Chapter 35

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. "What do you mean?"

Jonas let out a heavy sigh, then pulled another document from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Your father has ties to someone far more dangerous than Daniel. Someone who won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone standing in his way."

Richard grabbed the document and skimmed through it quickly. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened. "This... this is the name we’ve been looking for. The one funding Daniel all along."

Ariana stepped closer and looked at the name. A chill ran through her veins as recognition dawned on her.

"So, this is bigger than just Daniel?" her voice trembled with a mix of anger and fear.

Jonas nodded. "This isn’t just about a family business or a power struggle. This is a high-stakes game. If you want to take your father down, you have to be prepared to face a much bigger force."

Nathan slammed his hand on the table. "Then let’s start planning. We can’t back down now."

Richard locked eyes with Ariana. "Ariana, are you ready for this?"

Ariana took a deep breath, then lifted her chin with unwavering resolve. "I’m ready. If I have to fight my own father to end this, then I will."

Jonas studied her for a moment before finally giving a small, approving smirk. "Then let’s start this war."

The First Step

They returned to the safe house they had been using for the past few weeks. It was small, but secure enough to strategize without being detected.

Ariana laid out all the documents on the table, then looked at Richard, Nathan, and Jonas. "We need to find out everything about my father. His connections, assets, weaknesses. If we want to take him down, we have to know his every move."

Nathan nodded. "I can try hacking into his company’s system. If he’s hiding something important, it’s bound to be in their network."

"Good," Richard said. "But we also need legally admissible evidence. If we want to bring him down without causing chaos, we need more than just accusations."

Jonas leaned against the wall, deep in thought. "I might know someone who can help. But it’s going to be dangerous."

Ariana looked at him intently. "Who?"

Jonas hesitated for a moment before answering. "A former agent who used to work for your father. He disappeared after an incident, but I know how to find him."

Richard narrowed his eyes. "If he worked for Ariana’s father, why should we trust him?"

"Because he was betrayed," Jonas replied. "And I’m sure he wants revenge."

Ariana’s heart pounded. "Where can we find him?"

Jonas took a deep breath. "In a place we’d rather not go."

Journey Into the Past

They traveled to a small town on the outskirts of the country, where the former agent was last seen. That night, heavy rain poured down, adding to the tension.

Ariana, Richard, and Jonas walked through a narrow alley toward an old, nearly abandoned bar. Nathan stayed in the car, monitoring from a distance.

As they entered, the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke. In the dimly lit corner, a man sat alone, his face shadowed.

Jonas approached and spoke in a low voice. "Long time no see, Alex."

The man slowly lifted his head. His sharp eyes scanned Ariana and Richard. "So, this is the daughter of the man who betrayed me?"

Ariana held her breath but stood firm. "I have nothing to do with what my father did. I’m here to fix what he destroyed."

Alex let out a dry laugh. "Fix? You have no idea how deep the wounds he left are."

Jonas sat across from him. "We don’t have time for small talk. We need your help."

Alex took a sip of his drink, then looked at Ariana with piercing eyes. "Why should I help you?"

Ariana clenched her fists. "Because I want to destroy him. Just like you do."

Silence fell over the room. Alex studied her for a long moment before finally setting his glass down and saying, "Alright. But I have one condition."

Ariana held her breath. "What is it?"

Alex gave a small, dangerous smirk. "I want to see that man fall with my own eyes."

Ariana met his gaze, then nodded. "Deal."

Richard watched her warily, but he knew they had no other choice.

They had just gained an ally who might change the course of the game.