Chapter 13%
The final leak hit the airwaves like a bomb, and the fallout was immediate and catastrophic.
Ralph’s businesses, which had been teetering on the brink of collapse, finally crumbled under the weight of the damning evidence that the Investigation Bureau had digged up.
Since he didn’t have much people left, his walls of defense disintegrated, leaving him no choice but to face the consequences of his actions. It wasn’t long before he was arrested and put behind bars in a high security jail.
With how things had spiralled down, Tina was forced to retreat from public life, her career irreparably damaged. Whispers of scandal followed her like a shadow, and her reputation was left in tatters.
Nickle’s situation wasn’t any better. With no allies to support him, his restaurant business collapsed, and he became an outcast in the community where he used to be successful.%
In the aftermath of everything, I sought out Ralph for one final confrontation. We met in the small meeting cubicle, the kind where we had to communicate through a phone connected to each other’s side. The atmosphere was charged with tension as I prepared to face him one last time.”
“We meet again, Ralph,” I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me.”
“I underestimated you, Lyka. Or should I say SigmaLeaks?” He smiled bitterly. “How did you find that limbless worker? His testimony was so detailed that 1 couldn’t even come up with a lie to counter it.“}
“I had some help,” I replied nonchalantly.
“From the Inter Alliance?” he probed.
I shrugged, maintaining my composure. “Something like that.“&
Ralph chuckled. “So, what brings you here if you’re not eager to share?”
“There’s one thing I can’t figure out: why did you, Tina, and Nickle go to such lengths to befriend me?” I asked, my eyes filled with pity.
Ralph perked up, a smile spreading across his face. “And what have you discovered?“}
“The Fox,” I stated plainly. I knew they had been forced to cooperate by the Fox, and I wanted to know why I had been chosen.[
He looked at me, expectant but confused when no further explanation followed. “That’s all you found?” he asked.\
“I wouldn’t be here if I knew more,” I replied, a hint of sarcasm creeping into my tone.”
Ralph let out a short cackle, though it quickly faded, replaced by a nod.!!
“I see,” he said, his voice heavy with resignation.
“I take it you don’t want to share anything more?” I asked, giving him one last chance.
“I have the right to remain silent,” he replied, a hint of humor lacing his words.
I nodded at his response, recognizing his reluctance to speak. Standing up to leave, I thought the conversation was over.
But then his voice broke the silence.
“I’m sorry for what I did,” he admitted, his tone unexpectedly sincere. “You’re quite the survivor, Lyka. I wish we had met in another life, under better circumstances. I would have loved to truly get to know you.“”
A small smile crept onto my face, a flicker of warmth amid the chaos. “Goodbye, Ralph,” I said softly, feeling the weight of finality in my words. This was a goodbye I meant with every fiber of my being.!!
As I walked out of the prison, a heavy sensation settled in my chest.
I realized that while I had defeated my enemies, I had also lost a part of myself in the process. The thought of leaving Wolfheim, my home pack, loomed large. It no longer felt safe to stay.”
I had brought Ralph and his crew down, but at what cost?”
I reflected on the path of revenge I had chosen, questioning whether I had truly won or merely lost sight of who I was.!! Though uncertainty surrounded me, I knew I had to keep moving forward.
“That was quick, Portia said as she leaned against her car in the parking lot.”
“Yeah. But it was enough,” I replied with a smile, feeling a mix of relief and sadness wash over me.”
(END)
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