Chapter 24 – The Wrong Path
The dark corridor ahead of them split into two. The air was damp and dusty, as if no one had passed through this place in years. Ariana felt cold sweat trickling down her back.
Behind them, footsteps grew closer.
"I will find you, Ariana!" a voice echoed in the corridor, filled with rage.
Ariana bit her lip, trying to think clearly despite her panic. The old man who had led them here stood still, his eyes focused on the crossroads.
"We have to choose now," he said firmly. "If we don’t, we’ll be trapped."
Richard turned to Ariana, his jaw clenched. "We don’t have time to waste. Pick a path!"
Ariana glanced anxiously at both corridors. There was no time to think.
"We take the left one," she decided.
Without hesitation, the three of them sprinted into the left corridor.
---
The Trap in the Corridor
Their footsteps echoed through the narrow passage. The air grew heavier, and the cold brick walls seemed to press in on them. Ariana's heart pounded.
They ran as far as they could, but suddenly—
"Stop!" Richard thrust his arm out, halting Ariana before she could step any further.
In front of them, the floor looked slightly different. There was a small gap between the neatly arranged bricks.
"A trap," the old man whispered. "If we step on it, we’ll be caught."
Ariana swallowed hard. "Then how do we get past it?"
The old man scanned the surroundings. "There’s another way, but we have to move carefully."
They began inching along the side of the corridor, making sure not to step on the suspicious-looking tiles. But just a few steps in, the voice from behind grew louder.
"I know you're here," the voice taunted.
Richard whispered, "We have to hurry!"
Ariana tried to quicken her pace, but suddenly, her foot slipped, nearly landing on the dangerous section. Richard reacted instantly, pulling her into his arms, his breath held as her foot hovered just above the trap.
"Be careful," Richard murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "We can’t afford a single mistake."
Ariana gave a weak nod.
---
An Unexpected Encounter
They finally made it past the dangerous section. The corridor widened, and at the end, a faint light flickered from the outside.
"That’s the exit!" Ariana whispered hopefully.
But before they could move forward, someone stepped out of the shadows.
"You're not going anywhere."
Ariana's breath hitched as she saw who was standing before them.
"No… this is impossible."
The figure stepped closer, a sly smile on their lips. "Why? Surprised to see me?"
Richard immediately positioned himself in front of Ariana, shielding her. "Don’t come any closer."
The old man narrowed his eyes at the figure. "So, you were behind all of this?"
The person chuckled. "You were slow to figure it out. I've been planning this for a long time."
Ariana clenched her fists. "Why are you doing this?"
The figure took another step forward. "Because you have something that should have been mine. I won’t let you walk away with the truth."
Richard's fists tightened. "You won’t win."
"Let’s see about that."
Suddenly, the figure signaled, and from the shadows, several people emerged, surrounding them.
Ariana took a step back, her heart pounding. "We’re in trouble."
The old man whispered, "You have to run. Now."
---
A Risky Escape
Richard grabbed Ariana’s hand and bolted in the opposite direction. They had to find a way out before it was too late.
But the path ahead narrowed. There was only one way left—a set of old stairs leading upward.
"Climb!" Richard urged, pushing Ariana to go first.
Ariana hesitated. "What about you?"
"I’ll be right behind you!"
Without thinking further, Ariana climbed the stairs. But just as Richard was about to follow, one of the enemies managed to grab his arm.
"Richard!" Ariana screamed.
Richard struggled, fighting with all his strength. But the attacker was stronger than he expected.
The old man moved swiftly, helping Richard break free. "Go now! Don’t look back!"
Ariana’s heart clenched, but she knew they had no time to waste.
She finally reached the top of the stairs and found an old wooden door. With all her strength, she pushed it open and stepped out into the cold night air.
But just when she thought it was over—
A firm grip seized her arm.
Ariana froze.
She turned and met the gaze of someone she had trusted.
"You’re not going anywhere, Ariana."
Her heart stopped for a moment.
Ariana stared into their eyes, a mix of betrayal and anger flooding her chest. "You… you betrayed me."
The person smirked. "There’s no such thing as betrayal, Ariana. I’m simply taking what was always meant to be mine."
Ariana's hands curled into fists. She wanted to scream, to fight back. But she knew—facing someone who had once been by her side was the most painful thing of all.
In the distance, Richard's voice rang out. "Ariana! What’s happening?"
Ariana wanted to respond, but the grip on her tightened.
"Don't even think about screaming," the person whispered into her ear. "Or you’ll regret it."
Ariana swallowed hard.
She was trapped.
