Chapter 5 - The Vault
Daniel’s hands were shaking violently, but his eyes were filled with cold determination.
"Stay exactly where you are, Maya," Daniel warned, his finger tightening slightly on the trigger.
I slowly raised my hands, making sure no sudden movements could startle him.
"Daniel, you need to lower the weapon before someone gets hurt," I said calmly.
"Victor told me everything," Daniel spat out, his voice laced with venom.
"He told me that you were the one who orchestrated this entire attack to steal my company's assets."
I let out a harsh, bitter laugh at the pure absurdity of Victor's manipulation.
"Victor is a master of lies, Daniel, and he is playing you right now," I pleaded.
"If I wanted you dead, I would not have chased you down into a dark tunnel to save you."
Daniel hesitated, the barrel of the gun dipping a fraction of an inch.
"He said you blamed my family for the death of your friend," Daniel countered, seeking the truth.
"I blame Victor, and that is exactly why I am here to stop him," I replied honestly.
Before Daniel could make a final decision, a slow, mocking clap echoed from the shadows of the vault.
Victor Hale stepped into the dim light, looking exactly as he had eight years ago.
He wore a tailored black suit, and a cruel, hollow smile stretched across his face.
"You always were incredibly persuasive, Maya," Victor said, his voice sending chills down my spine.
He pulled a small electronic detonator from his pocket, resting his thumb casually on the red button.
"But unfortunately, your silver tongue will not save the three hundred guests in the ballroom."
Daniel looked at Victor, realizing instantly that he had been completely played.
"You told me the guests were safe if I opened the vault!" Daniel yelled.
Victor laughed, a cold and terrifying sound that echoed against the stone walls.
"I also told you that your lovely fiancée loved you, and we both know how that turned out," Victor mocked.
Victor pressed a button on a remote, and a live video feed projected onto the wall.
It showed the grand dining room, where glowing green explosives had been strapped to the main supporting pillars.
"I want the digital transfer codes for your offshore accounts, Daniel, or I bring this entire house down."
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I locked eyes with Victor, realizing he held every single advantage in this room.
Suddenly, the heavy iron door slammed shut behind us, locking the three of us inside the unbreakable vault.
