victor's been hiding."
Leo worked quickly, fingers flying over the keyboard as he bypassed layers of security encryption. The folder, Project Black Ledger, was heavily protected.
"This isn't just some ordinary file," he muttered. "Victor's got military-grade encryption on this."
Jonathan clenched his fists. "Of course he does. If what I heard is true, this list doesn't just expose his illegal deals—it could bring down some of the most powerful people in the city."
Dante leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "How long will it take to unlock?"
Leo exhaled sharply. "A few more hours at most. But once I get in, there's no going back. If Victor has any alerts set up, he'll know someone's trying to break in."
Jillian exchanged a glance with Camilla. "Then we stay quiet, we stay low, and we don't make any mistakes."
The night stretched on as Leo worked, his screen flashing codes and sequences. The others took turns keeping watch, ensuring no unwanted visitors came their way. Hours passed in tense silence, but no alarms blared, no footsteps echoed outside.
They weren't found.
But time was running out.
The moment that list was unlocked, everything would change.
As the first light of dawn crept through the warehouse windows, Leo finally leaned back with a triumphant smirk.
"We're in."
Jillian, Jonathan, Camilla, and Dante gathered around as Leo pulled up the decrypted files. The screen filled with names, transaction records, and details of illegal deals spanning years. Some names were expected—corrupt officials, crime lords—but others made Jillian's stomach twist.
Jonathan cursed under his breath. "This… this isn't just Victor's list. It's a web. Everyone on here is connected."
Camilla's face was pale. "Victor wasn't just running his own operations—he was keeping tabs on his allies and enemies alike."
Dante pointed at the screen. "Look at the last few entries. These are recent. If we use this right, we can tear everything down."
Jillian forced herself to focus, swallowing the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "Not yet. We need to be smart. If Victor finds out we have this, we're dead before we can use it."
Leo nodded. "I'll copy the files and wipe any trace that we accessed them. We take control of the information before anyone realizes it's compromised."
Jonathan clenched his jaw. "Victor will come looking."
Jillian met his gaze, steel in her eyes. "Then we make sure we strike first."
Leo copied the file and closed the folder, slipping the copied documents into his jacket before disappearing into the night. They had the list—now, all they had to do was figure out how to use it.
The next morning, Camilla sat comfortably in a chair at the warehouse, dialing a familiar number on the burner phone Jillian had given her. After a few rings, a voice answered.
"Smith residence, this is Maria speaking."
"It's me," Camilla said smoothly. "How is baby Celeste?"
Maria, the longtime maid of the household, responded without hesitation. "She's doing well, Miss Camilla. Growing stronger every day. She still asks about you."
Camilla smiled faintly but didn't dwell on emotions. "And Harlond?"
Maria sighed. "He's been in meetings constantly, talking about solidifying the family's future. Ever since he cut ties with Jillian, he's been more focused than ever on protecting the Smith name."
"Protecting it from what?" Camilla asked, leaning forward.
"Unclear," Maria admitted. "But he's been gathering allies. He's planning something, Miss Camilla, and it's not small."
Camilla's grip tightened on the phone. "I need you to keep an ear out. Anything involving Celeste or any unexpected visitors, let me know immediately."
"Of course," Maria replied. "Be careful, Miss Camilla."
Camilla hung up and turned to Jillian and Leo, who were watching her closely.
"We need to act fast," she said. "Harlond's making moves, and if he's gathering allies, then something big is coming."
As Camilla's car pulled up to the grand estate, she took a deep breath. The Smith mansion stood as imposing as ever, its towering gates swinging open as the guards recognized her. She had expected suspicion, perhaps a cold welcome—but instead, the moment she stepped out, the staff rushed to greet her.
"Miss Camilla!" Maria, the head maid, beamed. "We've missed you so much!"
Other staff echoed similar sentiments, their relief and joy evident. It seemed her absence had been noticed more than she expected.
Then, the man himself appeared. Harlond Smith walked onto the marble steps, his sharp eyes scanning her as if searching for answers. But when he finally spoke, his voice was warm, almost fatherly.
"Camilla," he said, opening his arms. "You're home."
She forced a smile and stepped into his embrace, allowing the moment to play out naturally. He believed she had been on a business trip—an excuse she had carefully maintained over time. Now, it was time to slip back into her role, unnoticed.
Dinner was grand, as if celebrating her return. Camilla sat at the long table, answering questions about her 'travels,' carefully weaving her story. Harlond seemed satisfied, nodding occasionally as she spoke.
But beneath the surface, Camilla's mind was already at work. She had earned her way back into the Smith estate. Now, she just needed to uncover what Jillian needed to know—before anyone realized her true intentions.
Seated beside Harlond Smith was Celeste, now four years old, her small hands carefully gripping a spoon as she focused on her plate. Her curly brown hair framed her round face, and her bright eyes darted between the adults as they spoke.
Camilla, seated across from them, watched in silence. It had been a long time since she had sat at this table, and the familiarity of it felt both comforting and unsettling. She studied Celeste, noticing how much she had grown since the last time she had held her in her arms.
Celeste suddenly looked up, her voice clear and curious. "Mama, why did you stay away for so long?"
The table fell silent. Harlond paused mid-cut, his expression unreadable. The other family members exchanged glances, unsure of how Camilla would respond.
Camilla forced a smile, though a weight settled in her chest. "I had some important things to take care of, my love," she said gently. "But I'm here now, and I won't be leaving again."
Celeste studied her for a moment before nodding, as if accepting the answer for now. Then, she went back to her food, happily swinging her legs beneath the table.
Harlond finally spoke, his tone measured. "It's good that you've returned, Camilla. There's much to discuss."
Camilla met his gaze and nodded. She knew that dinner was only the beginning.