Chapter 25 – He Is the CulpritAriana stood frozen. The person she had trusted all this time was now standing before her, a triumphant expression on their face."You?" Her voice trembled, unable to believe what she was seeing.The figure only smirked, fingers tightening around her arm."I told you, Ariana. You’re not going anywhere."She struggled to pull her arm free, but the grip only tightened, making her wince in pain."Why are you doing this?" she asked, her breath ragged. "I trusted you!"The person leaned in closer, their voice a whisper laced with menace."Your trust was my biggest mistake."From the distance, Richard's voice grew louder."Ariana! Where are you?"She turned toward the sound, but suddenly—"Don't move!"A cold object pressed against the back of her neck. Ariana stiffened instantly."Let her go."Richard’s voice was even closer now, his breathing heavy—he had been running.The person holding Ariana chuckled. "I can’t let that happen."Ariana clenched her teeth.
Chapter 26 – A Scheme in the ShadowsAriana stared at Daniel, her breath coming in shallow gasps. It felt impossible to see him standing there, smirking in satisfaction, as if he had just won a game she didn’t even know she was playing.Richard stood beside her, his shoulders tense, ready to strike at any moment. But Daniel remained relaxed—too relaxed for someone who had just revealed such a sinister plan."Don't look at me like that, Ariana," Daniel said in a low, almost sweet voice. But Ariana knew better. His words were laced with poison. "I'm just making sure you don’t make another mistake."Ariana clenched her fists. "A mistake? My only mistake was ever loving you, Daniel!"His smirk widened. "Exactly. And now, I’m here to remind you not to make an even bigger one."Richard took a step forward. "You have no right to control her. You’re nothing to her anymore, Daniel."Daniel scoffed. "Oh, Richard, always playing the hero. But I have bad news for you—this world doesn’t need heroe
Chapter 27 – Trapped in the GameAriana woke up with a pounding headache. She blinked, trying to adjust to the dim light illuminating the room. The walls around her were made of cold concrete, and the rough floor beneath her suggested she was in a warehouse or a basement.Her heart pounded as she realized her hands were tied behind a chair. Her breath quickened as she struggled to recall what had happened. Sleeping gas. Daniel. Samantha. Richard—"Richard!" Ariana gasped, scanning the room frantically.Across from her, Richard sat slumped in another chair, still unconscious. His face was bruised, evidence that he had fought before being subdued."Wake up, Richard!" Ariana called, but he barely stirred, his head hanging forward.Before she could say more, footsteps echoed through the room. Ariana stiffened.A figure she knew all too well stepped through the heavy steel door.Daniel.He strolled toward her casually, dressed in a dark suit that made him look like a man completely in cont
Chapter 28 – A Risky EscapeNathan stood at the doorway, his gaze sharp, while Daniel stared at him in shock and suspicion."Do you really think you can stop me, Nathan?" Daniel sneered, signaling to his men.The two burly men who had been restraining Samantha now moved toward Nathan. But he remained calm."I didn’t come alone," he said firmly.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside. Shouts rang out, followed by the heavy thud of bodies hitting the floor. Daniel narrowed his eyes, realizing something was wrong.Ariana held her breath. Was this their chance to escape?"You’re really betraying me, Nathan?" Daniel’s voice was cold, his anger barely contained. "I gave you a place, power, and wealth. And now, you turn against me?"Nathan shrugged. "I’m just correcting my mistake. You’ve lost it, Daniel. I’m sick of watching your sadistic games."Daniel let out a low chuckle. "So, you think you can defeat me just like that?"Without warning, he reached for the gun tucked at his waist an
Chapter 29 – A Deceptive CalmThe night felt colder than usual. Ariana sat in the car driven by Nathan, staring out the window with a vacant expression. The events of earlier still played vividly in her mind—Daniel finally captured, the lingering threat in the air, and the relief that felt almost unreal.Richard sat beside her, silent and brooding. Samantha, seated in the back, let out a long sigh, trying to steady herself after everything they had been through."Where are we going now?" Ariana finally spoke, her voice weary.Nathan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "I have a safe place for us. At least until we figure out our next move."Ariana nodded, not asking any further questions. She just wanted to rest.---They arrived at a secluded villa on the outskirts of the city. The building was large, surrounded by high fences and dense trees. Nathan made sure they weren’t being followed before finally driving through the gates.As soon as they stepped inside, Ariana sank ont
