Fourty Four

Chapter 44

Cassandra’s mind was racing as she left the police station. The lead pointing to Antonio’s company was significant, but it only left her with more questions than answers. The logo on the car was unmistakably the same one connected to her parents’ deaths, and now it was tied to the attack on Alexander. Yet the possibility of Antonio’s involvement was something she struggled to comprehend. Could he really be the mastermind behind so much suffering? Or was this just a cruel coincidence?

As she drove through the city, Cassandra replayed the events in her mind. The mysterious man partially caught on CCTV, the silver rose logo on the car, and the elite company linked to the vehicle’s registration—each detail pulled her deeper into a confusing and terrifying web she wasn’t sure she wanted to untangle.

When she arrived at her apartment, Cassandra tossed her keys onto the table and sank into the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, interrupting her thoughts. It was a message from Martinez: “I’ll update you on the warrant’s progress tomorrow. Use tonight to rest.”

Rest. The word felt foreign. How could she rest when every new discovery drew her further into a conflict she wasn’t sure she could win?

Cassandra stood up abruptly, pacing the room. She retrieved the USB drive containing the CCTV footage from her bag and plugged it into her laptop. The image of the car reappeared on the screen, and she zoomed in once more on the silver rose logo. The logo was pristine, polished, and undeniably familiar. It wasn’t just a brand; it was a signature, a message left by someone who didn’t care about hiding their involvement.

Her thoughts drifted to Antonio. She had never seen this car at his estate, nor had he ever mentioned Silver Bloom Enterprises. But Antonio was a man who thrived on secrets, his wealth and power rooted in a network of intrigue. If he was involved, Antonio wouldn’t make it easy to uncover.

The weight of uncertainty bore down on Cassandra. She opened her phone again, scrolling to Antonio’s number. Her thumb hovered over the call button. She wanted to confront him, demand answers. But part of her hesitated, fearing not just his reaction but also the implications of what she might discover.

With a frustrated sigh, she set the phone back on the table. “Not yet,” she murmured. “I need more evidence before I face him.”

The Next Morning

The following morning, Cassandra woke up early, her resolve stronger. She needed to learn more about Silver Bloom Enterprises, another company owned by Antonio. A quick online search revealed that its headquarters were located in the heart of the financial district, housed in a sleek skyscraper that was home to several high-profile businesses. Public information about the company was limited—vague descriptions of luxury automotive services and an elite clientele. The lack of transparency only fueled her suspicions.

Cassandra decided to visit the company’s headquarters in person. She dressed simply, wearing a blazer and slacks to avoid standing out in the corporate environment. As she approached the gleaming glass tower, an unease grew in her chest. The building exuded power and exclusivity, its entrance guarded by uniformed security.

Inside, the atmosphere was cold and sterile. The reception desk was manned by a young woman with a perfectly polished appearance, who greeted Cassandra with a professional smile. “Welcome to Silver Bloom Enterprises. How may I assist you?”

Cassandra forced a polite smile. “I’m here to inquire about a vehicle registration. It may be connected to your fleet services.”

The receptionist’s expression didn’t falter. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but it’s urgent,” Cassandra emphasized. “It’s related to an ongoing investigation.”

The receptionist remained calm, though her eyes betrayed a hint of caution. “One moment, please.” She picked up the phone, speaking softly in a tone Cassandra couldn’t decipher, then nodded. “I’ll need to verify a few details. Please have a seat.”

Cassandra complied, sitting in one of the sleek modern chairs in the lobby. She kept her posture composed, but her mind raced. Every second felt like an eternity as she waited. Finally, a man in a tailored suit approached her. He introduced himself as Mr. Larson, a representative of the company.

“I understand you have questions about one of our vehicles?” Larson’s tone was courteous but guarded.

“Yes,” Cassandra replied. “A car registered under Silver Bloom Enterprises was involved in an incident I’m investigating. I need to know who had access to it.”

Larson hesitated, his smile thinning. “I’m afraid we have strict confidentiality policies regarding our clients. Without proper authorization, I can’t disclose that information.”

Cassandra had expected resistance. She leaned forward slightly, meeting his gaze. “This isn’t just a casual inquiry. It’s tied to a serious crime. If you withhold information, it could obstruct justice.”

Larson’s expression remained composed, though his eyes grew sharper. “I understand the gravity of the situation, Ms. Cassandra. However, I must adhere to protocol. If you obtain the necessary legal documentation, we’ll be happy to cooperate fully.”

It was a polite dismissal. Cassandra stood, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I’ll get the authorization,” she said firmly before turning to leave.

Back at the Police Station

Back at the police station, Cassandra updated Martinez on her visit. Martinez wasn’t surprised by the roadblock. “Companies like Silver Bloom Enterprises protect their clients fiercely,” he said. “But if the warrant comes through, we’ll crack it open.”

Cassandra nodded, though impatience gnawed at her. Every delay felt like a missed opportunity, a step further from the truth.

As the day dragged on, Cassandra returned to her desk, reviewing her notes and the footage repeatedly. The face of the man in the CCTV footage remained elusive. His partial profile and hurried movements offered no clarity, only more questions.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Antonio. Cassandra’s pulse quickened as she stared at his name on the screen. The timing was uncanny, almost as if he knew she was circling closer to the truth. She didn’t answer. Letting the call go to voicemail, she leaned back in her chair, torn between her growing suspicions and the lingering trust she didn’t want to admit she still felt.

What if Antonio wasn’t involved? What if she had misplaced her anger and grief, creating a villain out of someone who wasn’t? But what if Antonio was the man she feared all along? The only way to find out was to confront him—but not yet. Not until she had undeniable proof.

For now, Cassandra resolved to focus on the pieces she could control: the warrant, the company records, and the clues left behind. Whatever the truth was, she would face it head-on.