The meeting room inside Kane Holdings' old corporate building was silent—dusty with disuse, its windows grimy from years of abandonment. But tonight, it had a purpose.
Maria stood at the center of the room, surrounded by digital screens, satellite maps, and carefully laid-out files. Across from her, Alexander adjusted the strap on his wristwatch—a discreet transmitter that connected to their team in real time.
"This place used to be Jemima's hub," Maria said, eyes scanning the screen. "Ironic, isn't it? We're turning her empire into her downfall."
Alexander nodded. "She and Chuka are both creatures of control. They'll never resist trying to take the bait."
---
The Plan…
The idea was simple but dangerous: stage a fake trade-off. Maria would pretend to turn over compromising files—collected from Nia's house and encrypted for protection. In reality, the files were a decoy. Their true aim was to draw out both enemies and catch them with federal agents watching.
Maria would act as the vulnerable piece.
Alexander would be the hidden knife.
The agents, the safety net.
But if either Chuka or Nia suspected a trap, the whole thing could spiral into chaos—and Maria could die before anyone pulled the trigger.
"You don't have to do this," Alexander whispered as he gently cupped her face.
Maria leaned into his touch. "I do. Because they need to believe I'm still scared. Still weak."
She stepped back, straightening her shoulders.
"But I'm not. Not anymore."
That Night – The Docks
Under the glow of flickering lamps and moonlight, Maria stood near the warehouse entrance, a briefcase at her feet. Hidden in the shadows across the street, Alexander and the agents waited, comms crackling softly in their ears.
A figure approached. Tall. Confident. It wasn't Chuka.
It was Nia.
Maria tensed.
"Alone?" Nia called out, stepping into view.
"You said no tricks," Maria replied, voice cold.
"I lied," Nia said, smirking. "You're not the only one who can play games."
From behind her, two armed men emerged.
Maria didn't flinch.
"Where's Chuka?" she asked.
"I thought he'd show," Nia replied. "But turns out, he's planning something even bigger. Tonight, was supposed to be your funeral."
She raised a hand.
But before the signal could fall—
Gunshots.
Alexander's team burst from the shadows. Nia's guards dropped instantly. She tried to run—but Maria lunged forward and tackled her to the ground.
Nia screamed as Maria pinned her down.
"You're done," Maria hissed.
Minutes Later…
The agents cuffed Nia and read her rights. Maria stood beside Alexander, her hands trembling but victorious.
But just as they turned to leave, one of the agents answered a call—and his face went pale.
"What is it?" Alexander asked.
"Chuka," the agent said. "He wasn't coming here because he's already inside your penthouse. With your son."
Maria's blood froze.
"No," she whispered.
Without a word, Alexander pulled her into the car, tires screeching as they tore back toward the city.