Chapter 4

The next morning, I wakened in advance than common, feeling an unsettling blend of pleasure and anxiety. Today became important—the day Lucas, Zoe, and I have been meeting to push ahead the story approximately Cassandra. My belly twisted at the idea of what may manifest as soon as this story was out within the open. But there has been no turning back. I had to see this thru.

When I arrived on the uptown coffee keep, I spotted Lucas already sitting interior with a woman in her mid-thirties. She had sharp eyes and an air of confidence that made her look like someone who didn’t back down without problems. Her notepad was out, and he or she become already writing something when I walked in.

Lucas waved me over. “Emma, this is Zoe Parker. She’s the journalist I instructed you approximately.”

I reached out to shake Zoe’s hand, which became extraordinarily organization and bony. "Nice to satisfy you, Zoe. Thanks for taking the time to look at this."

Zoe gave me a decided nod. "I’ve heard plenty approximately Cassandra’s case. I’m ready to dig into it and notice what she’s been up to. Let’s get to work."

I sat down, feeling a bizarre sense of wish and dread all of sudden. “Cassandra’s been manipulating people for years, especially Lucas and me. She sabotaged my business all through the divorce, and we’ve got evidence that she’s achieved the identical to others.”

Zoe scribbled notes as I spoke, her expression growing more severe. “It feels like she’s been masking her tracks for some time. I’ll want to get in contact with some assets, but from what I’ve visible up to now, this may be large.”

Lucas chimed in. “We’re looking to accumulate greater evidence, but we need to be careful. Cassandra’s not going to sit down again and let this show up without a combat.”

Zoe regarded up from her notepad. “I’ve dealt with hard cases before, however I’ll need all the information you've got. We’re going to need to dig deep if we want to expose her.”

I felt a flicker of hope. Finally, a person who could help us take Cassandra down. “Thank you, Zoe. This way plenty.”

Zoe gave a short smile. “I’ll be in contact as soon as I’ve gathered greater. This is just the start.”

After Zoe left to start her research, Lucas and I stayed at the back of to discuss our subsequent moves. The espresso in front of me had long past cold, however I slightly noticed. My mind became racing.

“We need to stay low for now,” Lucas stated. “Cassandra’s going to catch wind of this soon, and while she does, she’ll come after us.”

I nodded, trying to shake off the developing unease in my chest. “We can’t supply her a purpose to retaliate simply but. Let’s gather the whole thing we will earlier than making any bold movements.”

Lucas agreed, and we both left the coffee keep with a quiet dedication. I had no concept how this would play out, however I knew one thing: we were getting closer to the truth.

Later that afternoon, I met Sarah at every other coffee keep. I could see the priority in her eyes the moment I sat down.

“How did the assembly go along with Zoe?” she asked.

I sighed, running a hand via my hair. “It went well. Zoe’s digging into Cassandra’s past, and we’ve already found some suspicious transactions. But we’ve were given to be cautious. Cassandra’s now not going to take this mendacity down.”

Sarah leaned in, her voice low. “You recognise she’ll strike back, right? You’ve got to be geared up for anything she throws your manner.”

“I recognise,” I replied. “Lucas and I are doing everything we are able to to stay ahead of her. We simply need to be organized.”

As if on cue, my phone buzzed. It was a name from Zoe.

“Emma, I’ve located something,” she stated, her voice short. “Cassandra’s been making some questionable transactions recently. Big ones. She’s looking to cover her tracks.”

My heart pounded in my chest. “What have to we do subsequent?”

“Keep accumulating proof, but we want to transport fast. I’ll hold working at the tale, but be equipped. Cassandra would possibly try and flip this on you.”

I thanked Zoe and hung up, turning back to Sarah. “Zoe’s found more proof. This could be it.”

Sarah’s face became severe. “That’s notable, however you need to be cautious. Cassandra’s no longer going to move down without a combat.”

I nodded. “I’ll be equipped. We’ll all want to be.”

The relaxation of the day exceeded in a blur. I went via the motions at paintings, however my mind was some other place, constantly thinking about what Cassandra may do subsequent. It become a strange feeling, being so near uncovering the fact but knowing that the struggle turned into a long way from over.

By the time night rolled around, I turned into exhausted. My smartphone buzzed again—this time it turned into a textual content from Lucas. “Meeting went properly. I’ve installation some more calls with sources the next day. Let’s capture up then.”

I answered, “Sounds desirable. Looking ahead to it.”

After dinner, I attempted to loosen up, but my mind wouldn’t forestall racing. I flipped through the information, and to my wonder, there has been a small article about Zoe’s upcoming investigation into Cassandra Royce. My heart skipped a beat. Things have been starting to transport.

Just as I was approximately to put my cellphone down, the doorbell rang. It became Sarah, her face complete of challenge however additionally dedication.

“I idea I’d drop with the aid of and spot the way you’re protecting up,” she stated as she stepped interior.

I led her to the residing room, feeling grateful for her presence. “I’m happy you came. Things are shifting fast now. Zoe’s research is in full swing, and we’ve got greater proof on Cassandra.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “That’s appropriate information. But you want to be careful. Cassandra received’t allow this cross without difficulty.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “I’ll be cautious. But I’m no longer backing down.”

Sarah gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re doing super. Just hold going, and don’t permit her win.”

After Sarah left, I sat down and commenced making plans for day after today. I’d meet with Lucas, pass over the trendy developments, and make sure we had been ready for anything Cassandra threw at us subsequent. The fight became a long way from over, but for the primary time in a long time, I felt like I had a danger.

This changed into only the beginning, however I wasn’t going to stop till I had my lifestyles again.