🌑 Episode 18
The New Shadow
The news about Victor Hale's arrest spread across the city within hours.
Television channels were filled with breaking news.
"Business tycoon Victor Hale arrested in connection with illegal secret organization Project Phoenix."
Ariba stood in front of the TV screen silently.
For months she had chased the truth.
Now the man responsible for so many crimes was finally behind bars.
Ryan walked into the room slowly.
"You did it," he said.
Ariba shook her head.
"No… we did it."
Ryan smiled faintly.
But something in his expression looked different.
"What is it?" Ariba asked.
Ryan took a deep breath.
"There's something you should see."
He placed his laptop on the table and opened a video file.
"This was recorded two hours ago inside the prison."
The video started playing.
Victor Hale was sitting in a dark interrogation room.
Two officers questioned him.
"Tell us who else is involved in Project Phoenix," one officer demanded.
Victor slowly leaned back in his chair.
"You think I'm the leader?"
The officers looked confused.
Victor laughed softly.
"I was only running one branch."
The officers exchanged nervous looks.
"Then who is the real leader?" one of them asked.
Victor's smile widened.
"You'll never find him."
Suddenly the video stopped.
Ryan looked at Ariba.
"The police system was hacked right after this video."
Ariba frowned.
"Meaning?"
Ryan closed the laptop slowly.
"Victor escaped."
Ariba's eyes widened.
"That's impossible."
Ryan nodded.
"That's what everyone thought."
At that exact moment Ariba's phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
She answered carefully.
"Hello?"
A calm familiar voice spoke.
"Hello Ariba."
Her heart froze.
Victor Hale.
"You look surprised," Victor said calmly.
"How did you escape?" Ariba demanded.
Victor chuckled.
"Let's just say… powerful friends helped me."
Ariba's voice turned cold.
"What do you want?"
Victor paused for a moment.
Then he said something that shocked her.
"I want your help."
Silence filled the room.
Ryan looked at Ariba in confusion.
Victor continued speaking.
"Because the real leader of Phoenix…"
"…is coming for both of us."
The call suddenly ended.
Ariba slowly lowered the phone.
Ryan looked at her.
"What did he say?"
Ariba whispered one sentence.
"He says we're all in danger."
Outside the window, dark clouds covered the sky again.
Somewhere far away, in a secret underground room, a mysterious figure watched Ariba's photo on a screen.
The man slowly smiled.
"Phase Two begins."
And the real war…
Had just started.
To Be Continued…
MCQ
Why did Victor Hale call Ariba?
A) To threaten her
B) To ask for her help
C) To warn her about Phoenix
D) To get the flash drive back
👉 Comment A / B / C / D to earn coins! 🪙
Did Victor Hale really escape from prison? 😱
Or is this part of a bigger plan?
👇 Comment your guess below!