That evening, Camilla sat in her study, her laptop screen casting a dim glow over her face as she carefully typed out her report. Harlond had been moving differently lately, and every detail mattered. Three nights ago, he had attended a private meeting on the outskirts of the city, gathering with high-profile investors—some with ties to offshore accounts and questionable enterprises. Just last week, he had been spotted at an exclusive club downtown, meeting with political figures and business moguls. Their discussions had revolved around large-scale financial moves, with whispers of laundering money under the guise of charity funds.
Beyond the meetings, his financial activity had also taken a suspicious turn. A large sum had been transferred from one of his lesser-known accounts to an overseas company, while another payment had been made to a logistics firm with past links to smuggling cases. His actions weren't just secretive; they were calculated. He had even stopped making phone calls, relying instead on private messengers. More concerning was the sudden increase in security around him, as if he expected something—or someone—to come for him.
Finishing her report, Camilla sat back and exhaled slowly. Jillian would want to know this. But the real question remained: what was Harlond preparing for? And just how deep did his secrets run? Encrypting the file, she sent it through a secure channel before closing her laptop. A small smirk played on her lips as she whispered to herself, "Let's see how Jillian plays this."
As Jillian read through Camilla's report, her eyes narrowed. Harlond had been attending a series of closed-door meetings with powerful figures, some of whom had questionable reputations. The locations varied—private estates, exclusive clubs, and even a discreet countryside retreat. Each meeting seemed to revolve around hush-hush deals, but the details remained vague.
Dante and Leo analyzed the information, cross-referencing names with their own sources. "Whatever he's up to, he's covering his tracks well," Leo muttered.
Jillian tapped her fingers against the table. "We need to find out what's being discussed. If Harlond is involved in something big, I want to know before he realizes we're watching."
Jillian leaned over the blueprint Leo had managed to pull from a classified source. The meeting was set to take place at an upscale private lounge, one that catered to the city's wealthiest and most powerful. This wasn't just any meeting—it was something bigger. Something dangerous.
Dante crossed his arms. "We shouldn't even be considering this. If we get caught—"
"We won't," Jillian cut in. "We can't afford to wait. This is the first real lead we have on what Harlond is planning. If we miss it, we may not get another chance."
Leo nodded in agreement. "I've found a way into the security system, but it's tight. We'll have a limited window to get in and out without raising alarms."
The plan was simple—on paper. Jillian and Dante would go in under false identities, mingling among the elite to listen in on conversations. Meanwhile, Leo would work from a remote location, guiding them and monitoring the security feeds. If anything went wrong, their only escape would be through a restricted hallway leading to an underground exit.
As they approached the lounge that evening, Jillian felt the weight of what they were about to do. This wasn't just about exposing secrets anymore—it was about survival. If Harlond found out what they were up to, there would be no mercy.
Stepping inside, Jillian adjusted her dress, putting on a confident expression as she scanned the room. The air was thick with cigar smoke and hushed conversations. Wealth and power dripped from every corner.
Then she spotted him.
Harlond sat at a dimly lit table, speaking in hushed tones with a group of men. One of them turned slightly, revealing a face Jillian had never expected to see.
She froze.
"What is it?" Dante whispered.
Jillian swallowed hard, gripping her clutch tighter. "We have a problem."
Jillian adjusted the earpiece as Leo's voice came through. "Target in sight. Harlond just sat down. He's not alone."
From their vantage point across the street, Jillian and Dante watched as Harlond entered the private club, where only high-profile guests were granted access. He was meeting someone important—someone they had no records of.
"Who is he?" Dante muttered, scanning the grainy image Leo had pulled up.
Jillian shook her head. "No idea. But if Harlond is meeting him in secret, he's worth knowing."
Leo tapped at his keyboard. "Nothing in official databases, but I'll keep digging."
Inside, Harlond leaned forward in conversation with the unknown man. The room's dim lighting and soundproof walls made it impossible to hear, but Camilla's report had warned them—this meeting was crucial.
Jillian knew the risks of interfering. If they pushed too hard, Harlond would know someone was watching. But if they let this chance slip, they might never uncover the truth.
Dante exhaled. "Do we get closer or wait?"
Jillian's grip tightened around her phone. "We wait. For now."
Because whatever Harlond was planning, it was bigger than they had imagined. And Jillian needed to be ready when the time came to strike.
Leo's voice crackled through the earpiece. "You need to move. Security's getting suspicious."
Jillian steadied herself and nodded. They couldn't afford to be reckless. With careful steps, she and Dante made their way closer to the table, blending in with the crowd. She angled herself near enough to pick up parts of the conversation without drawing attention.
"…shipments have been secured," the man was saying. "The next phase is already in motion."
Harlond leaned forward. "And the girl?"
Jillian tensed.
"She's been quiet lately," another man responded. "But that doesn't mean she's given up."
Harlond exhaled sharply. "If she digs too deep, we eliminate her. I won't risk everything for one girl."
Dante's hand subtly brushed Jillian's, a silent warning to stay calm. They had heard enough. It was time to go—before Harlond realized his own daughter was standing just a few feet away, listening to his plan to have her erased.
Jillian clenched her fists, her breath steady despite the storm raging inside her. She had expected resistance from Harlond, but hearing him so casually plan her elimination sent a chill through her spine.
Dante gave her a slight nudge, signaling that they needed to move. Leo was already ahead, scanning the exits for any threats. They couldn't afford to be caught now.
Jillian forced herself to step back, retreating into the shadows. Every part of her wanted to confront him, to demand answers, but she knew better. Harlond was dangerous, and if he suspected she was onto him, he'd strike first.
Outside, the night air hit her like a wake-up call. They had the proof they needed—her own father was willing to get rid of her to protect his secrets.
"What now?" Dante whispered as they hurried down a side street.
Jillian's voice was cold, controlled. "We make sure he never gets the chance."