Chapter 30 – Daniel’s TransferThe night felt unbearably long. Ariana sat on the couch, her heart pounding as she processed the information Nathan had just delivered. Daniel was set to be transferred in the morning—and chances were, this was part of his plan to escape.“How the hell does he still have connections outside?” Richard growled, his fists clenched.Nathan exhaled sharply. “Men like Daniel never run out of ways. He knows too many secrets about powerful people. If he sells the right information to the right buyer, he can get help anytime.”Samantha leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “We need to stop that transfer. If not, he’ll escape and come after us again.”A cold shiver ran down Ariana’s spine. If Daniel got out, she knew her life would be in danger again.“What’s your plan, Nathan?” Richard asked, his tone serious.Nathan leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp. “I have a contact in the police department. I can find out the transfer route and see if there’s a way to int
Chapter 31 – Behind the VictoryThat night, Ariana sat on the hotel room balcony, staring at the sky, still cloaked in silence after all the chaos that had unfolded. Her mind kept replaying the events of the day—Daniel had finally been captured, yet something about it didn’t sit right with her.A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.“Come in,” she said softly.Richard stepped inside, his expression serious as he carried two glasses of wine. “You need this,” he said, handing her one.Ariana gave a faint smile. “Thanks.”Richard settled into the chair beside her, gazing up at the same sky. “You’re still thinking about Daniel?”Ariana nodded. “I feel like this isn’t over.”Richard exhaled heavily. “I have a bad feeling too. I already asked Nathan to make sure Daniel is under maximum security.”Ariana bit her lip. “What if he still has another plan?”Richard looked at her intently. “Then we’ll face it. Together.”His words gave her a small sense of comfort, but deep down, she k
Chapter 32 – The Watching EyesAriana paced back and forth in the living room, her heart pounding. The air around her felt heavier, pressing down on her chest. The photos she had just received lay scattered on the table—proof that Daniel, or someone working for him, was still watching her every move.Richard stood near the window, his sharp gaze scanning the outside as if searching for any sign of danger. Meanwhile, Nathan was on the phone, his expression darkening as the conversation continued."What did you find?" Richard asked as soon as Nathan ended the call.Nathan let out a deep sigh. "Daniel doesn’t have direct access to send these threats. But someone has been visiting him regularly in prison."Ariana felt a chill creep up her spine. "Who?"Nathan handed her a photo. "This person."Ariana’s stomach twisted the moment she saw it. Clara. Her former best friend. The woman Daniel had cheated on her with."This can’t be…" she whispered.Samantha, who had been quietly standing in th
The night grew darker as Ariana, Richard, and Jonas left the bar. The heavy rain pouring over the small town added to the somber atmosphere, mirroring the turmoil in their hearts.Alex had agreed to help, but there was something in his eyes that unsettled Ariana. The man was fueled by vengeance, and even though they shared a common goal, she knew he wouldn’t hesitate to use any means necessary to destroy her father.Inside the car, Nathan waited anxiously. As soon as they got in, he immediately asked, “Well? Did he agree to help?”Jonas nodded, but there was tension in his voice. “He did, but I’m not sure we can fully trust him.”Richard turned to Ariana. “Are you sure this is the right decision?”Ariana took a deep breath. “We don’t have another choice. If he knows something that can bring my father down, we have to take the risk.”Nathan started the engine and drove out of the small town. The ride back felt longer than it should, and inside the car, silence hung heavy in the air.Bu
Ariana still gripped the brown envelope tightly, as if letting go would turn everything into a mere dream. But reality held her in a cruel grip. Her father. The man who was supposed to protect her was actually the mastermind behind all the suffering she had endured.It felt impossible to accept this truth, but the evidence in her hands was undeniable. These letters were not just ordinary documents. They were proof of crimes committed over the years.Richard, standing beside her, clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "Then we have to act fast. We can't let him keep controlling everything."Nathan nodded in agreement. "But we can’t be reckless. If he finds out we have this evidence, he’ll move even faster."Jonas looked at them all with a serious expression. "And there’s something else you need to know. Ariana’s father isn’t just a regular businessman. His connections run deeper than you think."Ariana finally lifted her head, her gaze filled with determination.
