Chapter 11%
Sigmaleaks had just released a bombshell report detailing Nickle’s extensive bribery scheme. It was the final blow to his crumbling restaurant empire, as investors quickly withdrew their support, leading to its inevitable collapse. Now, it seemed only a matter of time before Nickle would be facing prison time.
I exhaled a long, weary sigh. This would be the final post from Sigmal.eaks.
In truth, my interest in exposing Nickle had waned long ago. I was only doing this as a favor for LadysButler, in return for the critical information he’d provided me.
Even Ralph–slippery as ever–no longer piqued my interest. The last crucial piece of evidence that could land him in jail remained untouched. He had skillfully shielded himself behind his executives, ensuring that every incriminating document was signed under their names, never his.?
That was Ralph’s genius–always staying one step ahead, always leaving others to take the fall.
A part of me admired his cunning, but that didn’t change the fact that he was a criminal.
Still, I couldn’t bring myself to pursue him further. I was tired of this whole leaker game. I felt like it was more detrimental to me than it did me good.
With LadysButler’s information, it had became certain that the ‘Fox‘ was actually the alpha prince. He was the one pulling the string behind the screen. Even Tina, Nickle, and Ralph’s initial interraction with me were hinted that he had controlled over it.
What for? I didn’t know.
Perhaps I would never know. I simply wish for this to be over and move on with my life.
I continued to work on the articles I should’ve worked on. Sure, writing a coverage on the very leak that I did felt weird.
I had to be really careful not to insert myself into the news narration.”
But then, came Portia. We were the only ones left in the office building, some lights were already on with the dark view, got caught outside the window.
“Lyka,” she called, turing a rolled chair so that its back rest facing her. Stradling the chair, Portia continued, “Do you know about SigmaLeaks?“%
My eyes widened at the mention.
The short hum coming out of Portia was the only signal I needed to know that I had messed up, big time.”
“Why wouldn’t I not know? I’m writing the coverage with you Portia,” I said, trying to sound neutral.
“Not that. Do you know him personally?” Portia insisted.”
I let out a chuckle, masking my nervousness. “Portia, you’re creeping me out. You know that?” I said as I began to gather my belongings to leave the office. “What’s all these even?”
“Because, I think I know who ‘she‘ is,” Portia replied curtly.
That was definitely a sign that she had figured out who I was. However, I no longer want to deal with that account. So I continued to mask my nervousness, “Good for you then, Portia! Anyway, it’s been late.” I pretended to look at the clock and made myself a way to go.
“Bye! See you tomorrow!”
“If you need help, or if you ever change your mind, come see me,” Portia said, firmly.
I snapped my gaze at her. We exchanged glances in silence but my feet moved faster thatn I could anticipate.
It began as a long stride, turning into a jog, then into a sprint. I felt dread creeping up on me.
Portia knew my identity.
As if that wasn’t enough, I got home with unsettling notes by my front door.!!
“I know who you are. I’ll ruin your career and entire life. -R”
I couldn’t even scream. I wasn’t sure if I would stay safe if I let anyone know about this. All I did was running to a different direction. Anywhere, somewhere
