Chapter 12 — The Man Behind the Curtain
Richard Hale was found two days later.
Not hiding.
Waiting.
He sat inside an empty office building downtown, surrounded by old company records.
When Mara entered, he smiled.
“I wondered how long it would take.”
She remained standing.
“You betrayed Adrian.”
Richard laughed.
“No.”
He looked around the abandoned office.
“Adrian betrayed himself.”
Mara studied him.
“You helped him.”
“I guided him.”
The difference was intentional.
Richard leaned back.
“Adrian was always ambitious. I simply showed him how far ambition could go.”
“You manipulated him.”
“No.”
Richard smiled.
“I revealed him.”
Mara said nothing.
Because she understood.
People like Richard never saw themselves as villains.
They believed they were simply smarter than everyone else.
“You think you won,” Richard continued.
“But your company still depends on secrets.”
Mara stepped closer.
“No.”
She placed a file on the table.
“It used to.”
Richard opened it.
His expression changed.
Inside were documents proving his involvement.
Bank transfers.
Hidden agreements.
Recorded conversations.
Everything.
“You spent years collecting evidence?”
Mara smiled faintly.
“No.”
She looked at him.
“I spent years learning patience.”
For the first time, Richard looked nervous.
Because he finally understood.
Adrian had underestimated Mara.
Now he had done the same.
Security entered the room.
Richard looked at her.
“You’re just like him.”
Mara paused.
“No.”
She looked back.
“That’s the mistake everyone makes.”
May you like
She walked away.
“I learned from him.”