Chapter 34 – The Hidden TruthAriana’s steps halted in front of the slightly open wooden door. Her heart pounded in her chest, matching the tension in the air.Beside her, Richard stared into the room, his jaw clenched tight. Nathan stood slightly behind them, waiting for instructions.Inside, the sound of a glass bottle clinking against the table echoed. A heavy, familiar voice followed moments later.“So, you finally came,” Jonas’s voice was weary, almost as if he had resigned himself to his fate.Ariana pushed the door open wider and stepped in. The dim lighting revealed Jonas slumped on the couch, his expression vacant. In front of him sat a nearly empty bottle of liquor. Scattered documents littered the table, but Ariana could only focus on his eyes—eyes weighed down by the burden of secrets."Jonas..." she whispered, trying to suppress the storm of emotions rising in her chest. "Tell me this isn’t true."Jonas let out a small chuckle, devoid of any joy. "You already know, Ariana
Chapter 33 – Traces in the ShadowsAriana clenched the photograph tightly. A chilling sensation crept down her spine."We're being watched..." her voice barely a whisper.Richard snatched the photo from her hand, his jaw tightening. "Damn it. This isn't just a warning. They know our every move."Nathan clenched his fists. "We need to find out who's behind this before they make their next move."Ariana took a deep breath. "Daniel and Clara are getting too bold. They want to make sure I never escape their twisted game."Richard nodded. "Then we strike back before they trap us any further."Nathan started the car, his eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously. "We need to get out of here before they send someone else."As the car rolled forward, Ariana couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes were still on them.---A Chase Through the CityThey had barely driven a few blocks when Richard spotted something in the rearview mirror."We're being followed," he said grimly.Ariana turned t
Chapter 32 – The Watching EyesAriana paced back and forth in the living room, her heart pounding. The air around her felt heavier, pressing down on her chest. The photos she had just received lay scattered on the table—proof that Daniel, or someone working for him, was still watching her every move.Richard stood near the window, his sharp gaze scanning the outside as if searching for any sign of danger. Meanwhile, Nathan was on the phone, his expression darkening as the conversation continued."What did you find?" Richard asked as soon as Nathan ended the call.Nathan let out a deep sigh. "Daniel doesn’t have direct access to send these threats. But someone has been visiting him regularly in prison."Ariana felt a chill creep up her spine. "Who?"Nathan handed her a photo. "This person."Ariana’s stomach twisted the moment she saw it. Clara. Her former best friend. The woman Daniel had cheated on her with."This can’t be…" she whispered.Samantha, who had been quietly standing in th
Chapter 31 – Behind the VictoryThat night, Ariana sat on the hotel room balcony, staring at the sky, still cloaked in silence after all the chaos that had unfolded. Her mind kept replaying the events of the day—Daniel had finally been captured, yet something about it didn’t sit right with her.A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.“Come in,” she said softly.Richard stepped inside, his expression serious as he carried two glasses of wine. “You need this,” he said, handing her one.Ariana gave a faint smile. “Thanks.”Richard settled into the chair beside her, gazing up at the same sky. “You’re still thinking about Daniel?”Ariana nodded. “I feel like this isn’t over.”Richard exhaled heavily. “I have a bad feeling too. I already asked Nathan to make sure Daniel is under maximum security.”Ariana bit her lip. “What if he still has another plan?”Richard looked at her intently. “Then we’ll face it. Together.”His words gave her a small sense of comfort, but deep down, she k
Chapter 30 – Daniel’s TransferThe night felt unbearably long. Ariana sat on the couch, her heart pounding as she processed the information Nathan had just delivered. Daniel was set to be transferred in the morning—and chances were, this was part of his plan to escape.“How the hell does he still have connections outside?” Richard growled, his fists clenched.Nathan exhaled sharply. “Men like Daniel never run out of ways. He knows too many secrets about powerful people. If he sells the right information to the right buyer, he can get help anytime.”Samantha leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “We need to stop that transfer. If not, he’ll escape and come after us again.”A cold shiver ran down Ariana’s spine. If Daniel got out, she knew her life would be in danger again.“What’s your plan, Nathan?” Richard asked, his tone serious.Nathan leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp. “I have a contact in the police department. I can find out the transfer route and see if there’s a way to int
Chapter 29 – A Deceptive CalmThe night felt colder than usual. Ariana sat in the car driven by Nathan, staring out the window with a vacant expression. The events of earlier still played vividly in her mind—Daniel finally captured, the lingering threat in the air, and the relief that felt almost unreal.Richard sat beside her, silent and brooding. Samantha, seated in the back, let out a long sigh, trying to steady herself after everything they had been through."Where are we going now?" Ariana finally spoke, her voice weary.Nathan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "I have a safe place for us. At least until we figure out our next move."Ariana nodded, not asking any further questions. She just wanted to rest.---They arrived at a secluded villa on the outskirts of the city. The building was large, surrounded by high fences and dense trees. Nathan made sure they weren’t being followed before finally driving through the gates.As soon as they stepped inside, Ariana sank ont
Chapter 28 – A Risky EscapeNathan stood at the doorway, his gaze sharp, while Daniel stared at him in shock and suspicion."Do you really think you can stop me, Nathan?" Daniel sneered, signaling to his men.The two burly men who had been restraining Samantha now moved toward Nathan. But he remained calm."I didn’t come alone," he said firmly.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside. Shouts rang out, followed by the heavy thud of bodies hitting the floor. Daniel narrowed his eyes, realizing something was wrong.Ariana held her breath. Was this their chance to escape?"You’re really betraying me, Nathan?" Daniel’s voice was cold, his anger barely contained. "I gave you a place, power, and wealth. And now, you turn against me?"Nathan shrugged. "I’m just correcting my mistake. You’ve lost it, Daniel. I’m sick of watching your sadistic games."Daniel let out a low chuckle. "So, you think you can defeat me just like that?"Without warning, he reached for the gun tucked at his waist an